DIG THIS
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) might look like a mini bamboo stalk, but it is actually part of the Dracaena genus. Yep, not a real bamboo at all. But it is still considered a symbolism of good fortune in Feng Shui culture.
It is more commonly seen growing soil-free in water. However, you can still plant it in soil if you feel inclined!
Needs Some Love
Any Light
Except Direct Sun
Keep Soil Moist
Not Pet Safe
SHADE,
PARTIAL SUN, or INDIRECT SUN
AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN
Lucky bamboo has delicate leaves that can easily burn in direct sunlight.
It is one of the few houseplants that can tolerate low light conditions. Indirect bright light is best, but Lucky Bamboo can be pretty adaptable - even under fluorescent office light conditions!
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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KEEP SOIL MOIST
If you can, try to use filtered or distilled water for lucky bamboo. The chemicals in tap water can often damage the leaves.
If you are growing Lucky Bamboo in soil, rather than in water, keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
IF GROWN IN WATER
(MOST COMMON)
Change the water every 1 to 2 weeks. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the container and pebbles to prevent bacterial growth.
River rocks, aquarium gravel, or glass pebbles are all solid options to keep the plant upright and provide a safe environment for the roots to spread in.
Avoid porous rocks (lava rock), sharp gravel, and anything labeled for “landscaping” as they may contain harmful chemicals or dyes.
MODERATE HUMIDITY
It isn't fussy, so indoor humidity will work just fine.
SOIL
(Yes, you can plant this in soil as well)
LUCKY BAMBOO DIGS A MOIST, WELL-DRAINING MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE
PERLITE
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
COCO COIR
Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.
COMMON ISSUES
YELLOW/MUSHY STALK
Yellowing and mushy stalks is a possible sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Remove affected stalks.
Dry out soil completely (1-5 days) or empty water from container, remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil or fresh distilled water.
SLIMY ROOTS/CLOUDY WATER
This is a clear sign you need to change out the water! Bacteria is starting to grow from infrequent waterings and cleanings.
Get into a habit of changing the water every 1 to 2 weeks. Clean out the container and thoroughly rinse off pebbles.
LEANING STALKS
Often due to not enough sunlight or overcrowding in container.
Rotate your Lucky Bamboo occasionally and trim away weak or damaged stalks.
YELLOWING LEAVES
A little tricky! A possible sign of too much sunlight, overwatering, or chemical damage from tap water or fertilizer.
Remove affected leaves.
Make sure the Lucky Bamboo is out of direct sunlight and scale back on watering and fertilizing. Only water with distilled or filtered water if you can.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Mealybugs
Scale
Spider Mites
