The plant commonly known as Lucky Bamboo is a popular houseplant, often associated with Feng Shui and the promise of good fortune. Its distinctive, segmented stalks are frequently displayed in water-filled vases, giving it a unique ornamental appeal. Understanding the plant’s true botanical nature and growth pattern is key to knowing if the main stalk will continue to lengthen over time.
The Identity of Lucky Bamboo
Despite its widely used name, Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo species, which belongs to the grass family Poaceae. The plant is actually Dracaena sanderiana, a member of the Dracaena genus, sometimes called the ribbon plant. It is a tropical perennial shrub native to the rainforests of West Central Africa and North East Angola. The resemblance to true bamboo stems comes from its fleshy, segmented stalks. This physical likeness is superficial, and the plant’s biological characteristics govern how it grows in cultivation.
Understanding Lucky Bamboo Growth Dynamics
The main, thick stalk that forms the base of the plant will not grow taller once it has been cut and prepared for sale. This is due to the removal of the apical meristem—the primary growth point located at the very tip of a stem. Once this terminal bud is removed, the plant loses the capacity for primary vertical growth, which is why the top of the stalk is often sealed with wax.
Instead of the main stalk elongating, all new growth occurs through the development of leafy side shoots, or canes, which emerge from the nodes along the stalk. These side shoots are the plant’s way of maximizing its photosynthetic surface area and increasing its overall size. The new canes will grow upward and produce leaves, contributing to the plant’s lush, green canopy.
The height of the original stalk remains static, but the side shoots will continue to lengthen and thicken over time. This new growth can be quite prolific, sometimes requiring pruning to maintain the desired shape and size of the houseplant. If a stalk becomes too long, growers can cut it just above a node to encourage new side growth and use the trimmed portion to propagate a new plant.
Essential Care for Longevity
To ensure the new shoots and leaves continue to thrive, providing the proper environment is necessary. Lucky Bamboo thrives best in bright, indirect light, which fuels the energy needed for vigorous new growth. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can easily scorch the leaves and cause the plant to burn.
The plant is sensitive to water quality, especially when grown hydroponically in a vase. Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride, both of which can lead to yellowing or browning of the leaves and tips. Using distilled, filtered, or rainwater is preferred, or tap water can be left out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
Lucky Bamboo does not require frequent fertilization, especially when grown in water, as excessive nutrients can burn the roots and cause the stalks to turn yellow. Apply a very diluted, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer—at about one-tenth the recommended strength—once every two to three months during the spring and summer growing season. Regularly refreshing the water, typically every one to two weeks, helps prevent the buildup of salts and keeps the root environment healthy.