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Lucky bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana is an African-born plant that got its name from the German collector Braun. In its habitat, this plant grows up to 5 feet (and sometimes even taller). Don’t let this fact stop you from getting this lovely plant: it will not break through your ceiling. When grown indoors, Dracaena sanderiana, which is also known by the name lucky bamboo, reaches 2 to 3 feet and makes a great houseplant. It has tall upright stems with light green arching leaves on top. Feng shui enthusiasts believe that this plant has the power to bring fortune into a house or an office.
- Watering Once a week
- Temperature 60–70°F
- Sun Full sun/part shade
- Soil 6–6.5 pH
- Pet safety Pet-toxic
- Care Easy
- Height Tall
- Air-purifying Yes
Care
Watering
Regular
The lucky bamboo is usually kept in a decorative pot with water in it. The plant's roots should always be under water. Every 3 to 5 days, pour some more water into the pot and replace it regularly, after 2 to 3 months, to avoid a nasty odor. Make sure the water you use is low in fluoride and chlorine. Otherwise, switch to distilled or purified water. If you are growing it in the soil, water your plant 2-3 times a week in summer, reducing the watering frequency to once a week or every 10 days in winter.
Temperature
60–70°F
Your lucky bamboo will be able to bring you good fortune for a more extended period if you keep the temperature within the range between 60°F and 70°F (16°C and 24°C). At 50°F (10°C) and lower, your plant will probably wither away.
Sunlight
Full sun/part shade
Like many other Dracaena species, the lucky bamboo prefers the right balance between light and shade. So, don’t overdo with either of them to ensure your plant’s lush and healthy growth.
Soil
Type: Chalky, clay, loam, sand
Drainage: Well-drained
pH: 6–6.5
If you keep your lucky bamboo in soil, go for a well-draining mix.
Humidity
Medium (40-60%) or high (60-80%)
Don't let humidity drop below 40%.
Dracaena sanderiana prefers to grow where it’s hot and humid. Low humidity can cause the plant’s leaves to turn yellow and leaf tips to turn brown. If your room is dry, mist your lucky bamboo every couple of days.
Fertilization
Use a diluted water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once every few months.
Avoid using the same fertilizer solution for all indoor plants.
Fertilize your Dracaena sanderiana every few months with a diluted water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (one tenth of the normal strength). Another good idea is to use a few drops of food made for aquarium plants.​ The best time to fertilize is when you change the water in a pot.
Repotting
After the first year of growth
Your lucky bamboo will grow a knotted ball of container-shaped roots after the first year or so. This is a good time for repotting. Pick a bigger container to let the roots spread, fill it with rocks and room temperature water. A pot 2 inches larger in diameter than the base of the plant and as deep as it is wide will be perfect.
Problems
Pests
Spider mites, scale insects
Dracaena sanderiana is rather enduring when it comes to pests. Of course, they may settle on your plant, but it’s a rare occasion. Spider mites and scale insects may from time to time attack your lucky bamboo. Don’t worry though: you just have to arm yourself with a cotton swab, soak it in an isopropyl solution, and wipe the insects away.
Diseases
Root rot
Your plant’s stalks may turn yellow, which suggests that the roots are beginning to rot. Avoid water stagnation and replace the water in your plant’s pot regularly.
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