Lucky Bamboo is a houseplant, not a true bamboo! With its typically intricately placed stems, lucky bamboo is a superb gift plant that adds a striking touch to indoor design.
The Lucky bamboo is a simple plant that may grow in soil or water. While this plant is known as bamboo, it is not a true bamboo plant species and instead belongs to the dracaena genus, despite the stalks’ similar look.
The ribbon plant has been used in houses and Feng Shui. This charming indoor plant is ideal for desktops or sunny windowsills, and it is said to provide pleasure and well-being to those who own it.
Ribbon plant is well-known for bringing good luck, wealth, and positive energy. It symbolizes a happy life, making it an ideal gift for any occasion. These plants are incredibly low-maintenance and require very little care.
Lucky Bamboo plant
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular houseplant that may be grown in soil or hydroponically. While the lucky bamboo plant’s stalks mimic those of a genuine bamboo plant, it is a member of the Asparagaceae family.
The ribbon plant is said to bring its owner fortune and good luck, and it comes in a variety of eye-catching iterations. Despite its African origins, lucky bamboo is shipped from China or Taiwan, but it is currently grown across the world as a lucky houseplant.
The lucky bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and is used in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years. It has been a part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, but its popularity has soared in the last 15 years. It is now found in many places of the world.
The plant is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 100 cm (39 in) and has slightly twisted grey-green leaves that can reach a length of 23 cm (9 in).
Ribbon plant grows best under indirect light and at temperatures up from 65 to 95 degree F. It grows in these semi-tropical conditions and is considered as hardy in zones 10-11.
Plant Overview
- 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
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade
- Soil Type: Water or moist but well-drained soil
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Bloom Time: Fall, winter
- Flower Color: White
- Hardiness Zones: 10–11 (USDA)
- Native Area: Africa
- Toxicity: Toxic to animals
How To Grow Lucky Bamboo Plant
Grow lucky bamboo in low or medium light for optimal results. It can tolerate bright light, but lucky bamboo dislikes direct sunlight, so cover it to absorb the light. It loves soil that is nutrient-rich and slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Keep a lucky bamboo plant warm and inside ideally in a well-lit room for the best growing conditions. While lucky bamboo may be planted in soil outside, it can be damaged by freezing weather or harsh sunlight.
It grows well in both soil and water, but in soil it lives the longest. If grown in water, it should be replaced once a week. If planted in soil, keep the soil slightly wet; do not overwater or allow it to dry out.
Pruning
The lucky bamboo is not pruned and shaped in the same way as bonsai is using plant wire and careful pruning. Pruning is crucial to keep lucky bamboo healthy. In general, cutting the primary stem of lucky bamboo is not a good idea.
Instead, use sterile snipers to sever the offshoots. You can cut them down to an inch or two from the main stem. New branches will appear shortly, and the plant will get bushier as a result. Dip the cut end in paraffin to prevent new growth.
Ribbon plant forms are created by rotating the plant stalks in front of a light source, causing the plant to naturally grow toward the light. To develop their distinctive spiraling shapes, professionals frequently grow stalks on their sides.
This is a hard task which requires patience and time to perfect. It is possible to do this by putting the plants in a three-sided box, then monitoring their growth rates and gently and regularly rotating the plants.
Propagation
You may propagate lucky bamboo at any time by utilising cuttings to create new plants to give as a lucky gift to anyone. However, the roots will not be fashioned like the type of plant purchased. To propagate lucky bamboo, follow these steps:
- Trim the leaves to expose the growth nodes after taking a stem cutting off the main stalk that contains at least one leaf joint with a sterile, sharp cutting shear.
- Place the naked cutting in a jar with enough distilled water to fully cover the bottom.
- Keep the water clean and fresh while keep an eye out for the growth of red roots. Roots should appear within 30 days.
- When the roots appear, place the stalk in a pretty vase with water and stones or a pot filled with soil.
Lucky Bamboo Plant Care
Lucky bamboo has a well-earned reputation for being almost durable, making it ideal for novice gardeners or careless waterers. You may want to adjust the light and water levels for lucky bamboo so that it flourishes. Lucky bamboo is simple to care for as long as it is grown in clean water.
They may be grown in water for a few weeks without causing any health issues, but the water should be changed every 7 days. It is far better to nurture and grow a nice healthy plant in a soil pot.
Soil and Fertilizer
These Lucky bamboo plants grows in well-drained, nutrient-rich potting soil. It is important to keep the soil wet but not soaked. Also, as long as it has at least an inch of standing water at all times, it may flourish when housed in stones or just a vase filled with water.
Most lucky bamboo setups need a one drop of liquid fertilizer monthly. Plants grown in water will only require a very light liquid fertilizer alter month or so. Don’t be startled if you see red roots floating in a glass vase of healthy fortunate bamboo roots.
Light and Water
This Ribbon plant prefers bright, filtered sunlight, such as that found beneath the canopy of a rainforest. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the leaves. However, if the plant begins to grow or the green fades, provide more light. Rotate plant often to ensure that light hits the entire plant equally.
Ribbon plant is highly sensitive to chlorine and other common chemicals found in tap water. Unless you have hard water, you can use tap water. If grown in a pebble-filled water vase, replace the water regularly to avoid illnesses and smells. Replace the water every two to three months, if the water has a bad odor.
Temperature and Humidity
The lucky bamboo plants love warmer temperatures ranging from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your plant away from draughts (hot or cold), in front of an air conditioner or heating vent, or near a draughty window. Normal humidity is fine for lucky bamboo plant, so don’t worry about raising the humidity levels in home.
Pests and Diseases
Ribbon plant suffers from the same bug issues as other tropical indoor plants. They may be treated manually or using the same ways as any other indoor plant. Keep an eye out for mealy bugs, aphids, and mites. To remove pests and moldy patches, you may wash the entire plant in a very light liquid dish and water.
Although lucky bamboo is a simple plant, there are a few issues to look out for as it grows. If lucky bamboo plant dies, it does not indicate bad luck; it means it wasn’t given proper care or its lifespan has ended. The problems with this plant are usually related to the quality of water used to grow and maintain it.
Hope you enjoyed reading the Planting guide of Lucky Bamboo Plant. If you think we missed something or have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments section below.
If you are searching fresh and live houseplants online then checkout our extensive collection of amazing indoor and outdoor houseplants.