Lucky Bamboo and Algae Problems

With the proper care, you can prevent lucky bamboo and algae problems.

Lucky bamboo and algae problems occur for a number of reasons. The following list describes the main culprits.

Algae spores are everywhere; there isn't anything you can do about it. However, you can prevent them from growing in your lucky bamboo vase.

Since lucky bamboo is generally grown hydroponically at nurseries and green houses, most people keep their bamboo in a vase of water and pebbles when they bring it home. Believe it or not, the type of vase your lucky bamboo lives in makes a huge difference as to whether or not it develops an algae problem.

Clear vases expose the water in the vase to too much light. The light reacts with the algae spores, causing them to bloom or grow.

If you are replenishing your bamboo vase with regular tap water, this cannot only kill the plant over a period, but also be a cause of algae growth. Regular tap water contains chloride, which is what will lead to the poisoning and eventual death of your bamboo. Water from the tap also contains phosphates. Phosphates are used in aquariums and swimming pools to help balance out high pH levels and occur naturally in water. Algae feed on these phosphates (considered nutrients in small doses) and before you know it, the algae have completely invaded your vase.

Algae also thrive in nutrient rich water. Aside from the phosphates mentioned above, nitrates are also a favorite food source of algae. Many plant foods contain both nitrates and phosphates. So, overfeeding your lucky bamboo could be the cause of your algae problem.

The best way to prevent algae problems in your lucky bamboo vase is prevention. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to help stave of the growth of unsightly algae:

• Don't overfeed – Bamboo needs very little nutrients to grow and thrive. If you must give yours plant food, give it only one small drop of liquid plant food once a month. This will keep the nutrient level in the water high enough to keep the plant healthy, but low enough to where it isn't going to encourage algae growth.
• Avoid clear vases – While clear vases may be tempting to show off the pebbles or stones you have chosen to add stability to your lucky bamboo, they should be avoided. Ceramic or porcelain vases are best as they don't allow light through to the water and therefore discourage algae growth. If you must go with glass, choose a darker colored glass.
• Use the proper water – You don't have to go out and buy expensive bottled water in order to water your bamboo plant. If you have a filter on your tap, simply use filtered water. If you don't have a filter on your tap, all you have to do is fill a glass or pitcher with water and let it sit out on your kitchen counter for at least a day. Doing so allows the chloride and phosphates to evaporate from the water, making it safe to use for your bamboo plant.

If you already have an algae problem, here are a few solutions:

• Change the vase – If you don't have another vase handy, simply take the bamboo out of its vase and wash it with a warm water and a tiny bit of mild soap. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
• Change the water frequently – Remember to use distilled or filtered water.
• Move the plant – If the bamboo is in a spot exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, which encourages algae growth, move the plant to an area that receives indirect sunlight.

Lucky bamboo plants are very low maintenance plants. With the proper prevention and care, algae will never be a problem and you can enjoy your lucky bamboo plant for many years to come.

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