A lucky bamboo is a popular housewarming gift, as it brings luck to the household. These bamboo plants come in interesting shapes, with spiral, braided, or curved stalks and sizes.
They are commonly used for feng shui purposes in restaurants, offices, and homes. Here is everything you need to know about how to grow lucky bamboo.
When and Where to Plant Lucky Bamboo
Before you plant your lucky bamboo, you should decide when and where to sow it. These factors can affect the health and vigor of your plant. Below, we have listed all the information you need.
Planting Period
Unlike most plants that need to be planted at a specific time and season, like when the plant is dormant in fall or winter, lucky bamboo can be planted anytime. You can do it whenever you are ready to give it a new home, whether in water or soil.
You can do it during the spring or early summer when the lucky bamboo is in its active growth phase. Ensure you provide the right conditions for its health and growth.
You can grow lucky bamboo in soil or water. Some people prefer soil for aesthetic reasons or to help the roots grow. If you choose to plant it in soil, ensure the soil drains well and is rich in organic matter.
You can add perlite or sand to help the water drain away so the roots do not get too wet, which can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.Also, the pot should not be too big, or the soil will stay wet for too long. A pot that is a little bigger than the roots is best.
Light
When it comes to light, lucky bamboo prefers moderate to low light conditions, but this will depend on the variety. Different varieties have different needs. But whichever variety you grow, avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves.
If your plant is not growing or turning yellow, it may indicate insufficient sunlight. You can also tell if your plant is getting enough light by observing its growth patterns. Lucky bamboo usually leans towards the light, so if it is bending in one direction, you might need to rotate or move it to a different spot.
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo: Step-By-Step Instructions
Lucky bamboo can be grown from seeds even though it is challenging. You can get the seeds from online retailers or garden centers, but you should sow them as soon as you get them, or they lose vigor after 2 to 3 months.
1. Preparing the Seeds
Soak the seeds in water for an hour. Soaking helps soften the seed coat and triggers chemical reactions essential for germination.
Remember, the older the seeds, the lesser the viability, so you need to use only recently harvested seeds. If you are buying, check with the supplier to ensure they are fresh.
2. Preparing the Potting Mix
You can use lucky bamboo starter mixes or make your own by following this recipe.
2-part peat moss
1-part organic perlite
1/3 part of garden soil
1/3 part sand
You can add finely chopped dried bark, making the soil light and porous. Once your potting mix is ready, fill a seed starter tray with about two-thirds of the potting mix and lightly press. Moisten the mix with distilled or filtered water until damp but not soggy.
3. Sowing the Seeds
Place the seeds about 0.3-0.6 centimeters deep and lightly press from above. Do not bury them too deep, as they cannot receive light for germination. If you are using other containers instead of a tray, maintain a distance of about 1-2 inches between each seed to avoid overcrowding.
Then, spray the seeds using a spray bottle to moisten the soil and cover the tray with a humidity dome with ventilators. Afterward, place the tray on a heating pad to maintain the ideal soil temperature of around 25-30°C for germination.
4. Transferring the Seedlings
Lucky bamboo seeds shall sprout within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the environment and seed quality. Once the seeds germinate, remove the humidity dome to allow the seedlings to produce two sets of leaves.
Let the seedlings grow for about 3 to 4 weeks until they develop robust roots. After that, transfer the seedlings into 6-inch wide and deep terracotta pots.
5. Care During Germination
During germination, continue the care for seedlings, or they may die. You should maintain an ideal humidity of around 70-90% and mist the soil about 1-3 inches deep if it is dry.
Open the humidity dome for about an hour to let air circulate every 2-3 days. Provide ample indirect sunlight for about 8-12 hours daily.
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo
Germinating the seeds alone is not sufficient to grow a lucky bamboo plant. Certain conditions should be maintained to ensure the lucky bamboo matures to a healthy plant. Here is what you should do.
Temperature and Humidity
Lucky bamboo prefers moderate to warm temperatures and high humidity. If you live in a dry climate with low humidity, consider using a humidifier or misting your plant regularly with a spray bottle.
Keep your plant away from cold spots or drafty areas like windows, doors, and air conditioning. The cold can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. If your plant looks sickly and unhealthy, it may indicate the temperature or humidity range is not ideal.
When growing lucky bamboo in soil, water thoroughly once a week or more frequently if the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves or stems to prevent pests and fungal infections.
Lucky bamboo is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water. So, distilled or filtered water is best, especially if the tap water contains fluoride or chlorine.
Fertilizer
Lucky bamboo does not require much fertilizing and can thrive on minimal or no fertilization. However, you can use a diluted liquid fertilizer every two months to promote growth and keep the leaves lush and green.
When fertilizing your lucky bamboo, use a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute the fertilizer to one-fourth concentrate to avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to burning or yellow, wilted leaves.
Pruning
Pruning lucky bamboo is essential for maintaining a desired shape, promoting healthy growth, and preventing diseases. It also prevents the plant from becoming too tall or leggy. Here is how to prune your lucky bamboo.
Sterilize your scissors or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant to prevent the spread of diseases.
Identify areas for pruning. Look for tall, leggy stems outgrowing the desired shape and yellowing, brown, or diseased leaves and stems.
Cut the unwanted parts just above a node at a 45-degree angle to encourage new growth from the node.
Cut the top of the stem to control the height. Cut a few inches below the top of the stem to promote a bushier plant.
Regularly check for new growth and prune when necessary to maintain the desired shape.
