It is possible to grow the plant commonly called bamboo in water, but this requires distinguishing between two different plants. The elegant, stalked plant frequently sold in clear vases is not a true bamboo, which is a giant grass that cannot survive indefinitely submerged. This popular indoor plant, often associated with good fortune, is actually a tropical species highly adapted to water-based cultivation. Many people choose to grow this plant in a water culture for its clean, modern aesthetic and simple care requirements.
The Identity of Water-Grown “Bamboo”
The plant successfully grown in water is botanically known as Dracaena sanderiana, a tropical shrub native to West Africa. It has earned the common name “Lucky Bamboo” because its segmented, cane-like stems resemble the stalks of true bamboo and because it is a symbol of prosperity in Feng Shui. True bamboo belongs to the grass family, and its woody, hollow culms require soil for long-term health.
Dracaena sanderiana is naturally a water-tolerant plant, allowing it to thrive hydroponically with only its roots submerged in water. Real bamboo would quickly succumb to root rot and suffocate if its entire root system were perpetually waterlogged. The plant’s ability to grow in both soil and water makes it a versatile choice, but its water-culture presentation is possible only because it is a Dracaena.
Starting Your Water Culture
The first step in setting up a healthy water culture is selecting robust stalks that are free from discoloration or soft spots. The plant can be propagated by cutting a healthy stalk that has at least one node, the slightly swollen joint where new growth emerges. This cutting should be placed in a container with the node submerged to encourage new root development within a few weeks.
Choosing the right vessel is important for the plant’s long-term health and water cleanliness. While clear glass containers showcase the roots, they also allow light to penetrate the water, which encourages algae growth. Using an opaque or dark-colored container helps to minimize algae growth, which competes with the plant for nutrients and can compromise water quality. The plant is highly sensitive to the chlorine and fluoride found in municipal tap water sources, which can cause leaf tips to turn brown. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater should be used instead to prevent this chemical burn.
Ongoing Care and Environment
The plant requires bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat under the forest canopy. Direct sunlight is too intense and can scorch the leaves, leading to a bleached or pale appearance. Conversely, too little light results in slow, weak growth and pale leaves. The preferred temperature range for this tropical species is between 65°F and 90°F, and it should be kept away from cold drafts or heating vents.
The water must be changed regularly to prevent stagnation and the buildup of pathogens or mineral salts. A full water change should be performed every one to two weeks, ensuring the roots remain covered by one to three inches of clean water. When changing the water, the container and any decorative pebbles should be thoroughly rinsed to remove accumulated bacteria or slime. Fertilization is minimal; a single drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to one-tenth strength can be added to the water approximately once every two months during the spring and summer growing season.
Recognizing and Addressing Problems
Yellowing leaves or stalks are common indicators of distress, with the cause often relating to water quality or light exposure. If the leaves are turning yellow, it may be due to an accumulation of chlorine or fluoride from tap water, which requires an immediate switch to filtered or distilled water. Yellowing can also signal that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight, requiring the plant to be moved to a more shaded location.
Soft, mushy, or dark roots are a sign of root rot, which is typically caused by stagnant water or a water level that is too high on the stalk. To fix this, any affected roots or mushy parts of the stalk should be carefully trimmed away with a clean, sterilized blade. The plant should then be placed in a clean container with fresh water, and the water change frequency should be increased to prevent future bacterial growth. Algae growth, which appears as a green slime on the container and pebbles, is a result of excessive light exposure and can be managed by cleaning the container and ensuring the vessel is opaque or located away from direct light.