bamboo

Do you know why the tips of my bamboo plant turn yellow. I have had it about 2 years its about 3 ft tall.
Thanks
Marie

Hi Marie, do you know what cultivar you're growing? Did the yellowing just start? Have you changed your watering or feeding? Some cultivars actually have very golden foliage. Yellowing can also be the result of moisture problems or insufficient sun. Also, since bamboos are grasses, it is possible that it needs a bit of nitrogen to green up.

Keep yer knees in the dirt!
Granny

Hi Marie,

I agree with Granny. Generally when Bamboo is yellowing it is a sign of stress which often is a result of too much or too little water. Bamboo is a grass and needs a fair amount of water. In the summer it probably should be watered twice per week and during the cooler months maybe once. However, it is important to monitor the weather. If you are located in the San Diego area and we get this predicted next three day hot spell with hot drying winds lots of things will need more water than normal.

You can fertilize bamboo with the same fertilizers as grass. If you feel it is being watered properly it may be in need of some high nitrogen fertilizer. Bamboo does require more fertilizer than most plants. Liliana

When the blades (leaves) of the plant yellow a bit but maintain green veins -- this is insufficient nitrogen due to overwatering. When the tips are yellowing it is more often a sign of salt burn or alkalinity in the water. Salt build up in a pot is common -- it is why repotting every-other year or so is recommended for many plants. In southern california, the municipal water is neutral to alkaline. One way to compensate is to apply a granular fertilizer several times per year where the water supply for the plant will hit it. Choose something with lower N-P-K rating. My favorite is Gro-Power Plus, rated 5-3-1. There are other great products out there too, with ratings like 7-4-6.

Are the very tips of the leaves brown with the rest of the leaf turning yellow? Or is the whole leaf yellow (even the tip)?