Lucky Bamboo

Dracaena braunii

Also known as

Sander's Dracaena, Ribbon Dracaena, Curly Bamboo, Chinese Water Bamboo, Friendship Bamboo, Goddess Of Mercy's Plant, Belgian Evergreen, Ribbon Plant

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii) 3 by Mokkie (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Partial Shade

Moderate care

Moderate watering

Tender

12b

USDA zone

13°C

Minimum temperature

Expected size

Height		Spread
1.5m	Max	20cm
50cm	Min	10cm

Flowering

spring
summer
autumn
winter

This plant has no fragrance

More images of Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo Overview

Dracaena braunii is commonly known as Lucky Bamboo or Curly Bamboo, amongst many other names. Although the word bamboo occurs in several of this plant's common names, Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 1.5 m tall, but as a houseplant, up to 1m. The name "lucky" seems to originate from the traditional Chinese practice, feng shui, which believes the plant brings good fortune into a home or workplace. As such, it is mostly grown and sold commercially for use as an indoor plant, grown either as a potted plant in soil or only in water in a vase. The stems are often twisted or curled when sold for use in a vase. Though they require a fair amount of effort to grow, they make a lovely indoor specimen, particularly in offices.

Common problems with Lucky Bamboo

Rotting is the most frequent problem, make sure the water you use is free of any chemicals. Remove any rotten stems and destroy. Replace the water with fresh distilled water.

How to harvest Lucky Bamboo

Generally not harvested

How to propagate Lucky Bamboo

Cuttings

Cut the biggest shoots available on a stalk, remove the lower leaves. Place the stem cuttings in water for about 3 months to root. Plant into pots with sandy potting soil.

Special features of Lucky Bamboo

Indoor plant

If grown in water, only place bottom section of stems in water covering all the root and keep water level constant. Change all the water every week using distilled or rain water.

Pot plant

In soil, make sure drainage is good, but keep soil moist, and mist plant every few days. Place in an area of bright, but indirect sunlight.