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Lucky Bamboo

History and Care

Easy to grow and low maintenance, the lucky bamboo is a popular housewarming gift due to its reputation for bringing luck to the household. Sculptural lucky bamboo plants have eye-catching shapes, swirls, or braided stalks, and are frequently spotted in offices and residences for the purpose of good feng shui. They can also be trained so that stalks grow straight as an arrow and are adorned with smallish, simple floppy green leaves.

Though the plant looks like bamboo and grows fast like bamboo (it can grow well over a foot in six months), it's not related to it at all, and it's actually more of a succulent plant, specifically a type of Dracaena. Be aware that this plant is not lucky for pets because it's toxic to cats and dogs.

Lucky Bamboo and Chinese Traditions

According to Chinese traditions, the significance of lucky bamboo is tied to how many stalks you have. There are different meanings associated with various lucky bamboo arrangements. For example:

Two stalks represent love.

Three stalks represent Fu (happiness), Lu (wealth), and Soh (long life).

Five stalks represent balance, peace, harmony, and power in all areas of your life.

Six stalks represent good luck and wealth.

Seven stalks represent good health.

Eight stalks represent growth.

Nine stalks represent great luck.

Ten stalks represent perfection.

Twenty-one stalks represent a powerful blessing.

You'll rarely find a traditional lucky bamboo arrangement with four stalks. In Chinese culture, the word for "four" sounds very similar to the word for "death," so a gift of four bamboo stalks would be considered very rude—as if you had wished death on the recipient.

Common Name	Lucky bamboo, friendship bamboo, ribbon plant
Botanical Name	Dracaena sanderiana
Family	Asparagaceae
Plant Type	Perennial shrub
Mature Size	1–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide (indoors)
Sun Exposure	Partial shade
Soil Type	Water or moist but well-drained soil
Soil pH	Acidic
Bloom Time	Fall, winter (does not bloom indoors)
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	10–11 (USDA), but typically used indoors
Native Area	Africa
Toxicity	Toxic to animals

Bamboo, is very a tough and resilient plant that does not need direct sun light. It can grow in places where sun light is not available, like hallways or bathrooms. It is very easy to take care of, just add or replace water once a week.

The Chinese buy Bamboo to celebrate a business grand opening, the purchase of a new home, or just for pure luck!

Bamboo has the following spiritual meanings:

Advancement/career - climb up the ladder

Prosperity - success in business ventures

Longevity - good health, harmony and peaceful life

Zen - religious, gracious, honorable

Relationship - energize your love life

Feng Shui - Chi - create positive energy in your environment

Lucky Bamboo Care

Lucky bamboo has a well-earned reputation as being nearly indestructible, which makes this plant ideal for novice gardeners or forgetful waterers. Lucky bamboo is easy to care for as long as you grow it in good quality water.

Place lucky bamboo near filtered or indirect sunlight.

Plant in well-draining potting mix, or use pebbles as a planting medium with an inch of water in the bottom of the container.

Water using only distilled or pure spring water, or let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using. For pebble plantings, change water weekly.

Avoid cold drafts and keep in a location with temperatures at a minimum of 65°F.

Light

When it comes to light, lucky bamboo prefers bright, filtered sunlight, such as what is found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light. Rotate your plant often so that the light reaches the entire plant evenly.

Soil

Lucky bamboo can be grown in well-drained, rich potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked. Additionally, it can thrive well when housed in pebbles or simply a vase filled with water, as long as it has at least an inch of standing water at all times.

Water

If growing in a water vase filled with pebbles, make sure that the water is always completely covering the roots. Add a bit of water every two to seven days as needed, and change the water weekly to avoid any diseases and odors.

Sensitive to Water Types

It's a good idea to water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate; this plant is sensitive to hard water, chlorine, and other chemicals commonly found in tap water.
Temperature and Humidity

As you may expect, lucky bamboo plants prefer warmer temperatures, ranging between 65°F and 90°F. Avoid placing your plant anywhere near a draft (hot or cold), in front of an air conditioner, heating vent, or by a drafty window. Average humidity is fine for your lucky bamboo plant, so don't stress about increasing the levels in your home.

Fertilizer

A single drop of liquid fertilizer each month is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.

Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so using a very weak liquid fertilizer. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don't be alarmed if you can see red roots floating in a glass vase.

Pests to Watch Out For

In summer when the sun is coming in hot through the window, your lucky bamboo is more likely to struggle with spider mites. Watch out for delicate webbing on the leaves or between the leaves and stems. Spray it off with water and treat weekly with neem oil until they're gone.

