Lucky bamboo, with its eye catching twists and swirls or braided stalks they provide structural interest, for the office or home. Taking up little space they are ideal for desks. Lucky Bamboo is a household plant known to improve Feng Shui in the home. Not actually a Bamboo but a member of the Dracaena family. Easy to care for it is believed that Lucky Bamboo promotes happiness and prosperity. When given as a gift they are said to bring good luck and fortune. Usually sold in a water tight ceramic container without soil. The stem with roots are set into small pebbles sitting in water.
Planting Calendar
Lucky bamboo are available instore through out the year.
Prepare
Position
Lucky bamboo prefers a position that is warm with bright indirect sunlight without draughts. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Lucky Bamboo can grow in positions with less light, but the leaves may lose colour and stretch ,if this happens move to a position with more light.
Soil
Lucky Bamboo can grow in soil, but are generally grown into small stones or pebbles into a pot without drainage holes. If growing in soil plant into Kings Potting Mix into a pot with drainage holes.
Care
Watering
Because of the Lucky Bamboos sensitivity to chemicals in tap water, use filtered or distilled water. Let tap water sit in a jug for 24 hours to distill and allow the chlorine to evaporate. Alternatively rainwater works well also. Chlorinated water may cause the tips of the leaves to go brown. Empty the container of water once a week and rinse out to avoid disease and smell, then replace with fresh water.
Feeding
Lucky Bamboo only ever require minimal amount of fertiliser. Feed one drop of Baby Bio Houseplant food every 2 months.
Spraying
Mites can be a problem for Lucky Bamboo. Mist plants daily to reduce the risk of Mites. Spray with Mavrik as a preventative rather than a cure.
Pruning
Pruning is only required to propagate cutting or remove control size.
Beginner Tip
If you notice algae growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear glass or container. Light enters through the glass and encourages algae growth. Empty the glass and wash clean with a small amount of dish liquid and rinse well, replant and fill with water. Consider changing to a container that is not clear.
Expert Tip
Yellowing leaves are a sign that the plant is receiving too much sun or too much fertiliser. To rectify stop fertlising and relocate to a position out of sunlight.