The plant commonly known as “Lucky Bamboo” is not a true bamboo species, but rather a member of the Dracaena genus (Dracaena sanderiana). This popular houseplant is favored for its striking, segmented stalks and symbolic association with prosperity in Feng Shui. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, its widespread use as an indoor ornamental plant is due to its resilience and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions. Understanding that it is a Dracaena provides a realistic expectation for its growth, which is significantly slower than that of its fast-growing namesake.
The Typical Growth Rate
Lucky Bamboo is generally considered a slow-to-moderate grower, especially when kept indoors in its typical water-based arrangement. Under ideal conditions, you can expect the plant to add approximately 6 to 12 inches of new growth per year. This growth rate is highly dependent on the plant’s environment and the care it receives.
The primary, woody stalk, which is often sold in a specific shape, will not typically increase in height or diameter after you purchase it. New vertical growth occurs primarily through the emergence of side shoots and foliage from the nodes along the stalk. These side shoots and leaves are where you will observe the most noticeable growth, adding a lush, green crown to the fixed-height stalk.
Environmental Factors Influencing Growth
The rate at which a Lucky Bamboo grows is heavily influenced by its immediate environment, with light being a primary factor. This plant requires bright, indirect light to photosynthesize effectively and promote steady growth. Placing it in direct sunlight should be avoided, as the intense rays can scorch the leaves and stunt the plant’s development. Conversely, insufficient light will also cause slow, weak, and stretched-out growth with poor color.
The medium in which the plant is grown also impacts its growth speed. While it is often displayed in water, growing Lucky Bamboo in a well-draining soil mix generally allows for faster, more sustained development because the soil provides a constant supply of minerals. If you choose to grow it in water, you must change the water completely every couple of weeks to prevent stagnation and the buildup of algae, which competes for limited resources.
Nutrient availability plays another role in regulating growth. Lucky Bamboo does not require much fertilizer, and over-fertilization can be damaging, leading to yellowing stalks. If grown in water, a single, extremely diluted drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer can be added when the water is changed. For plants in soil, a balanced houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength every one to two months during the growing season is sufficient. This tropical plant also thrives in warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 65–90°F (18–32°C).
Managing and Maintaining Height
Since the main stalk of the Lucky Bamboo does not grow taller, managing the plant’s height primarily involves manipulating the leafy side shoots. To maintain a tidy appearance and a compact size, prune the side shoots that emerge from the stalk. Use clean, sterile shears to cut these offshoots back to within an inch or two of the main stem.
This pruning encourages new growth to emerge from the remaining nodes, resulting in a fuller, bushier top. Do not cut the main stalk itself, as this can severely damage the plant and stop further upward development. The healthy sections of the removed side shoots can be used for propagation. New plants can be started by placing these cuttings in water, ensuring the cut end is completely submerged, where they typically develop roots within a month.