skip to main content

Lucky Bamboo with possible scale

19 years ago

I've had my lucky bamboo for about 2 months, I noticed a string, (like web) running from stem to the leaves, also some bumps on the stem, which I thought could be scale. I filled the sink with water and dishwashing detergent and gave it a good cleaning, the rocks and vase also. I plan to do this at least 3 times, every 3-5 days. Will washing it with soap and water kill scale? I prefer not use an insecticide only if there is no other option. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
19 years ago
Some dish detergents can harm plant tissues, so use something very mild and very diluted. Can these 'bumps' be removed by hand?
thiskidhasplants
19 years ago
Try horicultural oil. You may find it at a plant store, but I'm not sure. If not, you should find it on the web, that is if you want to go through all this to save such a basic and cheap plant. The oil is supposed to smother the insect. Many plant books reccomend it.
Related Professionals
Gulfport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Huntington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Newburyport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Portland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Santa Fe Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Vancouver Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · El Dorado Landscape Contractors · Zanesville Landscape Contractors · Brooklyn Landscape Contractors · El Paso Landscape Contractors · Saint Joseph Custom Closet Designers · Starkville Custom Closet Designers · Asheville Custom Closet Designers · Jacksonville Custom Closet Designers · Logan Custom Closet Designers
gahmh
Original Author
19 years ago
Yes, the bumps can be removed by hand. I'am going to take the plant to my local garden center to make sure this is scale. I would just throw the plant out, but it was given to me as a gift, so I want to try and save this if possible. Thank you both for your replies and I will be careful when I use the dish soap.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Mission Possible: A Designer Decorates a Blank Apartment in 4 Days

By Becky Harris

Four days and $10,000 take an apartment from bare to all-there. Get the designer's daily play-by-play

DECORATING GUIDES 5 Decorating Tips for Getting Scale Right

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Know how to work art, sectionals, coffee tables, lamps and headboards for a positively perfect interior

GLOBAL STYLE My Houzz: Sustainable Bamboo for a Prototype Home in Nicaragua

By Louise Lakier

Ecofriendly living has a new champion, as a Granada firm kicks off its bamboo offerings with this house's architecture and furnishings

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Small Garden? You Can Still Do Bamboo

By Matt Kilburn

Forget luck. Having bamboo that thrives on a wee plot just takes planning, picking the right variety, and keeping runners in check

GREEN DECORATING Bamboo Products — Earth Friend or Foe?

By Julia Pockett

The ecofriendliness of this grass for flooring, wall coverings and furniture isn't cut and dried. Get the facts here

FURNITURE Guest Picks: Faux Bamboo Furniture

By Caitlin Creer Interior Design

20 Ways to Use a Little or a Lot of This Popular Look Around the Home

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Bamboo Gardens Inspire a Serene California Home

By Becky Harris

Organic materials, garden views and clean lines create calm and harmonious interiors for a Pacific Palisades family

ENTRYWAYS Key Entryway Dimensions for Homes Large and Small

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Find out what makes a foyer important, how much space it needs and how to scale its elements

PETS See a Deluxe 'Catio' Built for Feline Fun

By Becky Harris

Sixteen lucky cats get the run of a protected outdoor patio with ramps, steps and even a koi pond

OUTBUILDINGS See a Guesthouse Built by Grandpa for Summertime Fun

By Becky Harris

Lucky grandchildren get a camp all to themselves, thanks to tents and a bathhouse with beds in their grandparents’ backyard

Sponsored