United States Edition

Lucky Bamboo   

Dracaena sanderiana

Lucky Bamboo is part of the Dracaena genus and its scientific name is Dracaena sanderiana.

Dracaena sanderiana and related species are popular houseplants, with numerous cultivars sold. It can survive in many indoor conditions, but indirect lighting is best as direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and burn.
Although it grows better in soil, it is often sold with the roots in water. The water should be completely changed every two weeks. The water should be bottled water, soft tap water with very little fluoride, or even water from a filtered, established aquarium. It does best in bright, indirect lighting and temperatures from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F).
Yellow or brown leaf edges may be caused by too much direct light, crowded roots, or fluoridated or chlorinated water, the latter of which can be prevented by leaving tap water exposed to the air for a day before plant use. Salty or softened water can also cause this.
Twisted shapes can be produced by rotating the plant with respect to gravity and directed light sources. This is difficult to achieve for most home users, but not impossible with a lot of spare time and a lot of patience.
Often in large chain pet shops it will be sold as an aquatic plant. While it will live for months like this, it will eventually rot unless the sprouts are allowed to grow above the surface.1

The leaves of this particular variety normally show as   Sea green and   Green-yellow colour. A type of houseplant / ornamental, it mainly grows as a perennial plant - which means it typically grows best over a long period (from 3 years+). Lucky Bamboo is known for growing to a height of approximately 4.95 inches (that's 12.7 cm in metric) with a erect habit.

Cameroon is believed to be where Lucky Bamboo originates from.

Lucky Bamboo is known to be toxic to humans and/or animals, so be careful where you position and how you handle this plant.

Lucky Bamboo is great for inexperienced gardeners and those that like low maintainance gardens.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Lucky Bamboo have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Lucky Bamboo

  • Indoor

    OR +
  • Dappled Sun

    +
  • Very High

Use as pure water as possible. Lucky Bamboo is particularly sensitive to chlorine and toxins in the water. R.O. water is suggested, as is bottled or purified water.

Lucky Bamboo likes a position of indoor lighting / dappled sun and remember to water very often. Zone 8 to 14 are typically the USDA Hardiness Zones that are appropriate for this plant (although this can vary based on your microclimate). Lucky Bamboo requires a sandy, loamy or potting mix soil with a ph of 6.4 - 7.5 - it grows best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil. Keep in mind when planting that Lucky Bamboo is thought of as tender, so it is imperative to wait until temperatures are mild before planting out of doors.

Growing Lucky Bamboo from seed

Germination is most commonly done through taking cuttings from already established plants:

Transplanting Lucky Bamboo

If planting in soil, make sure soil is not overload with fertilizers first. If planting in soil in a pot, it is recommended that holes are drilled/poked through the side of the pot, as it increases air flow and oxygen to the roots.

Companion plants for Lucky Bamboo

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Lucky Bamboo so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Lucky Bamboo

These plants will not grow well with Lucky Bamboo so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Lucky Bamboo problems

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Lucky Bamboo plants:

Algae, Mold, Root Rot (particularly in hydroponic settings)

Other names for Lucky Bamboo

Sanderiana dracaena

Latest Lucky Bamboo Reviews

  • 23 Sep 2012
    Reviewed

    PaigesLittleShopOfHorrors PaigesLittleShopOfHorrors's Lucky Bamboo was Reviewed day 247

    Lucky Bamboo, contrary to how the mass market sells them, grow wonderful in soil and also by using Reverse Osmosis water. Also, it’s done just find under my H.I.D. lights, which are equiv. to the sun.

    5 stars

See all Lucky Bamboo reviews and experiences »

Lucky Bamboo care instructions

How long does Lucky Bamboo take to grow?

These estimates for how long Lucky Bamboo takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Footnotes

fn1"Wikipedia Page – Dracaena Sanderiana".http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_sanderiana

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Lucky Bamboo Forums

  • Lucky Bamboo

    Lucky Bamboo, all species of Lucky Bamboo and their growers are welcome. As a very common houseplant with such a wide...

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