Lucky Bamboo is thought to bring good fortune in Chinese culture, and in recent years has gained tremendous popularity in the West.
The hardiness of bamboo plant is symbolic of good health. Although it looks like a miniature bamboo plant, lucky bamboo is actually a totally different species of plant, called a dracaena.
Lucky bamboo is easy to care for, even for the poorest of gardeners. All it needs is a little patients and attention to stay healthy and beautiful.
Step One
The first step in caring for your lucky bamboo is to ensure that you are buying a healthy plant to begin with. If you notice a bad odor coming from the plant than it is in poor health. Bamboo should smell nice and fresh.
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Step Two
Bamboo can grow in either soil, or in water. Choose a pot or vase that is approximately 2 inches larger than the plant itself.
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Step Three
If you choose to grow your lucky bamboo in water, fill the bottom of the vase with decorative stones or pebbles to help the plant stay up right. Keep the water level about the tops of the stones. Be sure to wash the plant, stones and change the water once a week, to help keep the bamboo from rotting.
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Step Four
If you choose to grow your plant in soil, you are encouraged to have equal parts sand, peat moss, and soil to ensure optimal drainage. The soil needs to be kept damp between waterings. When it comes time to water your plant, be sure to full saturate the pot in water.
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Step Five
When grown in water, be sure to wash the plant, stones and change the water once a week, to help keep the bamboo from rotting.
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Step Six
Soil needs to be kept damp between waterings. When it comes time to water your plant, be sure to full saturate the pot in water.
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Step Seven
Appropriate light levels are also an important factor. Since bamboo grows naturally in the shade of taller rainforest trees, they prefer an indoor location with bright, indirect light. They will perform just fine under artificial lighting. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to burn. Too little light will lead to weak growth, stretching and poor coloration. Normal household temperatures are ideal.
Overall Tips & Warnings
If your bamboo starts to smell badly, it is probably too unhealthy to save. At this point you are better off to simply buy a new plant
More information on http://www.thebamboosite.com
Lucky bamboo is frequently seen growing in unusual spiraling forms, which seem to enhance its appeal. Bamboo does not naturally grow this way. The curving shapes are produced by laying the plants on their sides, with light directed from the top and shielded from each side, causing them to grow in one direction only — toward the light and opposite gravity. The plants are rotated regularly to encourage the spiraling form. Naturally, this is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process which justifies the somewhat higher prices commanded by lucky bamboos.
