Can you shorten Bamboo?

[jac8724]

Sorry if this question sounds dumb, I just got my first aquatic plants ever (i know its not really aquatic, but its going in there!) two bunches of curly bamboo for my betta tank. Well, i mis estimated, and bought ones that are too tall. Can i shorten it in any way? like, cut off the bottom? will it grow new roots? or die? thanks!

[petluvr]

I am no where near experienced in this area, but I have some bamboo in my flowerhorn tank. I regularly trim mine from the top. I don't think I would be trying to trim from the bottom as this will effect the root system.

[NeonFlux]

It's not submerged,right

[petluvr]

My bamboo is completely submerged and has been for months.

[NeonFlux]

Ooh no! Hate to burst your bubble, but..... It will most likely rot with time and then ya know.....foul your water n die. :(

[jac8724]

Well, I was going to submerge it. I realize it will probably only live for a couple of months, thats ok, its my first plant ever, i figured id see how it goes. i think it would be a really nice touch to a betta tank. but it doesnt fit in the tank with the lid. too tall. I feel more comfortable leaving the lid on since the tank is in the kitchen (you know spraying cleaning products, splashing food, whatnot)

So if i trim from the top, all the leafy part is up there. Do you just take off the top few leaves? Do you actually cut the bamboo part?

[Mgamer20o0]

they cut it some how. cut it from the bottom and see. though its best if some is left out of water.

[petluvr]

I hear this all the time but like I said mine has been in the tank for several months now and is doing fine. Heres a pic I just took of the stalks.

[jac8724]

Idea- lower my water level a bit so the leafs can stick out at the top?

Id really prefer to cut from the bottom as the top is the pretty part. I'd imagine new roots would grow? Im gonna try it. Its only 10 buck on the line.

[jac8724]

Oh i like petlvrs pots. maybe ill get mine some cute little pots as well. I was just gonna leave it in its plastic pot and bunch gravel up around it.

[The Zigman]

I just did a quick googling of this and found that what you have is Lucky Bamboo, Not true bamboo.. There is a mass of info on the web about it. It is derived from some sort of lilly plant.. google "lucky bamboo"

[SchizotypalVamp]

It will last for months, but not longer.

[petluvr]

It has already lasted for months and is doing well.

[Star_Rider]

IO tried it submerged just to see how long it would last.. longest nearly 1 yr.

it did finally start to die off..i moved it and exposed the leaves..and it is still alive.

[vampie]

Lucky bamboo is a VERY hardy plant, which can indeed survive completely submerged for a year or so. It's definitely not a true aquatic though.

[petluvr]

Absolutely it's not truely aquatic but it makes for a stunning piece in an aquarium.

[jac8724]

Yea i was reading online about how hardy this plant is. One site even said that if it wasnt so slow growing it would be an invasive species! anyways, I read that you can chop it just about anywhere and the smaller piece will grow just fine. Its all chopped up, in the tank, with a little lower than usual water level. Lets hope my fish lasts longer than the plant.