How to Propagate Lucky Bamboo
Select a stalk for propagating., Trim the leaves from the shoot., Cut the shoot off of the stalk., Prepare a pot for rooting the new shoot., Place the cutting into the pot.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Select a stalk for propagating.
The stalk of the lucky bamboo plant is the thick, cylindrical base from which the smaller, leafy shoots grow.
Select a stalk with at least 1 long, healthy shoot to take your cutting. -
Step 2: Trim the leaves from the shoot.
Once you have selected a shoot to cut, remove all of the smaller leaves by plucking them off with your fingers.
Leave only the few long, mature leaves at the top of the shoot.
Removing the leaves keeps the plant's energy focused on growing new roots rather than supporting the leaves. , Use a very sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut cleanly through the shoot about a half an inch (1 cm) away from where it meets the stalk.
The cleaner and straighter the cut, the less likely it will be to succumb to a bacterial infection.
It is a good idea to sanitize your blade in rubbing alcohol before making the cut.
If you want to save the stalk from which you took your cutting, you will need to cut it as well.
Cut the stalk about a half an inch (1 cm) below the area where the cut shoot joined it.
Garden shears will make cutting through big, woody stalks easier.
Once the stalk is cut, you need to seal the wound with wax to prevent bacterial infection.
Melt some candle wax onto the wound until it is completely covered.
When placed back in water or soil, the stalk will grow new shoots in a month or so. , Lucky bamboo cuttings can be rooted in water or soil, but water works best for stimulating root growth.
Prepare a small pot by filling it with purified water (bottled water works well).
If you use tap water, it is best to let the water sit out exposed to the air for 24 hours before using it
- this keeps the chlorine from damaging the plant. , Place the freshly cut end of the shoot into the water, making sure it is submerged at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Place the pot into a shady spot, as direct sunlight will harm the plant.
In 1 or 2 months, the plant should have developed several roots from the cut end.
The shoot will eventually grow new shoots and can be propagated again using the same method. -
Step 3: Cut the shoot off of the stalk.
-
Step 4: Prepare a pot for rooting the new shoot.
-
Step 5: Place the cutting into the pot.
Detailed Guide
The stalk of the lucky bamboo plant is the thick, cylindrical base from which the smaller, leafy shoots grow.
Select a stalk with at least 1 long, healthy shoot to take your cutting.
Once you have selected a shoot to cut, remove all of the smaller leaves by plucking them off with your fingers.
Leave only the few long, mature leaves at the top of the shoot.
Removing the leaves keeps the plant's energy focused on growing new roots rather than supporting the leaves. , Use a very sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut cleanly through the shoot about a half an inch (1 cm) away from where it meets the stalk.
The cleaner and straighter the cut, the less likely it will be to succumb to a bacterial infection.
It is a good idea to sanitize your blade in rubbing alcohol before making the cut.
If you want to save the stalk from which you took your cutting, you will need to cut it as well.
Cut the stalk about a half an inch (1 cm) below the area where the cut shoot joined it.
Garden shears will make cutting through big, woody stalks easier.
Once the stalk is cut, you need to seal the wound with wax to prevent bacterial infection.
Melt some candle wax onto the wound until it is completely covered.
When placed back in water or soil, the stalk will grow new shoots in a month or so. , Lucky bamboo cuttings can be rooted in water or soil, but water works best for stimulating root growth.
Prepare a small pot by filling it with purified water (bottled water works well).
If you use tap water, it is best to let the water sit out exposed to the air for 24 hours before using it
- this keeps the chlorine from damaging the plant. , Place the freshly cut end of the shoot into the water, making sure it is submerged at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).
Place the pot into a shady spot, as direct sunlight will harm the plant.
In 1 or 2 months, the plant should have developed several roots from the cut end.
The shoot will eventually grow new shoots and can be propagated again using the same method.
About the Author
Jennifer Wells
Creates helpful guides on hobbies to inspire and educate readers.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: