How to Grow the Lucky Bamboo Plant

The Lucky Bamboo plant (scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana) is a low-maintenance indoor plant that thrives in low light and indirect sunlight. Despite its name, it's not related to bamboo, but is instead a tropical water lily species native to Africa. It's believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owner. With a few simple tips, you can cultivate a healthy and vibrant Lucky Bamboo that will attract luck!

Look for plants with bright, green leaves. Yellow or brown leaves indicate the plant is unhealthy. These plants are usually transported from China or Taiwan, which means they have to travel long distances.

• Professional gardeners often twist and braid the stems into intricate shapes. Some large Lucky Bamboo plants, shaped with great care, can cost up to several million VND.
• Lucky Bamboo planted in pots can grow up to nearly 1 meter tall. When planted outdoors, it can reach up to 1.5 meters in height.

Decide whether to grow the plant hydroponically or in soil. One of the easiest and cleaner methods is to grow it in water and pebbles, though it can also thrive in soil. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference and the type of container you have available.

• If you opt to grow the plant in water and pebbles, make sure to place enough pebbles at the bottom of the container to provide stability. The plant needs at least 3-8 cm of water to grow properly.
• If you prefer soil, select a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Use organic fertilizers when necessary; avoid high-phosphorus salts and synthetic fertilizers that can harm the plant. You can also add some small pebbles to the bottom of the pot to ensure proper drainage.

Choose the right container for planting. Grow the Lucky Bamboo in a tall glass or ceramic vase—not in a shallow pot—or keep it in the original container if you purchased it. Transparent containers are great if you want to use the hydroponic method with decorative pebbles inside; use a clay pot if you're growing the plant in soil.

• Remember that the plant needs to stand securely as it reaches its full height. The container should be at least 30 cm tall.
• If you prefer using soil, fill the pot with nutrient-rich soil and ensure it has good drainage.

Pick the right location. The Lucky Bamboo grows best in a place with bright light filtered through some sort of shade—imagine light passing through the canopy of a forest. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. In terms of temperature, avoid placing the plant in drafts from air conditioners or vents. This plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 18ºC to 32ºC.

• If you plan to train the plant, consider using a three-sided box (a box with one open side). The plant will lean toward the light. Once the stem bends, rotate the light to the other side, and the plant will curve back.

Place the Lucky Bamboo in a warm spot with indirect light. Pay attention to how much light it receives—if it's not enough, place it in an area with less light rather than direct, intense light. Turn off the air conditioning when you leave the house. The plant prefers warmer temperatures.

• As the seasons change, you may need to move the plant. If you're unsure, move it away from the window. There is still plenty of light in the middle of the room.

Change the water weekly if you're growing the plant hydroponically. The Lucky Bamboo is quite sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, so only use tap water that has been left to sit for 24 hours (to allow the chemicals to dissipate). If not, bottled water is the best option.

• When the plant starts developing roots, they should be submerged in the water. Remember, the Lucky Bamboo needs 3-8 cm of water for proper growth.

If you're growing the plant in soil, water it enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water daily, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. You can also mist the leaves to maintain humidity. Once again, it's best to use filtered or bottled water to prevent harmful chemicals from affecting the plant.

• Encourage root growth by increasing the water level. More roots mean better leaf growth; the roots will extend to wherever the water reaches on the stem.

Fertilize the plant once a month. If you're growing the Lucky Bamboo in soil, fertilize it monthly with organic fertilizer to ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs (as mentioned, use organic fertilizers since synthetic ones may harm the plant). For hydroponic growth, you can use water-soluble liquid fertilizers.

• Apply liquid fertilizer when you change the water; it's best to fertilize when the water is clean.

Prevent leaf tip burn. Leaf tip burn occurs when the plant's leaves begin to dry and die, often due to chemicals in the water. Letting the water sit for a while may not be enough—consider switching to bottled water for better plant health.

• It can be very difficult to recover a plant that's already suffered leaf tip burn. Even after switching to bottled water, some chemicals may still remain in the plant. The only solution is to wait, and usually, the issue will eventually resolve itself.

Pruning the Plant. Over time, the branches of the plant will become too heavy. Therefore, pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's health. Avoid cutting the main branches; focus only on trimming the side branches. Use sanitized pruning shears to trim the plant.

• Trim branches that are about 2.5 - 5 cm away from the base. This will encourage new shoots to grow, and the plant will become fuller and more vibrant.

Observe the color of the leaves. If the leaves are drying up and dying, the issue may lie with the water. If the leaves turn yellow, it is usually due to too much light or excessive fertilizer. If the leaves turn brown, you should increase the humidity by spraying the plant with water.

• Plants with shriveled leaves are usually beyond repair. Quickly remove the plant, change the water, and replant a new one.

Prune branches when necessary. You may need to prune parts of the plant if they are dead. You can also do this if you dislike the current shape of the plant. Don't throw away the pruned branches; they may grow into new plants. New shoots from the base, growing branches, or the top portion of the plant can be replanted to create new plants.

• If your plant is dying, quickly remove all decaying parts. Take the healthy branches and replant them right away. They could grow into new plants if you act swiftly.

• Avoid placing the lucky bamboo plant on a windowsill or exposing it to direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, turning them yellow and eventually brown.
• Do not place the lucky bamboo in temperatures below 10ºC. This tropical plant thrives in warm, mild conditions.
• Keep the lucky bamboo out of reach of children and pets, as its leaves can be toxic if ingested.

• A tall pot or vase
• Small stones or pebbles
• Water
• Soil
• Fertilizer specifically designed for lucky bamboo