growing bamboo

[lirpamorningdew]

I've had some bamboo growing in a vase for a few months. I've been changing the water frequently but it is still growing some algae. The stalks seem healthy, but it is not doing any growing at all. I'm having trouble finding much reliable, detailed information. Some of it even contradicts itself.
Has anyone got tips for me on growing bamboo? Can I pot it? Is this algae thing normal or a problem?
April

[Eeyore]

I can't really answer your question, all I can say is that I've never had much luck keeping "Lucky Bamboo" alive....

[jojo54]

My bamboo is in a vase and I basically ignore it. Once in a while, I top it up with water but that's it. I have lost some leaves but it also has grown some new ones.

[orchidguy]

The plant that is grown in homes as Lucky Bamboo, is not even related to the real bamboo's, but is actually Dracaena sanderiana, quite a common houseplant that has been around for many, many years. If, you are not having any luck with them in water, I suggest you pot them in an all purpose potting mix, and give them some filtered sun, (an eastern exposure is great for them), keep evenly moist, and when they get too lanky, cut them by half and start cuttings for new plants (the old canes should produce offshoots, making for quite a bushy plant)
Hope this has helped

[lirpamorningdew]

Thanks Dan, you've given me a new route to dig for info... I think I will pot it up (after the Christmas tree comes down!).

[MatthewWilliam]

If your plant yellows or looses leaves, give it time to recover in a mostly shaded area. This can be a natural reaction to travel conditions and stress. Bamboo sometimes reacts to a change in climate or heat exposure in travel by dropping leaves. Re-growth of new leaves will occur after adapting to their new environment. Newly planted bamboos need frequent and liberal watering. Twice a week during mild weather, and perhaps even daily during hot or windy weather, give your bamboo a good watering.