Place spiral bamboo in bright, indirect sunlight. Although the plant tolerates shade, a plant located in sunlight grows more leaves on the sides and top of the plant. Avoid intense, bright light, which may damage the plant.

Locate the plant in normal room temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Change the water for the spiral bamboo at least every other week. Use rain water or filtered water, as the plant is sensitive to chlorine and fluoride.

Feed the plant lightly. If your spiral bamboo is in water, substitute a fish emulsion solution in place of plain water every third time you change the water. Use a solution consisting of 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of fish emulsion per gallon of water, or about one-tenth of the solution recommended on the fish emulsion container. If your spiral bamboo is planted in soil, water the plant with the solution every other week.

Soak the spiral bamboo stalk in a solution of two to three drops of liquid dish detergent mixed in a bowl of water if your plant is bothered by pests such as mealybugs, thrips or scale. Wash and rinse the container, and rinse the stalk thoroughly before replacing it in fresh water. If your plant is in soil, spray it lightly with the soap solution, and wipe the stalk with a damp cloth.