Tutorial on Cutting and Caring for a Lucky Bamboo
As a common indoor ornamental leaf plant, lucky bamboo often encounters situations that require cutting during its growth process. Whether it's dealing with disease attacks or pruning for shaping purposes, proper post-cut care is directly related to the survival rate of the plant. This article systematically analyzes the key care steps after cutting the stem to help you easily master the secrets of reviving lucky bamboo.
One: Scientific Treatment of Cut Wounds
1.1 Disinfection and Protection of Wound Surfaces
After cutting, immediately inspect the cross-section of the cut and use a disinfected tool to remove any remaining decayed tissue. It is recommended to use a 500-fold diluted carbendazim solution for wound disinfection, forming a protective film to prevent bacterial infection. During treatment, keep the tool at a 45-degree angle to the cut surface, which is beneficial for the later germination of new buds.
1.2 Application of Rooting Hormones
After the disinfectant has dried naturally, evenly apply a rooting powder containing indole butyric acid. It is recommended to use a dot application method, focusing on the areas with bud points, with the dosage controlled at 0.5g/m². Excessive use can easily cause phytotoxicity.
Two: Systematic Pruning and Care
2.1 Pruning Standards for Branches and Leaves
Retain 3-5 healthy branches on the main stem, removing weak and crossing branches. Leave a 0.5cm leafstalk base during pruning, and make the cut more than 1cm away from the bud point. It is recommended to prune in the morning when the plant's transpiration is relatively weak.
Three: Precise Control of Light and Water
3.1 Creating a Diffused Light Environment
The plant should be placed on an east-facing windowsill after surgery, receiving 3-4 hours of soft light daily. Use a shading net to adjust the light intensity, maintaining a light intensity between 8000-12000 lux, and avoiding direct sunlight that can burn new tissue.
3.2 Water Supply Scheme
Use the "sandwich" spraying method: when the top layer of potting soil is slightly dry, first spray foliar fertilizer (0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate), and then spray atomized water after 2 hours. Maintain air humidity at 60%-70% and soil moisture content at around 30%.
Four: Management to Promote New Bud Growth
When the cut has formed a complete callus, apply a bud-promoting liquid fertilizer containing seaweed extracts weekly. Combined with a day-night temperature difference of 8°C, new buds are usually visible within 15-20 days. When the new branches reach 5cm, they can gradually be transferred to routine care.
By combining scientific stem cutting with systematic care, lucky bamboo can not only recover its vitality but also develop a more beautiful shape. The key is to master the three core aspects of disinfection and protection, light control, and water supply. It is recommended to use EM bacterial solution monthly to enhance the plant's resistance and quickly enter a new growth stage.