Pruning

Lucky bamboo will benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its appearance. In general, it's not a good idea to cut the main stalk of lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots using sterile snippers, and trim them back to within an inch or two off the main stem. New shoots will emerge with fuller growth. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in paraffin.

The unusual shapes of lucky bamboo plants are formed not by trimming, but by rotating the stalks in front of a light source, which causes the plant to naturally grow toward the light; try placing the plants under a three-sided box, pay close attention to their growth rates, and rotate the plants slowly and regularly.

Lucky Bamboo Care Supplies

A grow light will encourage your plant to grow faster and result in larger, more vibrant leaves.

Pruning shears will be necessary to keep its shape.

Choose a planter with a drainage hole, or just grow it in a vase of water.

Propagating Lucky Bamboo

You can propagate lucky bamboo at any time using cuttings, but the plant won't be shaped the same as the plant you purchased. Here's how to propagate lucky bamboo:

Take a stem cutting off the main stalk, ensuring it has at least one leaf joint.

Trim the leaves to expose the growth nodes.

Put the bare cutting into a container filled with enough distilled water to completely cover the bottom of the cutting.

Keep the water clean and fresh as you watch for the development of red roots. Roots should appear in around 30 days.

When roots emerge, put the stalk in a decorative vase with water and pebbles or a pot with soil.

Potting and Repotting Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo should be repotted when it has less than one inch of space between the stalks and edge of the vessel, the vessel is starting to be a little wobbly with the bamboo in it, or the stalks are too tall to be supported by the vessel.

There should be at least one inch of space between the stalks and the edge of the vessel to allow roots to spread out and support the plant. The water level should be high enough to submerge the roots but not cover the stalks.

If your plant has outgrown its vessel, transplanting lucky bamboo is relatively easy. Take these simple steps to repot the plant:

Choose a clean container that is slightly bigger than the current one.

Carefully dig the the lucky bamboo out of the pebbles, if present. (If there are no pebbles simply remove the bamboo from its pot and place it in the new container with fresh water.)

Clean the pebbles with water before placing them in the new container. Set some to aside to set on top of the roots.

Move the bamboo plant into its new container, nestling the roots within the pebbles. Add more pebbles to cover the roots as needed.

Tips for Buying In Store

Assess the stem for any mushiness—a mushy stem is a sign of rot.

Don't worry about if you like the style of the water vessel, you can always change it at home.

Pick one based on it's current shape, rather than a shape you hope it might grow into.

Common Pests

Lucky bamboo is susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. Watch for white mealybugs, green aphids, and spider mites, which can be removed by hand. You can also wash the entire plant in a very mild liquid dish soap and water and rinse thoroughly to remove bugs, as well as any moldy spots.

Common Problems With Lucky Bamboo

Although lucky bamboo is an easy-going plant, there are a few issues to be on the lookout for as it grows. If your plant dies, it will not mean you are going to have bad luck, it simply means it didn't receive ideal care or its lifespan has simply ended.

The most common problems usually have to do with the quality of water, as it is very sensitive to chemicals like chlorine. Taking care to stay on top of changing the water and using the right quality water may prevent potential issues.

Browning Leaf Tips

Chlorinated water or water with high levels of additives can cause leaf tips to turn brown and possibly kill the plant over time. Remove affected leaves with a sterile, sharp scissor. Remove dead leaves from the water so they do not rot because this may introduce bacteria.

Black Roots

There could be many reasons a plant develops black roots. The best course of action is to use small clean snips to cut the black roots away immediately and return the stalks to a clean container of fresh water.

Algae

If you notice algae growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear vase, allowing light to penetrate, and encouraging algae growth. Just clean out the vase so it's squeaky clean (use mild liquid dish detergent and water) and start again. You may want to switch to an opaque container if algae is a persistent problem.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves on lucky bamboo usually indicate that the plant is receiving too much sun or too much plant fertilizer. Cut out the fertilizer and move the plant to a shadier location.

Brown Leaves

Brown leaves on lucky bamboo usually indicate dry air or polluted water. You can raise the humidity level by spraying the plant regularly. Make sure you're using the appropriate quality of water in the container, as well.

Mushy Stalks

If the bamboo stalks themselves begin to rot or turn mushy and black, they are likely beyond saving because the roots are dead or dying. Causes of roots turning mushy may include poor water quality, fungus, or bacteria that was on the plant when it was received. Decaying stalks threaten any other stalks they are close to, so it's best to remove them at once.

If you have surviving stalks, clean the container and replace the soil or stones and water.

