How To Plant Pechay?

How to save my "lucky bamboo" plant!? :(?

• Hi, I am hoping someone with experience with the plant "lucky bamboo" can help me out! I got the plant as a gift from my husband, when he proposed to me. I followed the instructions given on the little tag that walmart has on it....but it was rather undetailed, and only said to water it if it goes below the rocks...I don't have a very "green thumb" and I don't want this plant to die.. here's what happened: -I went to add water, and noticed a fowel odor coming from the plant, I googled it, and found a page that said to remove the plant from the stones, and rinse all the "black ick" off the stems, and clean the rocks and vase very well. I did that, but I'm still worried, will my plant live? The leaves are a lil droopy, and the tips of like 5 leaves are yellow/brown...but about 9leaves aren't brown.. the stems were yellow in some spots, green on other spots. If there is anything I haven't done yet to save it, please let me know! And..if you think it will live, please give me complete care instructions! I need the "bamboo for dummies" version! Haha. For instance....how warm of location to have it...how much sun...how much water, do I need to replace the rocks and vase to make sure the smell is completely gone (I still very veguely smell it)... do I need to fertalize...and with what?... I have well water (its yucky to drink, so I have a PUR filter container, and I always use that purified water for the plant, but would buying bottled water be better? Please help! Thank you so much! :)

• Answer:

  Your yucky stuff isn't a good sign. Cleaning the plant and container.....and rocks was a good idea. From a care sheet: "Keep the rocks covered with water. Replace water once in awhile by taking your arrangement apart and rinsing the rocks, container, and the lucky bamboo roots; then reassemble it. This is a little extra work but necessary for the health of your lucky bamboo!" If rot has set in, you may not be able to save it. Do not put your plants in direct light, bright indirect is best. Excessive hot or cold temperatures are also to be avoided......window sills are cold! Have you fed the plants? infrequent feeding with a diluted plant fertilizer for houseplants is recommended. .......once every 6 weeks or so. Problem is if rot has set in, the fertilizer will accelerate the rot. I'd give it a shot. If you lose the plant, you still have your husband!!!!