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4.6 out of 5 (201 experiences)


About Lucky Bamboo
Did you know the genus name Dracaena comes from the Greek for ‘female dragon’? Some plants in this genus have thick, red resin which was reminiscent of dragon blood! 🐲 Dracaenas are native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, and are known for being super easy to care for. Some species can go months without water, and many can grow well in low sunlight.
Taxonomy
Dracaena braunii
Dracaena
Asparagaceae
Asparagales

How to care for Lucky Bamboo

How often to water your Lucky Bamboo

every 12
Lucky Bamboo needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Lucky Bamboo in your home

a window
Lucky Bamboo can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Lucky Bamboo in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Lucky Bamboo

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Lucky Bamboo after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Lucky Bamboo is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Lucky Bamboo thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Lucky Bamboo can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Lucky Bamboo is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Lucky Bamboo prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Soil
Lucky Bamboo does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Lucky Bamboo grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
It’s common for Lucky Bamboo to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Lucky Bamboo is native to Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Lucky Bamboo bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Lucky Bamboo grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Lucky Bamboo can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Lucky Bamboo can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Lucky Bamboo, since they are very sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say






