Plant Food for a Green Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a novelty plant sold in gardening centers.

Lucky bamboo is an easy-to-grow houseplant often used in feng shui. Although the variety isn't a true bamboo, the way it is forced to grow causes it to resemble a real bamboo plant.

Type

The ideal fertilizer for a green lucky bamboo is an all-purpose houseplant food, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil, not to the foliage. Always water after application.

Timing

Dilute the fertilizer to half the rate suggested on the label and feed the green lucky bamboo plant once a month in the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in September to allow the plant to go dormant, then resume feeding in the spring as soon as you see new growth.

Tip

You may notice a buildup of fertilizer salts on the surface of the soil. If this occurs, leach the soil by running water gently over it until the soil is saturated. Allow the pot to drain and then repeat the procedure three times. Use non-fluoridated water for this project as well as to irrigate the green lucky bamboo plant. Fluoride is toxic to dracaena plants.

References

• Fast Feng Shui: How To Choose And Care For Lucky Bamboo; Stephanie Roberts Serrano; 2005
• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dracaena; Karen Russ; March 1999
• "Foliage Houseplants"; James Underwood Crockett; 2001