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Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a noble and vibrant plant that is easy to grow and can be found in homes all around the world. Although it is known as bamboo, this plant is not a true bamboo plant but is instead a member of the Asparagaceae family and is a cousin of Sansevieria and Dracaena plants. In nature, it can grow to be over 3 feet tall. Lucky bamboo is native to central Africa, though it has been used in China as a good luck plant in Feng Shui for over 5000 years.

How to care for your Lucky Bamboo

Use these instructions to care for a Lucky Bamboo. This guide will tell you how to water a Lucky Bamboo; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Lucky Bamboo
LIGHT

Your Lucky Bamboo prefers bright indirect sunlight but can survive in low-light situations. Pale bleached leaves usually indicate the plant is getting too much light. Slow growth and small new leaves indicate it is not getting enough light.

WATER

Water when the top 50% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Lucky Bamboo does well in average household humidity. Keep away from any open vents or drafts.

TEMPERATURE

Lucky bamboo is fairly tolerant, doing well in temperatures between 65-95° F.

FOOD

Your Lucky Bamboo does not require much fertilizer. Fertilize once in the early spring with a plant food high in nitrogen.

TOXICITY

Your Lucky Bamboo is toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

You can propagate your lucky bamboo by taking healthy stem cuttings at any point during the year. If you find the tips of your Lucky Bamboo’s leaves begin to turn brown, it may be caused by chemicals in your tap water. Use filtered water, rainwater, or leave tap water in an open container overnight before watering to allow some of the chemicals to evaporate.

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What's a Lucky Bamboo?

Botanical Classification: Dracaena sanderiana

About

Lucky bamboo is a noble and vibrant plant that is easy to grow and can be found in florists, corner stores, and supermarkets all around the world. Although it is known as bamboo, this plant is not a true bamboo plant but is instead a member of the Asparagaceae family and is a cousin of Sansevieria and Dracaena plants. In nature, it can grow to be over 3 feet tall.

Lucky bamboo is native to central Africa, though it has been used in China as a good luck plant in Feng Shui for over 5000 years.

Fun Fact

In traditional use, it embodies all five elements in Feng Shui: Water (the water in the plant), Earth (the potting medium), Wood (the bamboo stalk), Fire (a red ribbon traditionally tied to the plant), and Metal (A metal coin often attached to the ribbon). The hollow stalks are also said to be able to channel Chi effectively. This makes it a great gift for a special occasion.

Pictured Left: Lucky Bamboo

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