Lucky Bamboo Diseases

Lucky bamboo.lucky bamboo batch image by Aleksej Kostin from Fotolia.com

Lucky bamboo is a popular plant, largely because it can be grown in water, making it a popular office plant. Bamboo does not have many diseases, but take care to avoid those that can threaten the health of your plant.

Bamboo Basics

Choose plants that look healthy and green in appearance. Lucky bamboo diseases are usually evident either on the plant or in the planter. Keep plants in good condition by growing them according to the directions, watering as needed, fertilizing on the recommended schedule and checking your plant regularly for diseases. Do not purchase a plant in ill health.

Check the plant regularly for mites. Leaves may turn yellow, and you may notice webbing and a sticky brown substance on the leaves. Spider mites can be removed by spraying insecticidal soap on the lucky bamboo, however it will only kill living mites, and a repeat treatment may be needed to eradicate new hatches of existing eggs.

Examine lucky bamboo plants carefully at the time of purchase, including the roots. A slimy substance in the planter or on the roots may be fungus, and these plants should not be purchased. Fungus is very common in lucky bamboo and often the plants are contaminated with this disease at the grower. If you have a plant that is infected with fungus, you will need to determine the type of fungus and which type of fungicide will be most effective. Consult your local garden center for assistance.