Unlock the art of Lucky Bamboo plant care with our expert tips for long-lasting beauty.
Lucky bamboo is an indoor plant known for its Feng Shui benefits. It resembles bamboo and grows quickly (it can reach over 30cm in six months). But, it is not related to bamboo. It is actually more like a succulent. Please note that this plant is toxic to both dogs and cats, so keep your pets away from it.
Benefits of Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is one of the easiest indoor plants to care for and is widely popular due to its numerous benefits.
1. Air Purification
Lucky bamboo helps maintain a clean environment as a natural air purifier. It absorbs carbon dioxide and makes oxygen. It’s ideal for indoor potted plants. They use it to eliminate harmful pollutants, including benzene. You can use it to decorate your living room and bedroom.
2. Attracts Positive Energy
Lucky bamboo brings luck and prosperity to households. Adding greenery to your living space attracts positive energy. Many people believe this. They think that putting it at your home’s entrance brings wealth and enough to your family. It attracts wealth and prosperity when kept in the southeast direction. Residents believe the plant generates positive energy and safety for them.
You can give lucky bamboo as a gift to celebrate special occasions with friends and family. Arrange several bamboo stems and tie them with a red ribbon as a symbol of good luck. Keeping this plant as a decoration in your home or office can invite good fortune.
Arrange bamboo into a group of eight or nine stems to invite luck. A pair of bamboo stems symbolizes love and a happy marriage. Three or six stems represent happiness in life.
Lucky Bamboo Plant Care
Lucky bamboo is famously known as the “indestructible” plant. It is ideal for novice gardeners or those prone to forget watering. Proper light and water levels are crucial for its robust growth. It’s easy to care for as long as you use good-quality water.
Light
Lucky bamboo likes bright, indirect light. This is like what you’d find under a tropical rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. They thrive better in low-light conditions than in bright ones. But, if your plant becomes leggy or the leaves start to fade, provide more light. Rotate your plant for even light exposure.
Soil
Lucky bamboo can be grown in well-draining, loose soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Also, it can thrive in water with good stones or just in water, as long as it always has at least 3cm of standing water.
Water
Lucky bamboo is sensitive to chlorine. It also doesn’t like other tap water chemicals. So, it’s best to water the plant with bottled or distilled water. Or, let tap water sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to go away.
If you’re using a water-filled container with stones, change the water weekly. This prevents disease and odors. Ensure the water always covers the plant’s roots completely. Add a little water for healthy growth every 2-7 days if needed. Replace the water entirely every 2-3 months or when you notice a foul odor emanating from it.
Temperature and Humidity
Caring for lucky bamboo requires a temperature range between 16°C to 32°C (60°F to 90°F). Avoid placing the plant in drafty areas (hot or cold), near heating vents, or by windows with drafts. Indoor humidity is good for your lucky bamboo. So, don’t worry about adding humidity to your home.
Fertilization
Lucky bamboo needs a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month. Plants grown in water may only need to be fed once a month or even less with a highly diluted fertilizer. Special fertilizers formulated for lucky bamboo are also available in the market.
Pruning
Don’t forget pruning as an essential part of caring for lucky bamboo to keep it healthy. Over time, most plants will grow too large or lose their shape. Pruning helps keep them in control.
Avoid cutting the main stem of the plant. Instead, use sterile pruning shears to trim off any side shoots. You can trim them back by about 2 to 5 cm (1-2 inches) from the main stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and the plant will grow better. To prevent new growth, dip the cut end in paraffin wax.
Asked Questions About Lucky Bamboo Plant Care
Where Should I Place the Lucky Bamboo in My Home?
According to Feng Shui, where you place lucky bamboo can energize specific areas of your life. Consider placing a plant on your work desk for career growth. Put one at your entrance for new beginnings. In your bedroom for harmonious relationships. And, in the wealth area of any room for financial abundance.
How Fast Does Lucky Bamboo Grow?
Lucky bamboo grows at a moderate pace. It can grow approximately 19 inches in six months. It may reach a maximum indoor height of 3 feet, but sometimes indoor lucky bamboo can grow up to 5 feet.
How Long Does the Plant Live?
Lucky bamboo is a short-lived plant, typically living for one to two years. However, with proper care, your plant can live longer. It can live for several years if you transplant it into soil.
Leave a Reply