The lucky bamboo plant (Dracaena sanderiana) is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, making it a popular choice in homes and offices. It’s commonly grown in water, it can also thrive in soil. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about growing, caring for, and even propagating your lucky bamboo plant, whether it’s kept in water or soil. Read about Schefflera here!
Key Features of Lucky Bamboo:
- Size: Can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall, depending on care and environment.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Thrives in water but can also grow in soil with proper care.
- Temperature: Best kept in temperatures between 18°C and 32°C (65°F to 90°F).
Growing Lucky Bamboo in Water
One of the most popular ways to grow lucky bamboo is in water. This method is simple and creates a sleek, minimalist look that complements modern interior design.
Steps for Growing Lucky Bamboo in Water:
- Choose a container: Select a vase or jar that’s at least 5 cm (2 inches) wider than the stalks. Clear glass containers are often preferred to showcase the roots, but any material will work.
- Add pebbles: Place small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container to support the stalks and hold them upright.
- Fill with water: Use distilled or filtered water to fill the container just enough to cover the roots. Avoid tap water, as it can contain chlorine or fluoride, which can harm the plant.
- Change the water regularly: Replace the water every 7-10 days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.
Tip: Make sure the plant receives indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and stunt growth.
Caring for Lucky Bamboo in Water
- Water levels: Ensure the water level always covers the roots but doesn’t submerge the stalks entirely.
- Water quality: Use filtered or distilled water to prevent chemicals from harming the plant.
- Light: Lucky bamboo prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light for short periods.
Fertilizing Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo can survive with minimal nutrients, occasional fertilization can help it thrive. Over-fertilizing, however, can lead to yellowing leaves and other health issues, so it’s important to use the right fertilizer and apply it sparingly.
How to Fertilize Lucky Bamboo:
- Use a diluted liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants or a specific lucky bamboo fertilizer. It’s best to dilute the fertilizer to about one-tenth of the recommended strength.
- Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months. If growing in water, reduce the frequency to once every 3-4 months, as the plant absorbs nutrients more slowly from water.
- If you notice the leaves turning yellow after fertilizing, stop fertilizing immediately and flush the water with clean, filtered water.
Propagating Lucky Bamboo
Propagating lucky bamboo is a simple process. Propagation involves cutting a section of the plant and encouraging it to grow into a new stalk.
How to Propagate Lucky Bamboo:
- Select a healthy stalk: Choose a healthy, mature stalk to propagate. The best stalks are green and firm to the touch.
- Cut the stalk: Using sterilized scissors or pruning shears, cut a section of the stalk that is at least 10 cm (4 inches) long and includes a few nodes (the small bumps where new leaves or roots will grow).
- Place in water: Submerge the cut end of the stalk in distilled or filtered water, making sure the nodes are covered.
- Provide indirect light: Place the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Wait for roots to develop: In about 4-6 weeks, you should see new roots forming from the nodes. Once the roots are well-developed, you can transplant the new stalk into soil or leave it in water.
Tip: Avoid cutting too close to the top of the plant, as the remaining stalk may not regenerate leaves if cut too high.
Growing Lucky Bamboo in Soil
Although lucky bamboo is commonly grown in water, it can also thrive in soil with the right care. Growing the plant in soil can result in faster growth and more robust stalks.
Steps for Growing Lucky Bamboo in Soil:
- Choose a well-draining pot: Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
- Use a suitable potting mix: A cactus or succulent mix works well, as it provides excellent drainage. You can also mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite.
- Water regularly: Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the top 2-3 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Provide indirect light: Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
Tip: Be careful not to overwater. Lucky bamboo in soil still requires moderate moisture, but it doesn’t like soggy roots.
Common Problems with Lucky Bamboo
Although lucky bamboo is generally a hardy plant, it can sometimes run into issues if its care needs aren’t met. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
1. Yellowing Leaves
- Cause: Yellow leaves can be caused by too much direct sunlight, over-fertilizing, or poor water quality.
- Solution: Move the plant to a shadier spot, reduce fertilizer use, and switch to distilled or filtered water.
2. Brown Tips
- Cause: Brown leaf tips are usually a sign of low humidity or poor water quality.
- Solution: Increase humidity by misting the plant or using a humidity tray. Switch to filtered water.
3. Soft or Mushy Stalks
- Cause: Overwatering or stagnant water can lead to root rot, causing the stalk to become mushy.
- Solution: Change the water regularly or reduce watering if growing in soil. Cut away any affected parts of the stalk and propagate healthy sections.
Conclusion
The lucky bamboo plant is a beautiful and low-maintenance option for anyone looking to add greenery to their home or office. This plant is sure to bring a touch of nature and luck into your space. By following these care tips and learning how to propagate your plant, you can enjoy your lucky bamboo for years to come.