The Bamboo plant is adored for its green appearance and low maintenance, making it a popular houseplant. Since it can be easily grown in soil or water with low maintenance, seeing the stalks turn yellow is concerning. The yellowing of bamboo plants not only affects the plant's appearance but also harms its health. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the causes of yellowing in bamboo plant stalks.
In this blog, you will understand 8 major reasons why a healthy bamboo plant turns yellow. This will help you treat the issue as early as possible.
8 Reasons Why Bamboo Plant Stalk Turns Yellow
Watering Schedule
Improper watering is one of the main causes of bamboo stalk yellowing. When grown in soil, make sure the bamboo is watered once the top 50% of the soil is dry. Excess watering can suffocate the roots and stop the oxygen flow, causing root rot, which is a major cause for yellowing. If your bamboo grows in water, make sure the water is clean and healthy, as dirty water can promote fungal and bacterial growth that can stress the plant and discolor the stalks.
Water Quality
Using tap water to water plants also causes leaves to yellow and brown. Tap water contains fluoride and added minerals that affect sensitive plants like bamboo. These are some chemicals that harm plant roots and their function and health. Hence, to avoid this, you can use distilled or rainwater whenever possible. If you still have no other water source, let it sit overnight so some of the chemicals can evaporate. Since not all brands filter the tap water, make sure to check the filter’s specifications to ensure the bamboo receives fluoride-free, clean water.
Drafts
Lucky bamboo prefers warm conditions, ideally between 60°F and 90°F. Hence, it leads to yellow stalks and leaves when exposed to cold drafts from windows or doors and especially during winter. However, exposure to excess hot, dry air from heating vents can even dehydrate the plant and cause discoloration. To avoid stress from sudden temperature changes, place the bamboo in a spot protected from both excess cold and hot air drafts.
Excess Fertilizer
Excessive fertilizer use can cause a buildup around the bamboo’s roots, harming them and preventing proper nutrient absorption. To avoid this issue, you should fertilize soil-grown bamboo only every 2 months with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer to 1/10 strength. If your bamboo plant thrives in water, adding a few drops of diluted fertilizer every 3 months may be sufficient. Make sure to avoid overfertilizing, as it causes more harm than good.
Pest Infestation
Yellowing stalks in lucky bamboo can also be due to pest problems. Some tiny insects, like spider mites or aphids, weaken the plant's structure and cut off its vital nutrients, hindering long-term thriving. Since these pests are very small in size, it gets difficult to spot them. Hence, it is suggested to use a magnifying glass to identify them as early as possible and remove them completely. Make sure to regularly inspect and gently clean to prevent the infestation and encourage healthy growth.
Excess Sunlight
Although plants enjoy bright light, exposure to excessive sunlight can also cause leaves to yellow. They prefer filtered and indirect sunlight, exactly the way they receive beneath a tropical forest canopy. Excess sunlight can be harsh and scorch leaves, leading to yellowing. To avoid this issue, place your bamboo plant in a bright spot with soft, indirect light. This will ensure the plant remains vibrant, healthy, and evergreen.
Aging
Since yellowing is a part of bamboo’s life cycle, not every time it occurs due to stress. Like every other plant, once fully mature, the older leaves or the lower stalk section turn yellow and die to make room for new growth. You can gently trim the old yellow leaves to maintain a clean appearance and ensure energy is directed to new, healthy growth.
Fix the Yellow Leaves on the Bamboo Plant!
The bamboo plant is a popular houseplant that can thrive for years with proper care. Nonetheless, for various reasons, the leaves turn yellow early. Therefore, to fix the yellow leaves on bamboo plants, make sure to follow all the preventive measures carefully and regularly.
For example, keeping the plant in bright indirect sunlight, watering it with distilled or purified water, and avoiding overwatering. A Bamboo plant may look like a delicate one, but with proper care, it can turn out as one of the most resilient plants that brings peace and good air into the house.
