Anyone with a green thumb?

[justamom]

Gosh, there are several different types of bamboo plants. If it has grown that much you are doing SOMETHING right. You can grab a little bag of Miracle grow at a large grocery store like Albertsons. Wal Mart sells it too. There is a new type that holds moisture longer so if you plan to be away, it won't dry up as fast.
Is there new growth anywhere on this plant? Sometimes leaves will fall due to age or handling. You could take a very sharp knife (a razor is prefered, but I use knives) and cut it at a joint-stick it in water and let a new one root.

Water-it spans the spectrum like an air fern-no soil, no water, just humidity in the air...to a water lily. Same thing goes for sun-
Cacti to Closet Plant. Are you anywhere near a nursery? Most will tell you what is happening.
I have a schefelera I bought for $9.00 at a Houston flea market in '76. It has been through hell and back. I know you don't want to lose this plant. You could just drop in and ask. It could need a "shower". Spider mites can attack that type of leaf. You can control them by putting your plants in a shower or taking them outside and rinsing the UNDERSIDE of the leaf as well as the top.

If you knew the exact type (name) I could do a better search on Google. It has a TON of info on plants. You just need to que in the term "culture" as it refers to what it needs to grow.

edited-the bigger the plant, the more careful you have to be with the roots. It's their supplier for their food source and if the littlest ones get damaged, it can't get what it needs. You have a dilema...

Our national symbol is ivy and i seem to kill any ivy that comes my way.... or any plant for that fact... they dont like me

[justamom]

Originally posted by cutiepatootie
Our national symbol is ivy and i seem to kill any ivy that comes my way.... or any plant for that fact... they dont like me

Killing an ivy is ...well, pretty hard. I think you are loving it to death. That's what happens to most plants. I learned this a long time ago. I had to leave my house for two weeks. When I returned, everything was so beautiful where it was weak and struggling before! Nature (and a normal weather cycle) took perfect care of the plants. Since then, I learned to "read" them to know what they need. Over watering is the biggest culprit for plant death. Then follows sheer neglect where the plant dries up and dies. Then follows too much sun or too little (houseplants). Third on the list is drafts. Rudey's plant is beyond that entry level house plant. So, his problems can't be solved as easily.

There are some great plants to start with that will give you confidence, look GREAT and teach you along the way.

[OtterXO]

So does anyone know how not to kill an orchid? I received one as a gift from a friend and it's lasted a few weeks so far but I've heard they're very easy to kill. I'm terrified that I might look at it wrong and it'll die. Besides orchid food (which I actually bought! shocking, since I don't even buy food for myself to keep in the house!) is there anything I need to know?

-Michelle

[ThetaGrrl]

Orchids really aren't *that* easy to kill. Just be sure not to overwater/underwater (I can't really give you specifics, because it depends on how dry the climate that you live in is).

However, once the blooms stop, they usually won't come back for at least a few months, and sometimes years depending on the variety. Any local flower shop should be able to help you, if you bring it in so they will know the variety.

[Rudey]

I will look into this. I wonder - if I put it into soil as opposed to these pebbles, will that be better since I won't have to keep removing it to wash the pebbles every week?

The plant is looking like it wants to bud a couple new leaves. (Is bud even the word for that?) After the heater incident the leaves just were flimsy and brown/yellow and looked like they wouldn't stay on so i took it off. You described the thing with a razor - should I always cut yellow parts out and if the whole leaf is yellow, just cut it off?

-Rudey
--Plants should come with instructions!

Originally posted by justamom
Gosh, there are several different types of bamboo plants. If it has grown that much you are doing SOMETHING right. You can grab a little bag of Miracle grow at a large grocery store like Albertsons. Wal Mart sells it too. There is a new type that holds moisture longer so if you plan to be away, it won't dry up as fast.
Is there new growth anywhere on this plant? Sometimes leaves will fall due to age or handling. You could take a very sharp knife (a razor is prefered, but I use knives) and cut it at a joint-stick it in water and let a new one root.

Water-it spans the spectrum like an air fern-no soil, no water, just humidity in the air...to a water lily. Same thing goes for sun-
Cacti to Closet Plant. Are you anywhere near a nursery? Most will tell you what is happening.
I have a schefelera I bought for $9.00 at a Houston flea market in '76. It has been through hell and back. I know you don't want to lose this plant. You could just drop in and ask. It could need a "shower". Spider mites can attack that type of leaf. You can control them by putting your plants in a shower or taking them outside and rinsing the UNDERSIDE of the leaf as well as the top.

