As
millions of "lucky" consumers around the world have
discovered, Lucky Bamboo makes the perfect house or office plant.
It needs little
care - only about an inch of water and little direct sunlight
to keep it happy and thriving...
What
is Lucky Bamboo?
Known for
centuries as Lucky Bamboo, the plant is not a bamboo at all (botanical
name: Dracaena) but a resilient member of the lily family
that grows in the dark, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia
and Africa.
How
Much Care Does Lucky Bamboo Need?
Keep water
fresh by changing it every week, and always keep water levels
at approximately an inch from the base of the canes. Lucky Bamboo
prefers plenty of indirect sunlight and room temperatures at 65-70o.
Although opinions differ on feeding, your Lucky Bamboo is a living
organism, so it makes sense to occasionally add a mild solution
to the water such as African Violet fertilizer. Since growth can
be controlled by feeding, small amounts of fertilizer will keep
the plant at a manageable size.
Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?
Two of the most common factors are 1.) too much direct sunlight;
and 2.) too salty or heavily-fluoridated tap water. Give your
new Lucky Bamboo a thriving start be sure to keep it away from
direct sunlight, and water only with filtered or natural spring
water.
Why
Is It Called "Lucky" Bamboo?
Along with
its ease of growth, Lucky Bamboo has long been associated with
the Eastern practice of Feng
Shui - or the bringing of natural elements of water, fire,
earth, wood and metal into balance within the environment. Lucky
Bamboo is believed to be an ideal example of the thriving wood
and water element, with the addition of a red ribbon sometimes
tied around the stalks - which is believed to "fire"
the positive flow of energy or chi in the room.
The number
of stalks also has meaning : three stalks for happiness; five
stalks for wealth; six stalks for health. Four stalks, however,
are always avoided since the word "four" in Chinese
sounds too similar to the Chinese word for "death"!
Can I Take Cuttings from Lucky Bamboo?
Yes. New stalks
can be propagated from the original plant by using a sharp knife
to cut through a stalk - just below the joint. Place the cutting
in fresh, clean water. A fine mist spray to stalks is sometimes
suggested to stimulate new bud growth.
How
Do I Repot Bamboo?
Like any other
houseplant, Lucky Bamboo can be transferred to a vase or pot 2"
larger than the original, or planted permanently into a loose
sand or soil mixture that provides lots of bottom drainage. To
avoid root rot, be careful to let the top of the soil dry out
between waterings.