Why Are My Bamboo Leaves Turning Light Green?

Bamboo is a prolific plant that is generally easy to care for, whether you grow it in aquaculture inside or plant it outside in the yard. Sometimes, the leaves will turn a pale green or even yellow, but you can still save your plant, as long as the stem stays a healthy green. Understanding what may cause the leaves to change colors is the first step to deciding how to respond.

Bamboo thrives in a wet environment. When the leaves begin to yellow, first check to be sure that there is plenty of clean water available. Change the water every two weeks or whenever it looks cloudy. Also, keep the depth of the water at appropriate levels for the size of your plant.

Another problem may be the chlorine or fluoride in the water if you are using city tap water. Switch to bottled spring water or set the tap water out for 12 hours or more to allow the chemicals to dissipate.

Root rot may be a possible cause for yellowing leaves, as well. Examine the roots of your plant. If they are gray or black, trim them away, leaving only the healthy roots.

Finally, be sure that the humidity in the air around your bamboo is high enough -- preferably at least 15 to 20 percent.

Yellowing leaves can mean both too little and too much fertilizer. If you have not been feeding your bamboo, it may mean that there are not enough nutrients available in the soil. Giving them too much fertilizer will also cause problems, however, so mix the plant food at quarter strength. Remember that bamboo plants grow slowly, which means that they require much less nutrition than other house or garden plants.

New growth on your bamboo plant may be paler than other leaves until it matures and older foliage may also be yellow or even brown as it is replaced through the natural growth of the plant. Bamboo does not respond well to extreme temperatures. If growing bamboo indoors, keep your plant in a room with a temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure that it is out of drafts, especially those from heating or air conditioning vents.

Too much sunlight can also burn the leaves, just as it may burn your skin. While bamboo enjoys a lot of bright light, don't place the plant where it gets direct sunlight.

Resist the temptation to use leaf shine products on your bamboo, as the buildup interferes with the respiration of the plant, often resulting in yellowed leaves.

Bamboo is susceptible to bacteria, particularly at cuts in the stem. If you suspect this is the problem, wash the plant thoroughly and trim away diseased leaves.

While indoor bamboo plants face fewer pest attacks, infestations of mealy bugs and spider mites are not unusual. Treat the plant with insecticides or bathe everything but the roots in warm, soapy water every other day for a month to six weeks or until there are no longer signs of the pests. After that, treat the plant with insect soap or bathe it again once or twice a month.