If you knew the exact type (name) I could do a better search on Google. It has a TON of info on plants. You just need to que in the term "culture" as it refers to what it needs to grow.

edited-the bigger the plant, the more careful you have to be with the roots. It's their supplier for their food source and if the littlest ones get damaged, it can't get what it needs. You have a dilema...

[OtterXO]

Originally posted by Rudey
--Plants should come with instructions!

I second that!

[ThetaGrrl]

Originally posted by Rudey

--Plants should come with instructions!

They do if you ask for them! Just go to an actual flower shop or greenery (not Walmart or anything like that) and they will usually copy some instructions for you!

[OtterXO]

Originally posted by ThetaGrrl
They do if you ask for them! Just go to an actual flower shop or greenery (not Walmart or anything like that) and they will usually copy some instructions for you!

Haha, who knew! I definitely need to remember that-thanks for the help by the way.

Michelle

[justamom]

Here is PART of the article! http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_containe...493258,00.html


Bamboo does not have permanent leaves; it sheds at the onset of new growth. If the leaves start to look ragged, cut the foliage down to soil level, and in a few weeks you'll have an abundance of fresh growth.

To protect the roots from becoming waterlogged, fill a plastic saucer with loose gravel and set underneath the pot holding the bamboo. Place both the saucer and pot inside a waterproof, decorative container.

Lucky Bamboo Arrangement
An easy way to add the look of bamboo indoors is with cuttings from Dracaena sanderana, a bamboo look-alike that goes by the name "lucky bamboo." (figure A).


Use a glass container to show off the texture and color of the rocks. Fill the bottom of the container with some river rocks.

Tie a group of Dracaena stems together with an attractive ribbon and place in the center of the container (figure B).

Stabilize with more rocks and add water.
Keep the arrangement out of direct light and change the water every other week.

This site went all "funky" on me-It's at HGTV.

Usually, if it's dying, I'll remove it. Look it over real good first, especially the underside.

[justamom]

http://www.orchid.org.uk/contents.htm

Clicking problems and culture will be your best bet.

I love orchids they are so elegant! So MANY varieties-all different appearances and colors!

(If you want something REALLY tough-try African Violets! Touchy, touchy, touchy!)

[ThetaGrrl]

I have a funny "Lucky Bamboo" story...

My parent's flowershop is on a fairly busy street and has *huge* windows (7 which are each about 8X8 feet). We always have big signs in the windows to advertise for specials. When bamboo was really trendy (a year ago maybe?) my dad placed a order for it and put a giant sign in the window reading: "LUCKY BAMBOO."

That night, someone shot out the window that had the sign in it. (no, we don't live in the ghetto or anything, people are just stupid.)

Now we don't consider it so "lucky" anymore.

[Rudey]

I'm confused. Should I keep it in the pebbles it came with? I was thinking of putting it in soil and in a bigger pot.

This is lucky bamboo. This bamboo has seen all sorts of cuties ask me out, it's been there when I got a job offer, and it was there when I felt homesick. I refuse to let it go and want it to become huge.

-Rudey

Originally posted by justamom
Here is PART of the article! http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_containe...493258,00.html


Bamboo does not have permanent leaves; it sheds at the onset of new growth. If the leaves start to look ragged, cut the foliage down to soil level, and in a few weeks you'll have an abundance of fresh growth.

To protect the roots from becoming waterlogged, fill a plastic saucer with loose gravel and set underneath the pot holding the bamboo. Place both the saucer and pot inside a waterproof, decorative container.

Lucky Bamboo Arrangement
An easy way to add the look of bamboo indoors is with cuttings from Dracaena sanderana, a bamboo look-alike that goes by the name "lucky bamboo." (figure A).


Use a glass container to show off the texture and color of the rocks. Fill the bottom of the container with some river rocks.

Tie a group of Dracaena stems together with an attractive ribbon and place in the center of the container (figure B).

Stabilize with more rocks and add water.
Keep the arrangement out of direct light and change the water every other week.

This site went all "funky" on me-It's at HGTV.

Usually, if it's dying, I'll remove it. Look it over real good first, especially the underside.

[justamom]

ThetaGrrl- That's pretty funny! Not to worry, we KNOW punks are EVERYWHERE! Just don't put a horse shoe over the door or wear any lucky charms!

Orchid information can also be found through the following link.

