The plant commonly sold as “bamboo” in homes and offices is Dracaena sanderiana, often referred to as Lucky Bamboo. This tropical houseplant is native to Central Africa and is popular globally due to its easy care and association with good fortune and prosperity in Feng Shui. Its appealing aesthetic of slender, segmented stalks makes it a favorite for adding a touch of green to indoor spaces. This guide provides simple steps to ensure your Lucky Bamboo thrives, whether grown hydroponically in water or traditionally in soil.
Ideal Placement and Climate
The most suitable location for Lucky Bamboo provides bright, indirect light throughout the day. While the plant can tolerate lower light conditions, insufficient light slows growth and may cause leaves to turn pale. Direct, intense sunlight must be avoided entirely, as harsh rays easily scorch the leaves and cause them to yellow or brown.
Maintaining a stable temperature is necessary for healthy growth, ideally between 65°F and 90°F (18°C to 32°C). These plants are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations, so keep them away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or direct heat sources like radiators. If the environment is particularly dry, increasing the humidity around the plant will be beneficial.
For plants grown in water, monitor placement closely to prevent algae growth, which is accelerated by too much light. Soil-grown plants are more forgiving of lower humidity but appreciate good air circulation. Positioning the plant in a shaded spot that receives filtered light is often the best compromise.
Water Quality and Nutrient Delivery
The quality of the water used is one of the most significant factors in successfully growing Lucky Bamboo, especially for plants kept in a water-only setup. Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride, which can lead to leaf yellowing and browning of the tips over time, as Dracaena sanderiana is particularly sensitive to these chemicals. The safest option is to use filtered, distilled, or clean rainwater to avoid mineral and chemical buildup.
For water-grown plants, the water level should always keep the roots fully submerged. The water should be completely replaced every one to two weeks to prevent stagnation and algae formation. If you must use tap water, letting it sit in an open container for 24 hours allows the chlorine to dissipate, though this process does not remove fluoride. When changing the water, gently rinse the container and any decorative pebbles to maintain a clean environment for the roots.
Soil-grown Lucky Bamboo requires a well-draining potting mix and should be watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization should be done sparingly since the plant is a relatively slow grower. A liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to about one-tenth of the recommended strength, can be applied every two to three months during the spring and summer growing season. For plants in water, adding a single drop of this diluted liquid fertilizer to the fresh water once a month is sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients. Over-fertilization can cause leaf burn.
Pruning and Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pruning your Lucky Bamboo helps maintain its desired shape and encourages a fuller appearance by stimulating new growth. To shorten an overly tall stalk, use clean, sharp shears to cut it back to an inch above one of the raised rings, known as nodes. New shoots will typically emerge from the side of the stalk just below the cut point.
Soft, yellowing or mushy stems indicate stem or root rot, often caused by overwatering or stagnant water. If the stalk is completely yellow from the base up, it should be removed to prevent the spread of decay to neighboring stalks. Healthy, green sections can still be salvaged by cutting them off and rooting them in fresh water to start a new plant.
Yellowing leaves generally indicate too much direct light, poor water quality, or a lack of nutrients. If the leaves are yellowing, move the plant to a shadier location and ensure you are using filtered water. Brown leaf tips are commonly linked to low humidity or mineral and salt buildup from tap water. This can be mitigated by misting the foliage regularly and switching to distilled water. While pest issues are uncommon, spider mites or mealybugs may appear, which can be removed by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a mild soapy water solution.