Lucky Bamboo Water Culture Method and Care Tips

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is an evergreen foliage plant of the genus Dracaena, with upright stems and slender, emerald-green leaves, and it is much loved by households for its auspicious symbolism. It can be grown in soil and is also very well suited to water culture; the hydroponic method is clean and tidy, and it looks attractive placed in a living room, study or on an office desk.

To grow lucky bamboo in water, you must first choose a good container, preferably a transparent glass bottle so you can easily observe the growth of the root system. Before placing the stems in the bottle, cut the base of the stem at a slant to increase the water-absorbing area, and remove the leaves from the part that will be submerged to prevent them from rotting in the water. Fill the bottle with clean water, with the water level just covering about one third of the base of the stem; it should not be too deep.

Freshly placed cuttings should be kept in a bright spot without direct sunlight; when the temperature is suitable, white new roots will appear in two to three weeks. Before rooting, change the water every three to four days; after rooting, the frequency of water changes can be reduced, and you can simply top up the water when the level drops, since changing the water too often can easily damage the roots.

In daily care, if the leaves turn yellow, it is usually related to too much light, deteriorating water quality or insufficient nutrients. You can add a few drops of hydroponic nutrient solution about every half month and move the plant to a spot with plenty of indirect light. In winter, take care to keep it warm and avoid direct drafts of cold air; as long as the environment is warm and the water is clean, lucky bamboo will stay green all year round.