How to Grow Lucky Bamboo: Master These Methods for Greener, Shinier Leaves

Lucky bamboo is not actually a true bamboo, but an evergreen foliage plant of the genus Dracaena. Its stems are upright and its leaves are long, slender and emerald green. It is often tied into a tower shape or bent into various forms, and because it symbolizes wealth and good fortune, it is very popular in homes and offices. It can be grown either in water or in soil, and it is not difficult to care for, making it a very suitable indoor green plant for beginners.

Lucky bamboo likes bright, indirect light and should be kept away from strong, direct sunlight, otherwise its leaves tend to turn yellow and develop scorched edges. It prefers a warm environment, so in winter take care to protect it from the cold and keep it warm, and avoid direct blasts of cold wind. When growing it in water, the water level should just cover the base of the stems. Before it roots, you can change the water a little more frequently; after it has rooted, reduce the frequency of water changes and simply top up the water as needed to keep it clean, and you can also add a small amount of nutrient solution to supplement nutrients.

If you choose soil cultivation, use loose soil with good drainage, keep the potting soil slightly moist but not waterlogged in daily care, and apply a little diluted fertilizer during the growing season, and the plant will grow greener and more robust. The tower shapes sold on the market are made by binding and stacking several stems together; when caring for them at home, simply keep the shape intact and there is no need to deliberately separate them.

The most common problems in care are yellowing leaves and rotting stems, which are mostly related to too much light, deteriorating water quality or temperatures that are too low. If you find rotten roots, promptly cut off the rotten parts, wash them and place them in clean water to grow again; the cut stem sections will also readily root and survive when inserted into clean water, so you can propagate new plants along the way.