A common question for plant enthusiasts is whether bamboo can thrive when fully submerged in water. The answer depends entirely on the specific plant being discussed, as the decorative species often sold in vases is not true bamboo. The plant frequently referred to as “bamboo” in submerged settings is Dracaena sanderiana, commonly known as Lucky Bamboo. This species is highly adaptable and can survive with its stem and roots in water, a method known as hydroponics. However, even this water-tolerant plant has strict limits, and full submersion is not a viable long-term condition for healthy growth.
True Bamboo vs. Lucky Bamboo: Clarifying the Misnomer
True bamboo belongs to the grass family Poaceae, typically encompassing genera like Phyllostachys or Bambusa. This woody grass is a terrestrial plant, meaning it is designed to grow in soil. If a true bamboo stalk or culm is fully submerged in water, it will quickly begin to rot.
The prolonged exposure to moisture saturates the cell walls, providing the necessary condition for fungal spores to germinate. These fungi consume the structural components of the stalk, leading to rapid decay and a loss of structural integrity. True bamboo lacks the physiological adaptations to survive a fully aquatic environment.
In contrast, Lucky Bamboo is a tropical perennial shrub and a member of the Asparagaceae family. Dracaena sanderiana is far more versatile and can be cultivated either in soil or hydroponically, with its roots immersed in water. This adaptability allows it to tolerate a partially submerged condition.
The Limits of Submergence for Lucky Bamboo
While the stem and root system of Dracaena sanderiana can live in water, the foliage must remain completely above the waterline for the plant to survive. The leaves are the primary sites for photosynthesis, converting light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into necessary sugars. Submerging the leaves cuts off access to atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is necessary for this process.
If the foliage is kept underwater, the leaves will suffocate and begin to rot, causing the plant to decline. Healthy leaves are also necessary for the transport of growth hormones, which stimulate root development. Therefore, the plant must be arranged so that the roots and a couple of inches of the stem are submerged, but all the leaves are exposed to air.
Essential Care for Submerged Stems
Maintaining a healthy Lucky Bamboo plant in water requires careful attention to water quality. Tap water is often detrimental because it contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which can cause the sensitive leaf tips to turn brown. Since fluoride cannot be removed by simply letting the water sit out, using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is highly recommended.
The water level should be kept high enough to cover the roots, and the water must be changed periodically to prevent stagnation. Changing the water every one to two weeks prevents the buildup of algae, bacteria, and fungal pathogens that can lead to rot. The plant thrives best in bright, indirect light, and a highly diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer can be added once a month to ensure sufficient nutrient levels.