[paul.fr]

my sister has this bamboo plant, it is in a nice pretty vase full of pretty shiny pebbles. She has never given it any water, yet it continues to grow. How is that possible?

[Karen W.]

I don't know but mine always die! LOL! I think they gather moisture from the air or something, like an old air fern!

[WylieE]

Hey Paul,

 She must have an amazing bamboo plant.  Generally, most bamboo plants require generous amounts of water.  In fact, the type that are typically sold as house plants like to stand in about an inch of water (why they are usually sold in vases).   Maybe she has a very humid house? 

It is for sure growing? New shoots and all?

Or are you saying it is still growing because it is green?  Because some plants, especially bamboo, will still be green for a long time after they are dead.   

Most bamboo plants grow very rapidly, but the ones that are sold as house plants- "lucky bamboo" can tolerate less light and grow slower than other bamboos.  Perhaps if it isn't getting much light and is not growing very fast, it can get enough moisture from the air, but this would be very unusual, especially for a bamboo.  They are generally not very drought resistant.  Maybe she should propagate it, it might be valuable! 

[kdlynn]

mine needs water

[elegantlywasted]

Typically, they are grown in a few inches of clear water, perhaps supported by small pebbles, stones, or marbles. It is important that the water be kept clean and fresh and not allowed to stagnate. In areas where the local water is heavily treated with chlorine or flouride , the leaf tips or edges of the lucky bamboo may become yellow or brown. This condition can also be caused by too many salts in the water, such as in "softened" water. Thus, it may be advisable to allow tap water to stand in an open container for 24 hours, allowing the chlorine and flouride to dissipate, before using it with your plants. In the presence of salts, it's best to used filtered or distilled water.

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/pages/newsletter/NewsletterJuly2003.php

[WylieE]

Interesting!  So I guess Lucky bamboo isn't bamboo at all- how lucky!

[Karen W.]

ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THOSE VERY LITTLE ONES CLUMPED TOGETHER WITH RIBBONS SOMETIMES.. CAUSE THEY LIVE IN PEBBLES AND WATER BUT VERY LITTLE!

[paul.fr]

Thanks Colleen and Meg.
Her house is like the tropics, heating on all year round plus underfloor...you start sweating upon entering.

[Karen W.]

Sounds warm... She must have a green thumb you should take a picture sometime.. sounds like she likes plants..

[SquarishTriangle]

She doesn't live IN a tropical rainforest by any chance then?

[ryan]

for more tips on how to grow your lucky bamboo plant

visit:

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