Why Is My Lucky Bamboo Turning Yellow?

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Have you ever noticed that your lucky bamboo is starting to turn yellow? This can be a cause for concern, as it may mean that your plant is not getting the care it needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible causes of yellowing leaves in lucky bamboo plants, and how to correct the problem.

What is a lucky bamboo plant?

Lucky bamboo is not actually bamboo, but a type of dracaena. It is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Lucky bamboo plants are believed to bring good luck and good fortune, which is why they are so loved as gifts.

What is a lucky bamboo plant?
Photo from @h_homes_showplace

The plant is distinguished by its appearance, where there is a single or zigzag pattern. It is characterized by its lettuce color with lintels of beige hue. Such plants grow in standing water, which should cover the roots, or it is planted in soil substrate. Best of all, such a plant will look in a glass vase, where the water and aqua-soil will be visible. You can even pick it up colorful instead of soil.

Direct sunlight

This is one of the most common causes of leaf yellowing in lucky bamboo plants. In addition to yellowing, leaf wilting and partial leaf scorch can also occur. It is these signs that indicate excessive sunlight, direct sunlight that is harming your lucky bamboo.  To fix the problem quickly, you need to move the plant to a shaded place, for example a corner of the table, next to the window. Be sure to cut off any yellow and wilted leaves so that the wilting does not spread further.

Poor water quality

Poor water quality
Photo from @suavespina

If your tap water is high in chlorine, fluoride or other minerals, it can cause plant tops to turn yellow and eventually die. To avoid this, use filtered or distilled water to water your bamboo.

You can also water bamboos with spring water, which must be drawn beforehand, or with water that has been decanted. You can even water bamboo with water from an aquarium, as it has many beneficial substances that fish produce.

Water that is too cold or too hot for irrigation

Water that is too cold or too hot for irrigation
Photo from @viladracena

Bamboo likes water, but not when it is too cold or too hot. The ideal temperature for watering is between 18 and 20ºC, so if the water you are using is much colder or hotter, it could be the cause of your bamboo turning yellow. Before watering your bamboo, draw the water an hour before the procedure and leave it in the room to get it to room temperature. Most of all, cold water is bad for bamboo and causes it to turn yellow.

Too much water

Excessive watering can cause your lucky bamboo to turn yellow. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow, then pay attention to watering. If there is too much water, the plant will not only start to turn yellow, but it will also wilt and later fall off and die. Top up once a week.

It’s been a long time since we changed the water

If you don’t change the water often enough, the bamboo will also suffer. The water will stagnate and fill with bacteria, which can cause the plant to turn yellow and eventually die. Fresh water saturates the plant with oxygen and nitrogen, which the bamboo needs to grow properly and actively.

It's been a long time since we changed the water
Photo from @florale.peru

It is important to change the fresh water once every two weeks to improve the condition of the lucky bamboo. Remember that old water starts to harbor harmful bacteria, fungi and mold. If you notice that the water has become murky, dark, black, or has an unpleasant odor before two weeks, you need to change the water immediately. Be sure to change the water, and need to wash the vessel in which it was standing. Also clean the stones, because they can be deposited mold and green slimy buildup.

Abundance of fertilizers

If you think more is better when it comes to fertilizer, you’re wrong. Too much fertilizer can harm your bamboo and cause the leaves to turn yellow. When this happens, you should rinse the roots with clean water several times until the water is clear. This will help remove fertilizer residue. Fertilize your lucky bamboo infrequently and in small doses.

Abundance of fertilizers
Photo from @jardines.clau

Ambient temperature

Bamboo grows best in warm conditions. If the temperature is too low, the plant will suffer and the leaves will turn yellow. The ideal temperature for bamboo is between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30 degrees Celsius). Bamboo does not tolerate drafts, so be sure to keep it away from windows and doors during cold weather.

Lack of moisture

If your plant’s leaves are dry and crunchy, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough moisture from the air. If the air in the room is dry, the lucky bamboo begins to suffer, which is immediately evident in the yellowing of the leaves.

Lack of moisture
Photo from @porondeflorloja

Spray the plant every three with clean water to give them the moisture they need to be healthy.

Sick Roots

If you notice that the leaves of your lucky bamboo have turned yellow and the stems are droopy, it is a sign that the roots have rotted. This is usually due to too much water or insufficient drainage. Plants should be in a well-drained pot with fresh soil. Repotting will help save the plant.

To check whether the roots are the problem or not, you need to take the plant out of the water and inspect its root system. Healthy roots will be red or orange in color, while diseased roots will be gray, black or brown. If there are few diseased roots, you can cut them off where they protrude from the stem. The cut section of the stem should be sealed with candle wax. This will help protect the cut from disease and rot. Afterwards, change the water and put the plant in it.

Insect infestation

Insect infestation
Photo from @adventuresinaldi

Pests such as mealybugs, scale bugs, or whiteflies can cause bamboo to turn yellow. These pests suck the sap from the plants, weakening them and causing stress. If you suspect that your lucky bamboo has insects, check the stems and leaves for small creatures or sticky dew. Treat the insects with insecticidal soap or neem.

Nick Wayne

Gardening and lawn care enthusiast

Nicolaslawn
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