How do I Raise Lucky Bamboo Plants?

Lucky bamboo is most often grown hydroponically with its roots in water.

Lucky bamboo, or Dracaena sanderiana, is a native of West African forests and is not a true bamboo, but is closely related to the corn plant. It is sold as individual canes often with curled tips, or as part of an arrangement. Lucky bamboo is said to bring good fortune and is widely used in feng shui. Lucky bamboo plants are low maintenance house plants suitable for beginners.

Things You'll Need

• Waterproof container
• Liquid fertilizer

Instructions

Growing Lucky Bamboo

1. Choose lucky bamboo canes that look healthy and have no signs of yellow on the leaves or the stem. Make sure that they are well wrapped at point of sale, so that they do not dry out or get cold on the way home.

2. Cultivate your lucky bamboo plants hydroponically in a waterproof container such as a vase or even a jam jar. Plants will grow in pure water but appreciate a handful of pebbles for support. Allow tap water to stand for 24 hours prior to using for lucky bamboo plants, to allow chlorine to evaporate. Use bottled water if you live in a zone with fluoridated water. Replace the water every week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and to replenish trace elements.

3. Place lucky bamboo plants on a bright windowsill with indirect sunlight with a room temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lucky bamboo will tolerate low light conditions but will grow very slowly. Direct sunshine will burn the leaves of your plant, and can disfigure them permanently.

4. Mist your plant every day, and wipe the leaves clean once a week with a damp cloth. Fertilize lucky bamboo once every 2 months with a single drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer, but only if it is not growing. Excess fertilizer will turn a lucky bamboo plant yellow and can kill it.

5. Monitor lucky bamboo plants for signs of scale insect and mealy bugs. These can be treated by painting the pests with rubbing alcohol. Check the plants regularly after treating an infestation, as a single bug can reproduce rapidly.

Tips & Warnings

• Lucky bamboo can be grown in rich and free draining compost as a normal houseplant.

• Soak any pebbles for 24 hours in bottled water prior to putting them in with your plant to remove any salt or other chemicals.

• Do not expose your plant to cold draughts or hot air from heaters during the winter.

References

• University of Illionois Extension: Lucky or Curly Bamboo
• Plant Care: Lucky Bamboo -- Dracaena sanderiana
• Nevada Gardens: Lucky Bamboo

Resources

• Esprit de Isle: Lucky Bamboo, Feng Shui and You