What is this plant? Bamboo like stem

13 years ago

Hello. It's got a long stem that looks like thin bamboo with leaves growing out of it. There were more stems and leaves and I arranged them to twirl around. It grows curved in a way, it dangles. I repotted it and some died. I would like to identify it to know how to properly care for it, thank you.

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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

13 years ago

As of a few months ago, (and 11 years of intervening strangeness, repots, moves, companion plantings, then separated to be alone, the plant looks this. You can see the more upright angle of the leaves with more light.

You can snap/break/cut the weak stems of your plant and propagate them, either in the pot with the mama, or separately. The cut stems on the mama should grow new tops. That is why my plant is shorter although it's over a decade older now. I share the tops often, and use them as annuals in pots sometimes.

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Comments (10)

vall3fam
13 years ago
Looks like a type of Dieffenbachia

Elaine
Embothrium
13 years ago
Or maybe an Aglaonema.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
it doesnt look very healthy...

and the bamboo look you refer to.. means its segmented... and can very easily be rooted ...

if the ID fails.. which i doubt... a better pic of the leaves might help

google : Dieffenbachia propagation.. or the other name ...

ken
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
13 years ago
Hi Jen, welcome to Gardenweb! I think you've got Aglaonema modestum there. My first reaction is that it needs more light. This plant will lean and dangle if the light is insufficient, the leaves point down. With more light, it will stand up, sturdy, the leaves would be horizontal, or slightly upturned.

Looking at the soil, I would recommend repotting your plant when convenient. The soil it is in looks like it is almost entirely tiny particles of peat, which would fit so closely together that there are no tiny air pockets in the pot. That can create an airless, soggy condition in the bottom of the pot. Roots sitting for extended periods in such soggy-ness can rot. If you replace that with something much more chunky and airy, your plant should respond well. Your goal should be that when you water, the water should flow out of the drain hole immediately, as fast as you can pour it.

Come on over to the house plant forum if you have more questions.
JenNatural
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you all so much! I founds similarities in both Dieffenbachia and Aglaonema modestum. I really do need to get myself more informed on keeping plants. Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I will try keeping it closer to my window and fix the medium.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
13 years ago
Yes, they are very similar in appearance. I've had the same Ag for decades, so pretty sure. This pic is from '02, when this plant was in the midst of its' years-long, low-light phase... But as always with these two, even if there's uncertainty about the ID, the care and plants' preferences are identical.
McKenzie Melton
6 years ago
I have this same plant. I moved it outside and it’s doing awesome

But like you I’m not finding anything that looks exactly like it
Pamela Marez
3 years ago
I'm pretty sure we have the same plant! I'm working on saving mine... again. NOT too much water, NOT recommended near cold drafts or vents. Mine normally LIKES WARM temps and SUNLIGHT! (when I'm not accidently drowning her 😬).
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
Pamela, very nice. I wouldn't rule out Dieffenbachia from that pic. Are you able to add a pic of your whole plant? My last pic was 9 yrs ago. These are from a couple months ago.