The plant commonly sold as an indoor “bamboo plant” is almost always Dracaena sanderiana, often called Lucky Bamboo, and not a member of the true bamboo family (Bambusoideae) at all. This tropical species, actually part of the Asparagaceae family, is favored for its adaptability and slender, cane-like stalks. The care requirements for this indoor houseplant are distinct from those of true bamboo grasses, focusing on managing water quality and light exposure within a typical home environment. This guide focuses exclusively on the successful indoor cultivation of Dracaena sanderiana, whether it is grown hydroponically in water or rooted in a container of soil.
Setting Up the Ideal Location
Dracaena sanderiana thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath a tropical canopy. Direct, intense sunlight, particularly from a south- or west-facing window, should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. A spot several feet away from a sunlit window or an east-facing location is ideal for providing the necessary light intensity.
Temperature stability is equally important for this tropical plant, which prefers a warm range between 65°F and 90°F (18°C to 32°C). The plant should be placed away from cold drafts, such as those near exterior doors, air conditioning vents, or heating registers. Rapid or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause significant stress, potentially leading to leaf yellowing and drop.
The choice of growing medium impacts long-term care, with the plant performing well in either water or soil. If grown in water, the roots must be fully submerged, often anchored by decorative pebbles or stones. For soil cultivation, a light, well-draining potting mix is necessary, and the container must have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
Essential Hydration and Nutrient Needs
The method of providing water and nutrients differs depending on whether the plant is grown in soil or hydroponically. For plants rooted in soil, the growing medium should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged to avoid root rot. A good practice is to water only when the top inch (about 2cm) of soil feels dry to the touch.
When growing Dracaena sanderiana in water, quality is a primary concern, as the plant is sensitive to chemicals found in tap water. Fluoride and chlorine can cause toxicity, resulting in brown leaf tips and margins. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater exclusively, or let tap water sit out overnight to allow chlorine gas to dissipate.
The water in the container should be changed completely every week to ten days to keep it fresh and prevent the buildup of algae or bacteria. This also prevents the accumulation of salts or minerals that can harm the plant. Dracaena sanderiana requires minimal feeding. When grown in water, a liquid houseplant fertilizer should be diluted to approximately one-tenth of the manufacturer’s recommended strength and applied only every one to two months during the active growing season.
Proactive Maintenance and Shaping
Maintenance includes physical upkeep that encourages healthy growth and aesthetics. To manage the plant’s shape or height, prune only the leafy side shoots, not the main stalk. Use a clean, sharp tool to cut the offshoots back to about an inch or two from the main cane or directly above a raised node. This practice encourages new, bushier growth.
If the plant is grown in a vase with pebbles or decorative stones, it is important to periodically clean the container and the supporting material. Algae can easily form on the container walls and pebbles, potentially introducing pathogens to the water. The roots should be gently rinsed, and the vase and media scrubbed with a mild solution before replacing the fresh water.
Dust accumulation on the leaves hinders the plant’s ability to absorb light for photosynthesis. Wiping the foliage gently with a soft, damp cloth or misting the leaves helps to keep the surfaces clean. Regular cleaning also provides an opportunity to inspect the plant for early signs of pest activity.
Identifying and Addressing Health Problems
Recognizing early signs of decline is important for successful recovery. Yellowing leaves often indicate overexposure to direct sun or an issue with nutrient concentration. If the plant is receiving harsh light, move it to a more shaded location. If the stalks are yellowing from the bottom up, it may signal over-fertilization. In this case, replace the water with distilled water and suspend feeding for several months.
Brown tips or edges on the leaves are caused by poor water quality, specifically fluoride or high mineral salts. Switching immediately to distilled or filtered water prevents further damage from chemical toxicity. Brown spots and soft, mushy sections, especially at the base of the stalk, are symptoms of bacterial or fungal rot caused by overwatering or stagnant water. Remove any soft, discolored stalks immediately to prevent the infection from spreading, and refresh the water or soil environment.
Common indoor pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs, can sometimes infest Dracaena sanderiana. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while mites are often evidenced by fine webbing. These pests are sap-suckers that weaken the plant, and they can be removed by gently wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab or cloth dipped in a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol.