The Bamboo Palm is a popular indoor plant, known for its low maintenance requirements and relatively non-fussy nature. However, sometimes, even after doing everything, your Bamboo Palm can just give up. Its leaves turn brown and get dried out, and you tend to feel pretty helpless, because you're doing everything you can!
Well, there are a few places where you could possibly be going wrong. Read on to know more!
• Common Issues With the Bamboo Palm Plant
1. Susceptibility to Pests
Bamboo plants, namely the Parlor Palms, are susceptible to pests indoors. These plants are an open ground for red spider mites and mealybugs, which can cause major damage to the plant and stunt its growth.
If your Bamboo Palm is turning yellow-brown, you might want to take a look at the underside of its delicate fronds. Bamboo mites sit at the bottom of these leaves and spin webs that can intricately weave around your entire plant and its leaves. This can cause severe damage in the long run if not dealt with promptly. The aeration around the plant can get hampered, suffocating the plant and causing the leaves to drop. In the end, the plant may even appear bleached.
A great way to get rid of spider mites is by spraying diluted rubbing alcohol evenly onto your plant. Spider mites cannot stand this liquid and often disappear within 2-3 weeks of usage.
Buy Ugaoo's MealyMagic Mealybug Buster
Mealybugs are another league when it comes to damaging your plants and making a mess. These powdery white pests cause extensive damage by sitting on the underside of plants and sucking their juices out. While doing so, they also leave a big, sticky mess. The best way to get rid of mealybugs would be to use a specialized solution that can target and eliminate these pests.
In general, neem oil spray is also a great way to prevent and fight pest infestations. It works promptly and allows for a safe, natural, and quick fix for harmful pests that suck the life out of your plants.
2. Root Rot: You'll Never See It Coming
Root rot is often known as the silent killer. Why? Because you'll never see it coming. Since you can't see the roots of your plants, the process of root rot will be a stealthy and slow process that will hinder the growth of your plant, reducing its chances of living on.
In Bamboo plants, root rot is a leading cause of plant failure despite proper care. You need to strike a very fine balance when it comes to watering your Parlor Palm as watering it too little will cause it to dry out and too much will cause root rot.
Also Read: Growing Parlor Palm Plant
More often than not, root rot cannot be spotted but here are a few signs to look out for to ensure that you catch it early on. Look out for yellowing leaves, a foul or musty odor coming from the soil, or other stunted growth. Bamboo Palm plants are not usually fast-growing plants but you will be able to spot these signs easily.
What can you do to avoid it? Don't overwater. Let the soil of the plant dry out in between watering sessions and choose a pot made from a material that is more breathable. Growing Bamboo palm also means giving it a pot with adequate drainage holes.
These are two of the most common killers for the Bamboo Palm plant. Apart from these, there can also be the issue of humidity levels and proper air circulation. So, you must ensure that your Bamboo plant has good air circulation in a non-suffocating environment and medium-high humidity.