Rudey- This is the best thing I found. Bottom line keep it in water.
Now, on to the details. I think this covers most of your questions-especially about the leaves. If you need more, I'll try to find more.
This is about the best I've come across.

http://www.tcsiam.com/tcsiam/lucky_bamboo_care_of.htm

A portion of the article-
Care of Lucky Bamboo :

During transportation, Lucky Bamboo may be some stressed. (notice from the leaves are not fresh) Therefore, When you received the Lucky Bamboo, remove the plastic bag and cotton absorbent that wrap around the bottom of the stalk. Then put Lucky Bamboo in clean water right away. After a few hours the leaves will recover. The water in the cotton absorbent only enough to cover the transportation period (less than 36 hours) only.
Lucky Bamboo is hydroponics plants, all it needs is to have enough water. Therefore add water when the water runs low.
Do not keep the water level to high, it will give Lucky Bamboo chances to putting the roots too high on the stem. The root will always pop out of the stem below the water level. While the Lucky Bamboo does not necessarily have to be in a transparent container, a transparent container better displays it hydroponics quality and promotes good water hygiene
Use clean water
Lucky Bamboo can have fluoride problems. so try to stay away from tap water. Fluoride in the water can lead to top burn.
If you cannot avoid using tap water, at least let it sit out over night so that chlorine will evaporate this will minimized the effect of chlorine.
If possible change water oftenly (every 3-7 days) or sooner if it get murky
Lucky Bamboo with more leaves will required more water than the one without leaf. Make sure you put in enough (but not too much) clean water to keep all the leaves green. If some of the leaves turn yellow, it is sign of not enough water. don't worry just put more water then use clean sharp scissors to trim off those yellow leaves. And sometime the lucky bamboo just adapts to a new environment. Do not worry the new leaves will grow.

Humidity above 25-30% in best but will tolerate long periods down to 10-15%.. anyway, make sure roots get enough water.

Lucky Bamboo will survive low interior light but would prefer bright filtered light. Once it become acclimated for use indoor should not place in direct sun or it will sunburn.

Even though Lucky Bamboo is indoor plant, which make it have few pest problems. Mealy bugs are usually most common insect indoor. Most problems occur on the growing end therefore make sure that the top of it is cleaned. so that it will not has fungus or rot.
More at site.

[Rudey]

Thanks JAM

Here is an interesting plant article just in case it tickles your fancy: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/04/ga...ATU.html?8hpib

-Rudey

Originally posted by justamom
ThetaGrrl- That's pretty funny! Not to worry, we KNOW punks are EVERYWHERE! Just don't put a horse shoe over the door or wear any lucky charms!

Orchid information can also be found through the following link.

Rudey- This is the best thing I found. Bottom line keep it in water.
Now, on to the details. I think this covers most of your questions-especially about the leaves. If you need more, I'll try to find more.
This is about the best I've come across.

http://www.tcsiam.com/tcsiam/lucky_bamboo_care_of.htm

A portion of the article-
Care of Lucky Bamboo :

During transportation, Lucky Bamboo may be some stressed. (notice from the leaves are not fresh) Therefore, When you received the Lucky Bamboo, remove the plastic bag and cotton absorbent that wrap around the bottom of the stalk. Then put Lucky Bamboo in clean water right away. After a few hours the leaves will recover. The water in the cotton absorbent only enough to cover the transportation period (less than 36 hours) only.
Lucky Bamboo is hydroponics plants, all it needs is to have enough water. Therefore add water when the water runs low.
Do not keep the water level to high, it will give Lucky Bamboo chances to putting the roots too high on the stem. The root will always pop out of the stem below the water level. While the Lucky Bamboo does not necessarily have to be in a transparent container, a transparent container better displays it hydroponics quality and promotes good water hygiene
Use clean water
Lucky Bamboo can have fluoride problems. so try to stay away from tap water. Fluoride in the water can lead to top burn.
If you cannot avoid using tap water, at least let it sit out over night so that chlorine will evaporate this will minimized the effect of chlorine.
If possible change water oftenly (every 3-7 days) or sooner if it get murky
Lucky Bamboo with more leaves will required more water than the one without leaf. Make sure you put in enough (but not too much) clean water to keep all the leaves green. If some of the leaves turn yellow, it is sign of not enough water. don't worry just put more water then use clean sharp scissors to trim off those yellow leaves. And sometime the lucky bamboo just adapts to a new environment. Do not worry the new leaves will grow.

Humidity above 25-30% in best but will tolerate long periods down to 10-15%.. anyway, make sure roots get enough water.

Lucky Bamboo will survive low interior light but would prefer bright filtered light. Once it become acclimated for use indoor should not place in direct sun or it will sunburn.

Even though Lucky Bamboo is indoor plant, which make it have few pest problems. Mealy bugs are usually most common insect indoor. Most problems occur on the growing end therefore make sure that the top of it is cleaned. so that it will not has fungus or rot.
More at site.