Indoor Bamboo Plant

I was given a bamboo plant over three years ago. It seems to be doing well. Other than making sure it has plenty of water, is there anything else I should be doing to it?
When I first got it, it grew quite a bit but it hasn't grown anymore since then. Not that I want it to get any bigger; just an observation. I like it the size it is right now. However, I noticed about a year ago that one of the stalks is black at the bottom but the stems coming out of that stalk are still nice and green and healthy, should I be concerned?
I have noticed that I can see roots peeking up around the stones that came in the container that the plant came in. Does this mean the plant needs to be put into a large pot?

Hi Betty,
well done – considering that you've had your bamboo plant for a couple of years and it is growing in only water, you must be doing something right!
Now, if you want it to stay healthy and happy in water the answer is simple:

Fresh water, (not icy!) every couple of months, for the oxygen in the water,

A little plant food, from time to time

And a pair of good kitchen scissors to trim off any decaying leaves or stalks, or any stems that are getting too big for your liking.

If you're seeing roots, the stems are doing what comes naturally and, you can cut off a short length of stem and root in water if you want to start a second plant, or give one to a friend.

Finally as far as the stem color is concerned it could be one of two reasons – you might have a phyllostachys nigra which grows black stems as it matures,
Or perhaps that individual stem is rotting, in which case pull it out and discard.
My guess is, if it's growing healthy leaves it's OK, but keep an eye on it!
I think you have a happy bamboo there.
Happy horticulture,
Diana

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