What are the differences between lotus bamboo and lucky bamboo and how do their symbolic meanings differ?

People can look alike, and the same goes for things, especially the wondrously crafted flowers of nature. Among them, lotus bamboo and lucky bamboo are often mistaken by many flower enthusiasts for the same plant. In fact, their growth habits, plant leaves, and growth height, as well as their symbolic meanings, are all different.

Lotus bamboo and lucky bamboo, which are often mistaken for the same plant, actually have completely different growth habits. Among them, lotus bamboo has relatively better cold tolerance, withstanding cold down to above 5°C, while lucky bamboo can withstand cold only down to above 10°C. In comparison, lotus bamboo is suitable for cultivation in northern regions, while lucky bamboo is suitable for southern regions.

Even though lucky bamboo and lotus bamboo have similar names, their leaves are different and their plant heights are not the same. Lotus bamboo is an evergreen small tree, very similar to lucky bamboo. By comparison, the leaves of lotus bamboo are shorter and narrower than those of lucky bamboo. Lucky bamboo leaves are about 3 cm wide and up to 23 cm long, and their leaf color is a darker green compared with lotus bamboo. As for plant height, during growth, lotus bamboo can grow to about 2 m, while lucky bamboo grows to half the height of lotus bamboo. At the same time, lucky bamboo has relatively thick rhizomes, and its branches show the obvious characteristic of developing nodes. Compared with lotus bamboo branches, they are thinner and longer, and the open shape at the top is very similar to a lotus, so people call it lotus bamboo.

Finally, the symbolic meanings of the two plants are different. Among them, lucky bamboo represents good fortune and wishes coming true, and carries the meaning of attracting wealth, while lotus bamboo represents rising step by step and carries the meaning of lasting youth. These two plants may seem the same, but when examined closely they have many differences.

Overall, by observing the differences in the bamboo stems, especially the obvious characteristic of developing nodes, as well as the symbolic meanings of the plants, it is fairly easy to tell lucky bamboo and lotus bamboo apart. During on-site identification, if you also combine the plant height, leaf size, and color of the two, identification will be even more accurate.