When to Prune Lucky Bamboo
The best time to prune lucky bamboo is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. While you can prune the stems of your lucky bamboo, avoid cutting the main stalk.
The unique shapes of lucky bamboo are achieved through careful cultivation techniques and cannot be replicated through pruning.
Potting and Repotting
Once your lucky bamboo seedlings are mature, they can be grown in a vase or container filled with water and pebbles in the water. Here’s a step-by-step guide to potting lucky bamboo in water:
Select a clear container or vase tall enough to support the bamboo stalks. Clear containers are preferable to monitor water levels and root health.
2. Prepare the Bamboo Stalks
If your bamboo stalks have not developed roots, place them in a container with water until roots develop. Ensure that the bottom nodes are submerged in water. The lucky bamboo plant will need at least 1 to 3 inches (2.5-8 cm.) of water for root growth.
3. Add Pebbles or Stones (Optional):
Place small pebbles or decorative stones in the bottom of the container. These will help anchor the bamboo stalks and keep them upright.
4. Arrange the Stalks
Place the bamboo stalks in the container, arranging them as desired. Ensure that the bottom ends of the stalks are resting on the pebbles or the bottom of the container.
If using pebbles or stones, gently pour more around the stalks to hold them in place.
Fill the container with distilled or filtered water until the water level is at least an inch above the bottom ends of the stalks, ensuring the roots are fully submerged.
Avoid tap water as it often contains chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the plant.
6. Provide Proper Lighting
Place the container in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Keep the plant in a room with temperatures between 65-90°F (18-32°C)
7. Maintain the Water
As your lucky bamboo grows, you can increase the amount of water it grows in. Change the water every two weeks to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth. Top off the water level as needed to keep the roots submerged.
8. Monitor the Plant
Check the roots and stalks regularly for any signs of rot or disease. Healthy roots should be white or light brown. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Sometimes, your lucky bamboo might need repotting. Here is everything you should know.
Tips for Repotting Lucky Bamboo
Repotting should be done sparingly to minimize stress on the plant. However, if the roots become overcrowded or the soil is depleted of nutrients, it is time to repot.
When repotting, select a slightly larger pot than the previous one to allow for growth. This will give the roots more space to expand and prevent them from becoming pot-bound.
Follow the same steps as you would for initial potting. Gently remove the plant, tease the roots, and place it in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and let it drain.
Benefits of Repotting
There are many benefits to repotting. Here are a few of them.
Promotes Healthy Growth
During repotting, we use bigger pots and fresh soil. Using bigger pots gives the roots more space to grow, preventing them from becoming root-bound. This allows the plant to absorb more nutrients and water.
Meanwhile, the fresh soil provides a new supply of nutrients that may have been depleted in the old potting medium, supporting robust growth.
Prevents Root Rot
Using a pot with adequate drainage holes and fresh, well-draining soil reduces the risk of water accumulation, which can lead to root rot.
Repotting allows you to inspect the roots and remove any that are damaged or diseased, promoting healthier root systems.
Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
Repotting helps maintain a clean and fresh appearance of the lucky bamboo. Removing old, compacted soil and damaged stalks improves the overall look of the plant.
Upgrading to a more attractive or appropriately sized container can enhance the visual appeal of your plant display.
Stimulates New Growth
Disturbing the roots slightly during repotting can stimulate the plant to produce new shoots and leaves, contributing to a fuller appearance. When repotting, you can also prune any unwanted growth to encourage the plant to focus energy on new, healthy shoots.
Improves Plant Health
Fresh soil can reduce the buildup of salts, pathogens, and pests that may accumulate in old soil, promoting overall plant health. Ensuring the plant is not root-bound helps maintain balanced growth, preventing the plant from becoming top-heavy and unstable.
Facilitates Environmental Adaptation
If the bamboo is showing signs of stress due to its current environment, repotting can help it adapt by providing a better-growing medium and a more suitable pot.
Types of Lucky Bamboo
There are different types of lucky bamboo. Below are ten varieties of lucky bamboo that you can grow at home, along with a brief description of each:
Straight Lucky Bamboo
Straight lucky bamboo is the most common type, featuring straight, vertical stalks. It is often sold in bundles and used as ornamentals with decorative stones or containers. They are low maintenance, requiring little light and minimal water changes.
Curly (Spiral) Lucky Bamboo
Spiral lucky bamboo is trained into spiral shapes through careful manipulation and growth direction. Their shapes add interest to any room.
They are low maintenance, like straight bamboo, but require extra effort to maintain the spiral shape.
Braided lucky bamboo has several individual stalks carefully intertwined to create a braided effect. The number of stalks used can vary, but three or more are braided. They are seen as a symbol of unity and strength.
They make a stunning and intricate display. This variety needs regular monitoring to ensure the braids stay intact and healthy.
Lotus Lucky Bamboo
Unlike traditional lucky bamboo with long, slender stalks, lotus bamboo features broader leaves that resemble a lotus flower.
It has multiple stalks that grow upright, creating a fuller, bushier look than traditional lucky bamboo. It is considered a large variety because it reaches 6-10 feet.
Tower Lucky Bamboo
A Tower Lucky Bamboo features multiple lucky bamboo stalks carefully placed to form a pyramid or tiered structure. The base layer is the widest, and the top layer is the narrowest, creating a pyramid shape.
The stalks are tied with ribbons or wire to maintain the pyramid structure. The tower shape symbolizes growth, prosperity, and harmony in many cultures.
