Article by Renaldo Mirambil

Of late, the famed ‘lucky bamboo’ – a type of lily actually – has gained massive popularity as an indoor decorative plant. As the West awakes to the Eastern spirituality and practice of growing bamboo, this plant has found new admirers worldwide.

This species basically belongs to the Dracaena family – Dracaena sanderiana. Plants of this family are famous for their ability to withstand unwholesome indoor conditions. These plants grow their stems in a manner which is very similar to the way in which bamboo plants grow their shoots. For this reason, plants of this family are popularly known as lucky bamboo.

In order to grow a beautiful and healthy plant, proper care cannot be overemphasized. Care of lucky bamboo plant involves simple combination of space, water, and ambient light. Generally a few inches of pure water is considered healthy enough. The plant can also be potted in fertile, moist and well-drained soil. To add more weight and beauty to the container, decorative colored marbles, stones or pebbles are often used.

It is important to use clear, fresh and de-mineralised water and recycle the same every week or two. If de-mineralised water is not used, leaves or parts thereof may turn brown or yellow.

Ambient light also plays an important role towards taking care of this bamboo plant’s health and growth. In nature, this plant is generally found under the shade of taller trees in a tropical, evergreen rainforest environment. In order to grow a healthy plant, therefore, it is imperative to simulate its natural environment. Any indoor location with indirect, bright light – natural or artificial – would do fine.

Be mindful of the fact that excessive strong and direct sunlight is harmful for the leaves of the plant. Lesser amounts of light will lead to weaker photosynthesis, and lesser food production, leading to inhibited growth and pale color. As far as temperatures are concerned, habitable indoor temperatures would just do fine. There is no need per se for strong light or temperature-conditioning.

Another area of care of lucky bamboo plant that deserves special mention is plant cutting. Even though a lucky bamboo looks intricate, its cutting is done in a different way than that for a bonsai. This species has an inclination to bend towards a light source, and this characteristic is used to shape the plant while growing bamboo. Different artistic shapes are thus possible through cleverly positioning the plant before a light source. This process needs patience, though. Do not expect quick results.

A word of caution: The leaves of this plant are reportedly toxic, though only to a slight extent. It would serve you well to keep it out of reach of kids and pets. In case of swallowing leaves of this plant, seek appropriate medical help.