How to Trim Lucky Bamboo Stalks and Roots

Lucky bamboo is not a bamboo at all but a member of the Dracaena genus. The plant is similar in appearance to bamboo because of its thick canes. The plant is also known as ribbon plant because of its straplike leaves. It is an easy to care for plant that is sold as a houseplant and often grown just in water. All members of the genus Dracaena can be propagated from stem cuttings, so save them when trimming the plant. Lucky bamboo only requires trimming to remove old, dead leaves and when the plant becomes too tall for its location.

Pruners
Sharp knife
Grafting wax
Bottled or rain water

Instructions

- 1
  Use very sharp pruners or knife to cut the canes. This will help prevent injury and tearing on the stems.
- 2
  Remove any dead leaves at any time by cutting the petioles or leaf stems off at the cane. Take care not to cut into the cane.
- 3
  Trim the roots of the plant when repotting if they get too large for their container. Wash the roots every two to three months and cut off any dead ones.
- 4
  Trim off the top of the canes to reduce the height of the plant. Use firm pressure with pruners or use a sharp knife to remove the top of the cane at the level you want it. Seal the cut area with grafting wax to prevent the introduction of disease.
- 5
  Plant the cane cuttings in bottled or rain water to root. Prop the cane up with rocks to keep it vertical as it grows roots. Change the water every three to four days to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

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