Lucky bamboo is an easy-to-care for houseplant that thrives in low, indirect light.This plant, which isn't really bamboo at all, but is a type of tropical waterlily called Dracaena sanderiana, is from Africa and is said to bring good luck and good fortune to the inhabitants of any space where it is grown.If you follow a few tips, your bamboo will be healthy and thrive.
Step 1: There are bright green leaves on the plant.
This means that the plant is not healthy.The plant may have been shipped from China or Taiwan.The growers take the stalks and braid them.Some lucky bamboo plants cost hundreds of dollars because of larger, more intricate designs.A pot can hold a plant that is up to 3 feet high.If it's grown in soil, it can reach a height of up to 5 feet.
Step 2: Decide if you want to grow it with soil or with a florescent light source.
It's easy to grow in water and stones, but can also be grown in soil.It's up to you and will likely be determined by the pot or vase you have available.The container should have enough stones or marbles in the bottom to hold it up.The bamboo needs at least 1 to 3 inches of water to thrive.It's best to grow it in rich soil.It needs to be moist but not wet.Salts and high phosphorus concentrations in synthetic fertilizers can cause degradation.Adding small rocks to the bottom of the pot will make sure your soil doesn't get wet.
Step 3: Don't use the wrong container.
Put the lucky bamboo in a tall glass vase or ceramic container, or leave it in the container it comes in.If you want to grow the plant in soil or with decorative stones, a clear container is a good choice.The plant needs to be stable at its peak height.The container should be at least 30 cm in height.Are you using soil?Make sure your rich soil can drain well by filling the pot up most of the way.
Step 4: You should choose the right place.
Think of the light that creeps through the top of a forest canopy when you think of lucky bamboo.The leaves will be damaged by direct sunlight.Keep the temperature away from the air conditioning or vent.The plant likes an air temperature between 65 and 90oF.You can control the curl of your plant by using a three-sided box.The plant will move towards the light.The plant will curve back if you change the side of the sun that faces it.
Step 5: The bamboo will get indirect light if it is placed in a warm spot.
Too little light is better than too much for the plant.The air should be turned off while you're gone.If it's a little warmer, it will be better for the plant.You may want to move the plant as the seasons change.If you're not sure, take it away from the windows.There is plenty of light in the center of the room.
Step 6: If you're growing it indoors, you should change the water every week.
Only tap water can be used if the plant has been sitting out for 24 hours so the chemicals can evaporate.bottled water is the best.The roots of the plant must be covered with water.All it takes is a few inches.
Step 7: Wait to water the plant.
Water your plant just enough to keep the soil moist and not soggy.Every day, keep it this way.If the soil is wet, the plant can get dry-rot.The leaves can be sprayed with water to keep them moist and humid.Again, use bottled water to avoid chemical damage.Increasing the amount of water in which the plant is growing will encourage more roots.The higher the water is, the more roots will grow.
Step 8: You shouldfertilize your plant every month or so.
If you're using soil, it's a good idea to use organicfertilizer every month or so to make sure the plant gets enough nutrition.Liquidfertilizer can be used in the water if you're growing it Hydroponically.It's important to remember that lucky bamboo doesn't need muchfertilizer, so make sure you give it one tenth of its strength.It's best to add it at the same time as you add the rest of the water.
Step 9: If you want to prevent tip burn, use bottled water.
When the leaves become dry and dead is called tip burn.There are chemicals in the water.Setting your tap water out may not be enough if you want your plant to look healthy.It may be hard to get rid of it once it gets tip burn.Some chemicals may reside in the plant even if you switch water.It should go away eventually, so you may have to wait it out.
Step 10: Take care of the plant.
Most of the plants become heavy over time.It's important to trim it to stay healthy.Don't cut off the main stalks.Use sterile scissors to do it.Within an inch or two of the base, remove them.The plant will be bushier and healthier as new shoots emerge.
Step 11: The leaves have a color.
That's a water problem if they're dry and dying.Too much sunlight or too much fertilization can cause them to be yellow.If they are brown, make the area more humid by spraying the plant with water.The plant could be beyond saving.Remove them, change the water, and replant.
Step 12: If you have to, cut the plant.
If the plant is dying, you may have to cut it off.If you notice that the base of the plant is turning yellow, it's root rot and it will die.There is a chance that the plant won't grow if you cut the top off.If you don't like the shape of the plant, you may consider cutting it.You can make the trimmings into a new plant if you don't throw them away.New shoots will emerge from the bottom of the plant, and the top section can be potted to grow on its own.The decaying parts of a dying plant should be removed immediately.Take alive stems and branches and repot them.If you act quickly, they may flourish on their own.