How to Take Care of a Lucky Bamboo Tree
Lucky bamboo plants, also known as Dracaena, are not actually part of the bamboo genus. These sturdy plants originally grew in the rain forests of Southeast Asia and in some parts of Africa, but now they are distributed over many parts of the world. The lucky bamboo gets its name from its use in feng shui practices. This plant combines two of the feng shui elements, wood and water, to create a favorable "chi" or energy. Even amateur growers can grow this sturdy plant with the proper care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place your lucky bamboo plant near a window but not in direct sunlight. The room temperature should remain between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum growing.
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Add water to these hydroponic plants every week or as needed to keep the container nearly full. Use fresh bottled water, not tap water, as this may contain too many additives that may harm the plant.
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Rub away mineral deposits from the inside rim of the pot once a week. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to clean the pot rim.
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Cut back the stalks of the plant to maintain a balanced look, as needed. Clip the branch with shears, making the cut just above the leaf nodule. This is the spot where the leaf emerges from the branch.
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Trim the roots of the plant once a year, preferably in the plant's dormant season, October. Lift the plant out of the water and gently remove any rocks it has wrapped around. Clip back the root system by 1/3. Clipping the roots encourages new stalk growth during the growing season.
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Return the plant to the gravel and water in the pot.
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Train the branches to twist by bending them slightly without breaking them. Wrap the bend in floral wire to coax the branches to twist.
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Tips & Warnings
If your bamboo turns yellow, it is receiving too much light. Move it to a shadier area.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
