How to Grow Bamboo Indoors

The lucky bamboo: Real bamboo or not real bamboo

The lucky bamboo plants we grow indoors as houseplants, are not actually real bamboo. Real bamboo trees are woody, perennial evergreens, from the true grass family known as Poaceae. (1)

Dracaena sanderiana, also known as the lucky bamboo or the ribbon plant, is from the family Ruscaceae. It is a native plant from Cameroon, West Africa, but its stalks or stems are imported from China, Korea and Taiwan. The lucky bamboo plant has long, slender stems and flexible strap-shaped leaves. (2)

This is popular houseplant is a small, under-storey shrub that grows in the shade under trees in the tropical forests. (3)

Lucky bamboo is used in the ancient Chinese healing art of Feng Shui, meaning wind and water. The wind disperses unseen energy from heaven and earth and the water absorbs it. This affects everyday life by giving it balance and harmony. As an ornamental house plant, it is thought to bring health, happiness, good fortune and prosperity to one's home.

It is used as a gift for those reasons. Three stems are given for happiness, five for wealth and six for health. Since the number four has come to be associated with death, one would not give a gift of four stalks. If one receives the lucky bamboo stalks tied together with a red ribbon, that symbolizes chi (fire or energy.) (4)

Mystically, the lucky bamboo is said to create space, energy and safety for its owners.

Tips on how to grow bamboo indoors:

Growing media: The lucky bamboo houseplant can thrive under a variety of indoor conditions. It will grow well in water or soil, but soil is preferable to water. When initially purchased, the plant may be in the form of a number of cuttings tied together. These stems will have been rooting in water and you will see the root growth. Excess growth may be cut off with a sharp knife.

Container: Ideally, you may choose to use any decorative glass or pottery container. Place marbles or pebbles in the bottom of the container, first and then, cover them with fresh water. Insert the stems into the container, with each one at the same level on the bottom of the container.

Roots: Keep the roots moist, at all times. The lucky bamboo plant will grow roots to the top of the water level, so keep the water level relatively low. How much water you use, will depend upon the height of the cuttings. Approximately one to two inches of water is sufficient for cuttings between four to eight inches in height. Even for longer stalks of ten to thirty inches in height or higher, no more than two to four inches of water is necessary. If you have purchased a number of loose stalks, you may need to tie them together for support, but tie them loosely with something that is made of natural fiber, before you place them in the water.

Watering: If you have not planted the stems in soil immediately, they should be given fresh water, at least every one to two weeks. If there is chlorine in your water, let it sit overnight before using it to water your new houseplant. Water from an aquarium, filtered water or bottled water may be used. Salty water or water that contains chlorine, may cause the leaves to turn yellow or to have brown leaf edges. This may occur if there are too many roots that are tightly packed or tied together. Loosen the roots and place them back into the water.

Misting: Occasional misting will encourage the growth of new buds on the stems. These will tend to come out sideways from the stem. They may be trimmed off and put in water to root. This will ensure that you have new stalks to share with others.

Cleaning the container: When roots have been sitting in the water for a long time, the container and the marbles or pebbles may require cleaning. Take the stalks out and carefully rinse the roots with cool water. Wash the container with detergent and rinse it well. Wash the marbles or pebbles before putting them back into the container. Add fresh water and then, put your stalks into the fresh water.

Re-potting in soil: The lucky bamboo house plant will thrive in loose soil or soil that contains some sand. Try not to over-water the plant. Make certain that it has adequate drainage. Be aware that although it grows in water, if it is planted in soil with inadequate drainage, it may get root rot. Water only when the top of the soil is dry.

Lighting: Bright, indirect lighting is preferable to direct lighting, which may burn the leaves or cause them to turn yellow. Move the plant out of the sunlight immediately.

Temperature: Ideally, the room temperature should be between 15-25 degrees centigrade, at all times. 

Avoid extremes of either heat or cold, as these may damage your plant.

Shaping: Often the plant can be purchased with an ornamental stem, eg. a stem that is curly or one that appears to be a spiral stem. This is done by rotating the plants, using gravity and directed light. While this requires time and patience on the part of the person growing the lucky bamboo plant, it is an art form that can be learned.

Pets: The lucky bamboo plant is known to be toxic to house pets, so keep the house plant in a safe place to prevent your pets from biting into a stem or a leaf. If this does occur, contact a veterinarian. 

Fertilizer: Fertilizer mixed with water, should be applied every 3-4 weeks. If you are not able to purchase a plant fertilizer for your lucky bamboo houseplant, use one that you would use for other houseplants. Avoid over fertilizing, if you wish to keep your plant from getting too large.

Insects: The lucky bamboo plant should be kept as a houseplant, rather than planting it outdoors, because it may attract insects.

Cuttings: To make new cuttings, use a clean, sharp knife and cut the stem several centimeters below a joint. Immediately place all cuttings in a clean container of fresh water and allow them to root.

Bamboo has been a symbol of good fortune in Asia, for at least four thousand years, because of its remarkable resiliency. This is not just in homes, as it has also been associated with businesses, as well. 

Growing bamboo indoors anywhere is not that difficult.

Taking good care of your lucky bamboo houseplant, that is not bamboo, will guarantee years of enjoyment. You will be able to make many cuttings that you can to share with others. Who knows? You might be really lucky, too.

(1) http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artnov06macro/kl-macro.html

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_sanderiana

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Understory

(4) http://www.chiff.com/a/lucky-bamboo.htm

(5) http://www.asianideas.com/splubapl.html