Dying Leaves on a Bamboo Plant
Question:
I have an indoor bamboo plant. I've had it for two years and it has grown very very little. The leaves are green but several bamboo sticks have had to be removed from the shallow bowl because of mildew (turning very black or yellow and those leaves were dying). I pulled the plant out of the bowl today and the roots are really packed and very orange. Should I have been fertilizing the plant? The plant sits in my kitchen with indirect sunlight. I bought it with many sticks in one bowl. The rocks have turned black!I hope I have given you enough information. Do you want me to send a pictures?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Marianne from Richmond, VA
Answer:
Marinanne,In their natural environment, bamboo grows under a canopy of tall, tropical trees. It really needs very little sunlight to grow, so start by examining the light it receives. If your kitchen is bathed in natural light, indirect light might still be too bright. The more indirect light it receives the better. Brown leaf tips are the first sign it's getting an overdose of light. Another factor could be the water you're giving it. Filtered water is best, because city water usually contains fluoride, salts and chlorine that can quickly build up and cause problems. The same is true for watering houseplants. Invest in a filtering pitcher and use it to water your indoor plants (and ideally yourself!). Remove the rocks and wash them thoroughly (in filtered water) before putting them back. Start over with filtered water and give your plant some time to form healthy new leaves. Whether you keep your bamboo in water or soil, it isn't going to get the nutrients you need unless you supplement its growing environment with fertilizer. A houseplant fertilizer will work fine, just follow directions carefully and don't overdo it.
Ellen
About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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