How to Care for a Lucky Bamboo House Plant

Even though its name may suggest otherwise, lucky bamboo is not really bamboo at all. According to the American Bamboo Society, lucky bamboo is actually a plant known as Dracaena sanderana (see link in Resources). True bamboo is classified as a grass. Lucky bamboo has been used in the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui for centuries, where it is believed to improve the energy of a room. Whether it is lucky or not, this popular plant is fast becoming a fixture in homes across the country. Fortunately, it is quite hardy and requires minimal maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Glass container with rocks
• Distilled water, if applicable
• Liquid plant food
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Change the water in your lucky bamboo at least once a week. This plant is typically sold in a glass container filled with small rocks and 2 or 3 inches of water. Empty the container, rinse with water and add 2 to 3 inches of fresh water. Reposition the stem of the bamboo in the rocks so it stands vertically.

2. Use distilled water in your lucky bamboo plant if your tap water has high mineral content. According to the Flower Shop Network, excessive minerals and salts in water can cause the leaves of your plant to yellow (see link in Resources).

3. Check water levels in the bamboo container frequently, especially in dry months or the summer. The roots of the lucky bamboo should always be submersed in water, so add more water if it looks dry. If the stalks of the bamboo start to wrinkle, your plant is telling you it needs more water.

4. Set your lucky bamboo plant near a window so it receives bright, but not direct, sunlight. Lucky bamboo does not thrive if it is directly exposed to hot sunlight.

5. Keep your bamboo plant in a room around 70-degrees Fahrenheit. Do not put your plant outside or expose it to temperatures below 50-degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Feed your lucky bamboo plant regularly. Use a liquid plant food specifically designed for this purpose, such as Green Green Plant Food (see link in Resources). Add three or four drops of the solution into your plant's water once each month.

7. Trim off any yellow leaves that develop on your lucky bamboo. According to the Springfield Flower Company, removing the yellow leaves will help the rest of the plant stay healthy (see link in Resources).

Resources

• American Bamboo Society: FAQs About Bamboo
• Flower Shop Network: Caring for Bamboo
• LuckyBambooShop.com: Green Green Plant Food
• Springfield Flower Company: Lucky Bamboo Care Tips