How to Treat Stem Rot on a Bamboo Plant

Inspect all new bamboo plants thoroughly before purchasing them. Look for any lesions, wilted leaves and a yellowing or brown leaves or stems. Purchase your bamboo only from reputable dealers whom you trust. If you can, remove the plant from the pot to inspect the roots. The roots should be white in color and should feel firm between your fingers.

Trim damaged leaves off of new plants. Use a sharp pair of trimming scissors for the cleanest cut. Cut damaged leaves off just above the stem.

Treat new plants with an insecticide or miticide. This treatment should be purchased from the same dealer that sold you the bamboo plant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Watch plants for signs of stem or root rot. Infected plants will need to be removed from the area immediately to prevent the spread to other healthy bamboo plants. If the plant is potted, remove the soil from the pot and carefully shake out all the bamboo plants. Set aside healthy plants with healthy roots, and discard dead or dying plants. Discard all old potting soil. Clean out the pot with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Place new potting soil in pot and re-plant the healthy bamboo. For outdoor plants, dig out the diseased bamboo and fill the trench with fresh potting soil. Water the plant with a "root drench," made up of water and insecticide. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proportions of water and insecticide.