How to treat root rot in bamboo?
Since you put this question into the houseplants category, I
will answer this question for a potted bamboo.
Bamboo plants are a tough member of the grass family. If you
have root rot, it is most likely from lack of drainage in your
container.
Remove the bamboo from your container, shaking off excess
potting soil. Discard this soil.
Flush the soil off the roots with running tap water, and prune
out all rotted roots. Dip your shears in a solution of bleach water
(1 part bleach and 4 parts water) between cuts, or rub the blades
with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Rinse again in water
before re-planting in fresh potting soil. Make sure your container
has adequate drainage. Since bamboos can be shallow-rooted, if you
have a deep pot, it would be a good idea to cover the bottom of the
container with aquarium gravel and/or activated charcoal prior to
adding the potting soil. Add soil only to the depth of the
uppermost roots - do not bury the stems. Water your container of
bamboo, but DO NOT let it sit in the run-off from the drainage
holes.
This should help your bamboo get a new start on life.
If however, you are talking about root rot in what is called a
"lucky bamboo" that is growing in water, there is still a way to
try to help your plant. "Lucky bamboo" is actually stems of the
dracaena plant, and they will root in fresh water. If you have root
rot in your "lucky bamboo" - proceed with the steps listed above
for washing and trimming the roots. Clean out your planter with a
mild bleach solution, and rinse thoroughly. Keep your water fresh
in your "lucky bamboo" container and remove any leaves or dead
vegetative matter immediately to help prevent future rot.
"Lucky bamboo" can also be potted in soil, but again, make sure
your container has adequate drainage and do not over-water as a
potted plant.