FAQ's

Is lucky bamboo a good indoor plant?

Lucky bamboo is a a great indoor plant. Its best growing conditions are indoors, where it's warm and bright but away from harsh sunlight. In the right conditions it can also grow outdoors.
How long will lucky bamboo live?

Lucky bamboo grown in water will live for one to two years. However, if you keep your lucky bamboo in soil, it should grow for a few years longer.
Where should I place lucky bamboo in my home?

According to feng shui design, placing lucky bamboo anywhere will inspire prosperity in that area. Specifically, put a lucky bamboo plant on your desk for career growth, in your entryway for new beginnings, in a bedroom for harmonious relationships, and the wealth area of any room (far left corner from the doorway) for financial abundance.
How do you get lucky bamboo to grow new shoots?

Regularly trim the stalks to encourage new growth on a lucky bamboo. The new growth will usually be fuller and more vibrant than what was previously there. Use the cuttings for propagation to get more new plants.
How do I count stalks of lucky bamboo?

Any stalk of significant size or growth (two inches or more in height) can be counted as a lucky bamboo stalk. Once you know the bamboo stalk count, you can find out the associated plant's blessings according to folklore.

12 Different Types of Indoor Bamboo Plant

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of indoor bamboo types, types of indoor bamboo plants have more attributives for adding to your indoor plant collection including:

Various types of bamboo house plants are best for air purification.

Types of indoor bamboo are relatively easy to care for (Low maintenance plant)

Indoor bamboo plant types come in various sizes, making them adaptable to different spaces and types of decors, from contemporary and minimalist to traditional and Zen-inspired themes.

Indoor bamboo varieties can be used as a natural divider and provide bright privacy in your open spaces.

Indoor bamboo types can act as sound absorption and help to reduce noise levels and create a quieter environment in your house.

They are usually safe for cats.

They are one of the best houseplants for bedrooms.

Here you can find different types of indoor bamboo plants with their caring requirements. Why do you wait? Make your favorite list to add to your house collection.

Lucky Bamboo

Scientific name: Dracaena sanderiana

Other Common names: Ribbon Dracaena, Curly Bamboo

Appearance:

Lucky Bamboo typically features slender green stalks with glossy, lance-shaped leaves. It is often grown in containers with decorative stones and can be shaped into various designs.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid water logging.

Use distilled or filtered water to prevent salt and chemical buildup.

Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 90°F (18°C – 32°C).

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two months.

Dwarf Bamboo

Scientific name: Bambusa spp.

Other Common names: Mini Bamboo, Small Bamboo

Appearance:

Dwarf Bamboo species can vary in appearance, but they typically have slender, upright stems with small leaves. Their size and appearance depend on the specific species you choose.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.

Maintain a temperature between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C).

Fertilize with a slow-release bamboo-specific fertilizer every six months.

Chinese Bamboo

Scientific name: Dracaena braunii

Other Common names: Ribbon Plant, Curly Bamboo, Sander’s Dracaena

Appearance:

Chinese Bamboo has long, slender stems with tufts of feathery green foliage at the top. It may be cultivated in various decorative containers.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.

Don’t plant it in pots without holes and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Maintain a temperature between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C).

Fertilize with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every month during spring and summer.

Arrow Bamboo

Scientific name: Pseudosasa japonica

Other Common names: Japanese Arrow Bamboo

Appearance:

Arrow Bamboo features tall, arching canes with lance-shaped leaves. It can grow quite tall, so it’s essential to provide adequate space if grown indoors.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.

Maintain a temperature between 50°F and 75°F (10°C – 24°C).

Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer twice a year.

Heavenly Bamboo

Scientific name: Nandina domestica

Other Common names: Sacred Bamboo

Appearance:

Heavenly Bamboo is not a true bamboo but is often confused with bamboo due to its name. It has compound leaves with multiple leaflets and produces clusters of small white flowers and red berries.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.

Maintain a temperature between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C).

Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.

Fertilize with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer in early spring.

Giant Bamboo

Scientific name: Dendrocalamus giganteus

Other Common names: Typically referred to as Giant Bamboo

Appearance:

Giant Bamboo is not typically grown indoors due to its size. It can reach towering heights with large, woody canes and large leaves. Hence, if you have the space, it can be grown indoors in large pots as a large low-light indoor plant safe for cats.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Use well-draining soil with added organic matter.

Maintain a temperature between 70°F and 90°F (21°C – 32°C).

Fertilize with a balanced slow-release bamboo fertilizer during the growing season.

