How to grow Lucky Bamboo

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.²

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.

Fertilize your lucky bamboo every month or so. You can grow lucky bamboo with water crystals also.

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

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.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 15°C / 59°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Lucky Bamboo is a tender plant.

Bag seed heads to capture ripening seeds. Allow seed heads to dry on plant; remove and collect seeds. Seeds should be used fairly quickly as they do not store well.³

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

Ribbon Plant, Belgian Evergreen

Sanderiana dracaena

¹ Not in my tank!

² Plants Rescue

³ Plants Rescue entry on dracaena sanderiana