Lucky bamboo is a beautiful indoor plant. It’s not only soil-based but also a water-based plant. Lucky bamboo seems to be bamboo, but it’s not. It is another character of dracaena. It is a perennial plant and is known as friendship bamboo and ribbon plant. Lucky bamboo is a flowering plant, but it does not bloom indoors. However, there is nothing to be upset about. When it represents perfection, happiness, love, harmony, and peace, you will be happy. You can easily place them in the corner of your living room or office room.
| Common Name: | Lucky bamboo, friendship bamboo, ribbon plant |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena sanderiana |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial shrub |
| Mature Size | 1-5 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide (indoors) |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
| Soil Type | Water or moist but well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | Acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-6.5) |
| Bloom Time | Fall, winter (does not bloom indoors) |
| Flower Color | White |
| Pet Safety | Toxic to cats and dogs |
Some Tips on How to Take Care of Your Lucky Bamboo
Now, I describe the tips from my own experience
Take care with proper placement and light
Before you decide where to place your lucky bamboo, find out what kind of light it grows best in. Lucky bamboo needs bright but indirect light. So, place them where indirect sunlight comes in. You can easily place it in a well-lit area in your home or office. Lucky bamboo also tolerates low light. Be careful about direct sunlight because it can scorch the leaves.
Take care with the soil
Lucky bamboo needs well-drained and moist soil. But care should be taken that the soil is not wet because its roots can rot if the soil is wet. So, give enough water to the plants.
Take care with water
You know that lucky bamboo is not only soil-growing but also a water-growing plant. It can easily grow in water without soil. You may set these plants in a glass container with water. You can also trim the container or vase with multi-colored stones. However, lucky bamboo needs chlorine-free water. Household water holds some chlorine. For this reason, you should use strained or bottled water. Change the water every seven days. Ensure the roots are submerged in water. For better growth, the water must be kept clean. It is good to know that it can survive less time in water than in soil.
Take care with fertilizer
Lucky bamboo can grow without fertilizer, but you can use fertilizer for better growth. You can use slow-release or water-soluble fertilizer for your plant. When you use slow-release fertilizer, you don’t require extra work throughout the season. When you use water-soluble fertilizer, you can easily change the amount of fertilizer. Both slow-release and water-soluble fertilizers are great. Use fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. Avoiding fertilizers helps your plants to grow properly, resulting in weak growth.
Take care with pruning
Basically, lucky bamboo doesn’t need pruning. However, sometimes due to its excessive growth, pruning is required. Never prune by cutting its branches; just shorten its leaves. Avoid pruning in winter because the growing season is the best time for pruning.
Protection from insects
Like any other plant, lucky bamboo is also attacked by insects, such as aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, etc. To remove this problem, mix rubbing alcohol, water, and dishwashing detergent properly and apply this to your plants. You can use a clove of garlic in the plant’s soil to get rid of bugs.
Solving common problems
Every plant has some common problems. Now I will discuss those problems
Black roots
There are many reasons why your plant’s roots may turn black. When you see black roots, avoid fertilizing, stop watering for a few days, and keep it in a shaded place for a few days. Finally, cut off the black root very quickly.
Red roots
Sometimes you see red roots in your lucky bamboo’s water vase. Nothing to worry about because red roots are a sign of a healthy plant.
Brown leaves
Brown leaves are a common problem for lucky bamboo. Chlorinated water or water with high levels of minerals can cause this problem because it creates bacteria in your plants. As a result, the leaves turn brown. So, use chlorine-free water and water within a specific range. Remove brown leaves as soon as possible because they can spread bacteria.
Mushy stalks
Mushy stalks are a sign of dying plant roots. This problem is caused by the attack of bacteria and fungi and chlorinated water. When you see mushy stalks in your plants, move your plant to another clean container. Clean your plant’s leaves, soil, and water to prevent this problem.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves are a common problem for every plant. In the winter season, yellow leaves are normal. This problem happens due to over or under watering or too much light. So, give your plant sufficient water and adequate light.
Flower problems
Lucky bamboo has white flowers. However, lucky bamboo does not bloom indoors, only outdoors. So don’t worry about it.
I have listed all the problems and solutions for this plant and how to care for it from my experience. Hopefully, if you follow these tips, your plant will be alive and vibrant.
