Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo

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Origin

Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is actually not bamboo - it's a member of the genus Dracaena, specifically Dracaena braunii.

It's originally from tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, and is related more closely to succulents than bamboo.

'Real' bamboo is too large to grow indoors, so Lucky Bamboo, with its similar appearance, is a great alternative, especially as it is believed to bring you good luck!

Lucky bamboo watering 1

Care

Lucky Bamboo makes a wonderful beginner plant, as it's more or less impossible to kill!

They can survive quite well in relatively low light conditions and don't like harsh, direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves.

If yellow leaves occur: remove all yellow leaves / parts, repot it and make sure that everything is okay regarding light and watering.

You should pot them in a well-draining soil so that they won't become too wet, as they don't like to be waterlogged.

They can alternatively be grown directly in water as an ultra low-maintenance option. You just need to switch out the water for fresh, clean water every 2-4 weeks or so.

Lucky bamboo

Other

These plants grow quickly and can have decoratively curling stems which make for great display pieces.

In the practice of Feng Shui, it is thought that where you place your Lucky Bamboo can affect the way in which your luck is boosted. For instance, placing it near the entrance of your home is said to promote family harmony, whereas putting it on your desk can help with career progression.

It is also believed that the number of stalks your plant has can have different meanings. A singular stalk denotes a prosperous, strong life, 3 stalks bring wealth, happiness and longevity, 7 stalks helps with good health etc. However, beware that 4 stalks is actually thought to be unlucky and can bring negative energy!

How to propogate your Lucky Bamboo

As this plant grows so quickly and can form many separate stalks, they are very easy to propagate. You just need to take a cutting from a healthy mother plant.

The cutting should include a leaf joint (at least one, but if you can get more than one then this will increase the chances of your propagation being successful) and you should be able to see a growth node. Trim off any leaves from your cutting and then place it either in water or directly into potting soil.

If you start it off in water instead, it can be easier to keep track of whether the cutting is rooting successfully, as you should be able to see new growth of small reddish-colored roots that start to grow from the base of the cutting. Switch out the water every now and then for fresh, clean water. Then, once there are enough roots, you can transplant the cutting into soil and you'll have yourself a brand new baby plant!