Fernleaf Bamboo

Scientific Name: Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Other Common Names: Slender Bamboo, Green Stripe Bamboo

Appearance:

Fernleaf Bamboo has slender, green canes with delicate, narrow leaves that resemble fern fronds. It forms a bushy, low-growing clump.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil constantly moist, never allowing it to dry out.

Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

Maintain a temperature between 50°F and 75°F (10°C – 24°C).

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Black Bamboo

Scientific name: Phyllostachys nigra

Other Common names: Black Stem Bamboo

Appearance:

Black Bamboo has dark-colored canes with green foliage. It can be grown indoors but requires bright light to maintain its dark coloration.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light. you can grow it indoors if give it sufficient light.

Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Use well-draining soil with organic matter.

Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C).

Feed with a balanced slow-release bamboo fertilizer in early spring.

Dwarf Fernleaf Bamboo

Scientific name: Pleioblastus pygmaeus

Other Common names: Miniature Fern Bamboo

Appearance:

Dwarf Fernleaf Bamboo is a small bamboo with delicate, fern-like leaves and slender canes. It’s suitable for smaller indoor spaces.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Mist the leaves regularly to provide humidity.

Maintain a temperature between 50°F and 75°F (10°C – 24°C).

Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Golden Bamboo

Scientific name: Phyllostachys aurea

Other Common names: Fish pole Bamboo

Appearance:

Golden Bamboo features bright green canes with occasional yellow stripes. When grown indoors, it may not display as intense coloration as it does outdoors.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Use well-draining soil with organic matter.

Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C).

Fertilize with a balanced slow-release bamboo fertilizer in early spring.

Himalayan Blue Bamboo

Scientific name: Drepanostachyum falcatum

Other Common names: Blue Bamboo

Appearance:

Himalayan Blue Bamboo has slender, blue-gray canes with green foliage. It can grow tall but can be managed in larger indoor spaces.

Caring Tips:

Place the plant in bright, indirect light, or partial shade.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.

Maintain a temperature between 50°F and 75°F (10°C – 24°C).

Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Weeping Bamboo

Scientific name: Fargesia spp. (Several varieties available for indoor cultivation)

Other Common names: Clumping Bamboo (Note: Various Fargesia species have different common names)

Appearance:

Fargesia bamboo varieties are characterized by arching, slender canes, and feathery green leaves. They have a graceful, weeping growth habit.

Caring Tips:

Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Use well-draining soil with added organic matter.

Maintain a temperature between 50°F and 75°F (10°C – 24°C).

Apply a balanced slow-release bamboo fertilizer once every two months.

Best Indoor Bamboo Plants

When selecting different types of indoor bamboo plants for indoor decor, it’s essential to consider several factors including:

Their growth habits

Their mature size indoors

Their adaptability to indoor conditions.

You have to consider the above factors and select the best types of indoor bamboo plants for your house. To make it easy for you, here are some indoor bamboo types from the above list that are well-suited for indoor environments. Let’s find them.

1- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana):

Lucky Bamboo is one of the most popular indoor bamboo plants because of its adaptability to low-light conditions and ease of care. It can thrive in a variety of indoor settings.

2- Dwarf Bamboo (Bambusa spp.):

Some dwarf bamboo species can adapt to indoor conditions, but they may require more space due to their growth habits. Choose smaller varieties, and be prepared to provide adequate light and care.

3- Chinese Bamboo (Dracaena braunii):

Chinese Bamboo, also known as Ribbon Plant, is a popular choice for indoor settings due to its low light tolerance and ease of care. It is not a true bamboo but is often included in bamboo displays.

4- Fernleaf Bamboo (Pleioblastus viridistriatus):

Fernleaf Bamboo is a compact bamboo variety that can do well indoors. Its smaller size makes it suitable for indoor pots, but it still requires proper light and care.

5- Dwarf Fernleaf Bamboo (Pleioblastus pygmaeus):

This bamboo is smaller in size and can be suitable for indoor cultivation. It’s well-suited for smaller spaces and indoor containers.

6- Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea):

Golden Bamboo can thrive indoors if provided with bright, indirect light. It’s essential to control its growth by pruning regularly, as it can become quite tall.

7- Himalayan Blue Bamboo (Drepanostachyum falcatum):

This bamboo can be suitable for larger indoor spaces due to its size. It may require more care and attention compared to smaller bamboo varieties.

8- Weeping Bamboo (Fargesia spp.):

Fargesia bamboo varieties, such as Fargesia nitida, are ideal for indoor growing. They are relatively compact and can tolerate lower light conditions.

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Most recent revision June 30, 2025 08:08:53 PM

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