Lucky Bamboo Care
Dracaena sanderiana
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Low to medium indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | In water: keep roots covered, change weekly. In soil: keep lightly moist. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Water with pebbles, or our Tropical mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Low light OK |
| π Grows to | 15β90 cm, depending on stalks. |
Lucky bamboo isn't actually bamboo. It's a dracaena that's happy growing in just water. Straight, spiralled or braided, it's a classic good-luck gift and one of the easiest plants for a desk or a dim corner.
Light + placement
Low to medium indirect light is perfect. Direct sun scorches the leaves and turns the stalks yellow. In very low light it grows slowly but survives.
Watering
In water: keep the roots covered with 2β5 cm of water and change it every week or two to keep it fresh. Rinse the pebbles and vase every couple of months. In soil: keep it lightly moist, never soggy.
Soil + repotting
It grows happily in water and pebbles indefinitely. If you prefer soil, plant it in our Tropical Potting Mix in a pot with drainage.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: Lucky bamboo needs very little food. In soil, give it Kelpy (1 teaspoon per litre of water) every other time you water, and a thin top-dressing of worm castings every few months. In water or LECA, add half that amount of Kelpy when you change the water, about once a month. Too much food turns the leaves yellow, so go easy.
Trim tall offshoots to keep the shape; the cuttings can root in water.
What the number of stalks means
In feng shui, the number of stalks has meaning: 3 for happiness, 5 for wealth, 8 for growth and abundance. Four is traditionally avoided in gifts.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow stalk | Too much sun, fertilizer or treated water | Remove the yellow stalk; use filtered water; move out of sun. |
| Yellow leaf tips | Treated water or salt build-up | Switch to filtered or rain water. |
| Slimy, smelly water | Water not changed | Rinse roots and vase; refill with fresh water. |
| Mushy stalk base | Rot | Remove it to protect the others. |
| Pale, stretched growth | Very low light | Move to brighter indirect light. |
Varieties we carry
We carry lucky bamboo in straight, spiral and braided forms. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
None in stock online right now. New plants arrive every week, so check back soon or ask us in the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Can lucky bamboo live in just water?
Yes, for years. Change the water every week or two.
Why is my lucky bamboo turning yellow?
Usually too much sun, fertilizer, or tap-water chemicals. Remove yellow stalks.
Is lucky bamboo safe for pets?
No. It's a dracaena and toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Is it real bamboo?
No. It's Dracaena sanderiana, a relative of the dragon tree.
Lucky Bamboo care kit
- LECA Clay Pebbles: For pebble trays and semi-hydro growing.
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
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