Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo Care

Dracaena sanderiana/ Braunii

Other names: Chinese Water Bamboo

What is the plant

Get ready to bring a bit of zen into your home with Lucky Bamboo, the low-maintenance plant your home's been missing. Not only does it have interesting looks, but it's also one of the easiest green buddies to care for.

Lucky Bamboo, or Dracaena braunii as it's scientifically known, flaunts slender, glossy stalks that can reach anywhere from 4 to 36 inches (10-90 cm) tall, its main identification features. These sleek stems often bear a striking resemblance to bamboo (hence the name), adding a subtle touch of the exotic to your indoor oasis. The leaves, arranged in clusters at the top, are the real showstoppers. Forget complicated greenery – this one is all about simple elegance.

humidity

Normal

lighting

Full Sun

temperature

22°C - 32°C

hardiness zone

10a - 10b

difficulty

Easy

hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Lucky Bamboo is all hydration. Keep its roots submerged in about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) of water. Change that water every 1-2 weeks to keep things fresh. Pro tip: Use filtered or distilled water; this plant doesn't vibe with the chlorine in tap water.
Pruning
Give your bamboo a trim if it's getting too wild for your taste. Use clean scissors to snip the stalk just above a node (that's where the leaves are hanging out). Do it in spring or early summer, and you'll keep your Lucky Bamboo looking sharp.
Fertilizer
Give this lucky plant a little nutrient boost during spring and summer every 2 or 4 weeks. Any liquid fertilizer will do – just dilute it to half the strength recommended on the label. No need to go overboard – Lucky Bamboo likes a light snack, not a feast.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Lucky Bamboo isn't a sun worshiper, but it likes a bit of indirect light. Keep it away from scorching rays, and it'll be your green companion for the long haul. Overall, 4-6 hours a day will do good.
Soil
That's the beauty of it – this species doesn't really have to have soil, just water will be great. But if you're feeling fancy, a bit of rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the container can add some flair and stability.
Propagation
Propagation here is the easiest thing to do. You'll need to make a cut above the leaf node – the place where it comes from – plop it in water, and watch the roots do their thing. Spring or early summer is prime time for this green magic. Done!

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Temperature
Aim for a comfy indoor temperature between 65-90°F (18-32°C). It's chill with average room humidity, so there's no need to turn your home into a tropical rainforest.
Container
A good pot is one that's about 2 inches (5 cm) deeper than the roots and wide enough to avoid any crowding. Make sure it's got good drainage – soggy roots are a no-go. Plastic or ceramic pots work like a charm, just pick one that suits your style.
Fun fact
This plant is like a big deal in Feng Shui – the Chinese art of indoor space management to attract positive energy. So, the number of stalks on the bamboo means different things. 3, for example, attract happiness and wealth, while 5 makes you covered in 5 important areas of life, such as emotions, intuition, mental and physical health, and even the spiritual one.