Lucky Bamboo has a secret: it’s not bamboo. Once we come to terms with this startling revelation, we can get to know and appreciate this plant for what it really is, a Dracaena. The resemblance to actual bamboo is clear, but the similarities end here. This adaptable and resilient plant is a good pick for anyone who hasn’t had a lot of success with houseplants. Learn all about Lucky Bamboo care and how to help your plant thrive.

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Lucky Bamboo goes by the botanical name Dracaena sanderiana. You may also see this plant identified as  Sander’s dracaena, curly bamboo, ribbon Dracaena, or Chinese water bamboo. This plant is native to Central Africa, where it grows as a leafy shrub. 

Dracaena sanderiana is a fast-growing plant that can reach several feet tall in a few years when grown indoors. Its thick stalks or canes have a segmented look, similar to bamboo.

Lucky Bamboo Light Needs

Grow this Dracaena in bright, indirect sunlight. Medium light is alright, but plenty of light promotes growth and gives it a lush look. Direct sunlight will yellow or singe the foliage.

The stalks will bend and stretch to reach sunlight, so routinely rotate the container so each side receives even sunlight. Faded green foliage and stalks are a sign the plant is not getting enough sunlight, so find a new, brighter spot.

Soil Requirements

Use a rich and well-drained potting mix. Select a container with drainage because excess water is problematic. You’ll often see Lucky Bamboo grown in water. Despite this plant’s ability to live in water, it is possible to overwater a plant living in soil. It can’t do both simultaneously, and you must commit to one growing medium.

How Often to Water Lucky Bamboo

Water when the top couple of inches of potting mix are dry. Dracaena sanderiana likes dampness, but the roots don’t want to be soggy.

Water Quality

Some home gardeners repot Dracaena, which is sensitive to tap water, so be mindful of your water when it comes to Lucky Bamboo care. Chlorine can damage the plant, so fill your watering can and let it sit for a day so the Chlorine can dissipate. 

Temperature and Humidity for Lucky Bamboo Care

This Dracaena prefers warm temperatures, and anything between 65° and 90° F is acceptable. Keep the plant away from drafty windows and HVAC vents. Average humidity is sufficient. Low humidity can be a problem and cause brown leaves. Relocating the plant to a kitchen or bathroom where the air tends to be more humid is an easy solution.

Fertilizer Tips

Lucky Bamboo is a naturally fast grower, but fertilizer can help things along. Use a product specifically intended for this plant or select a balanced plant food. Potted plants benefit from monthly feeds, while plants in water need to be fed every other month. Yellow foliage is a sign of over-fertilization, so avoid too much of a good thing and follow the instructions on the plant food packaging.

Does Dracaena sanderiana Bloom?

Dracaena sanderiana blooms, but it’s rare for houseplants to flower. Lucky Bamboo is one of those plants that needs to be in its native environment if it’s going to bloom.

When to Repot Lucky Bamboo 

Repot your Dracaena when growth slows, or roots poke through the drainage holes in the pot. Plan to repot every one to two years. Upgrade the container as the plant gets bigger. You can prune the plant to maintain a certain size, in which case you can also retain the same pot. Hold onto any canes removed when pruning to propagate.

Dracaena Propagation

The easiest way to propagate Dracaenas is to remove an offshoot. Select an offshoot that measures at least four inches long and remove the lower leaves. Apply a rooting hormone and place the cutting in soil, or skip the hormone and put it in water. Roots generally emerge in about a month.

Is Lucky Bamboo Pet Safe?

Lucky Bamboo is not so lucky for pets. This plant contains saponins, which are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested. Be careful introducing this plant into your home or giving it as a gift if it will share a space with curious pets. 

Lucky Bamboo Styling Tips

Lucky Bamboo does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to plant styling. The stalks can grow straight or be trained to curve, giving the plant an almost architectural look. The lance-shaped foliage provides contrast and softens the structural look of the stalks. 

You’ll often find Lucky Bamboo on a tabletop or desk. To emphasize the vertical height, consider situating a large plant in a plant stand.