Check out our Lucky Bamboo guide published on wikiHow.
The Lucky Bamboo has been a staple in homes and in the practice of Feng Shui for years. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and has been used in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years. It represents good luck, prosperity, and happiness, making it a very good gift for a loved one or yourself. The Lucky Bamboo is surprisingly not bamboo, it is within the Dracaena genus. This plant is easy to care for and will be happy growing in water or soil.
Light
Being in the Dracaena family, the Lucky Bamboo will do just fine in low to medium light. Indirect sunlight is best as too much sun will cause the stalks to yellow and the leaves to scorch.
Water
When growing Lucky Bamboo in a suitable hydroponic medium, such as rocks or LECA, replace the water once a week to keep the plant happy and thriving. If grown in soil, make sure to let the soil dry out about 50%.
Humidity & Temperature
Moderate humidity is okay for the Lucky Bamboo. Dracaena do not necessarily need so much humidity. Lucky Bamboo thrive in temperatures anywhere from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing anywhere with a draft, such as older windows or near a heat vent.
Soil
As mentioned, the Lucky Bamboo can grow in soil or water. If growing in a hydroponic medium, make sure the water has very little to no chlorine. Leave tap water sitting out the night before to ensure no bad chemicals are in there that will harm the plant.
If the Lucky Bamboo is being grown in soil, any well-draining potting soil will work. We recommend Fox Farm Ocean Forest potting soil with extra perlite to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization
If growing in a hydroponic medium, Lucky Bamboo will get their nutrients from waterings. Start with a filtered or distilled water and add a nitrogen rich fertilizer at the recommended dilution. Unlike soil-based plants which do not require fertilizing over the winter months, hydroponic-grown Lucky Bamboo will require this nutrient supplementation year-round.
FAQs
- Pet friendly?
No, the Lucky Bamboo is toxic. It won’t cause great harm but try to keep away from pets and young children.
- How long does the Lucky Bamboo live?
When in water, most Bamboo will live survive several years under most conditions. With proper nutrition and care, they will survive in a hydroponic medium indefinitely.
