How to Grow Lucky Bamboo in Water: Master These Methods for Fuller Leaves and Stems

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is an evergreen foliage plant of the genus Dracaena, with upright stems and slender, emerald-green leaves. It symbolizes good fortune and good luck, and is often tied into a tower shape or simply placed in a bottle of water. It looks great in a living room or study. It has low environmental demands, and growing it in water is cleaner and less trouble than growing it in soil, which is why it has become a very popular indoor hydroponic plant.

To grow lucky bamboo in water, first choose a good container and water quality. Tap water is best left to stand for a day or two before use. The water level should just cover about one third of the roots; do not soak the entire stem in water. Before roots form, you can change the water every three or four days. After roots form, reduce the frequency of water changes; when the water level drops, simply top it up in time. Frequent water changes actually tend to damage the roots.

For its daily position, choose a spot with bright indirect light and avoid prolonged direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves can easily become scorched and turn yellow. Lucky bamboo likes a warm environment, so keep it warm in winter. Room temperature is best kept above 10°C, and keep it away from window gaps and cold drafts to prevent the leaves from freezing.

The most common troubles in care are yellow leaves and root rot. During the growing season, you can add a few drops of diluted nutrient solution to the water to supplement nutrients; it is better to use too little than too much. If you find the roots turning black and smelly, promptly cut off the rotten parts, wash the container and bamboo segments clean, change the water, and start growing them again. As long as you keep the water clean and the environment warm, water-grown lucky bamboo will have green leaves and strong roots, growing better and better.