Lucky Bamboo for Good Fortune

The plant called Lucky bamboo is not really a bamboo but is actually a Dracaena sanderiana. It is named after the German-English gardener, Henry Conrad Sander.

It is a tough, low maintenance plant that can live in water or soil under a variety of light conditions.

The plant is native to tropical West Africa but is considered as a Chinese ornamental plant.

According to Feng Shui, it will add lively chi energy and good fortune to your home.

Although not from Asia, the vast majority of these plants are shipped in from Taiwan or China. There, professional growers braid, twist, and curl their stalks into a variety of intricate shapes.

The number of stalks determines the kinds of energy the plant attracts into your home and life. The more stalks in the planter, the greater the blessing of good fortune and luck.

Meaning of Lucky Bamboo Stalks

• 3 stalks are given for Happiness
• 5 stalks are given for Health
• 6 stalks are given for Harmony
• 8, 18, 28, or 38 stalks are given for Prosperity

They make great long-lasting gifts, especially  for weddings because these plants are said to bring good luck and fortune in relationships.

How to Care For Your Plant

Light:   Medium to high light ( near a bright east of south  window).  The plant prefers bright, filtered sunlight.  Avoid direct sunlight since it can scorch the leaves.

Water:  Plant can grow indefinitely in a vase filled water and pebbles; however, the plant is sensitive to the chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water.

Therefore it’s best to give your plant distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours. Leaving tap water unopened will allow the chlorine to evaporate. 

Healthy plant roots are red, so don't be alarmed.  It's natural .

Water hygiene is crucial so change the water weekly.  The most common problems related to these plants are connected to dirty water. 

Dead leaves should never be allowed to rot in the water since this might introduce bacteria. Brown leaves usually indicate polluted water.

Always grow plants in an opaque container to block out the light, as this will prevent algae from growing in the water.

Temperature:  Plant likes warmer temperatures of between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid hot and cold drafts. Do not place your plant in front of air conditioning or heating vents.

Potting Soil: In addition to water, this plant can be grown in a well-drained, rich potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Fertilizer: Plants grown in water need fertilizer once every other month, using a single drop of liquid fertilizer. Special  fertilizers are available.

Grooming:  Trimming is needed when the plant becomes top heavy. Using sterilized scissors, trim off the offshoots and avoid cutting the main stalk. You can trim offshoots back to within an inch or two of the main stem.

New shoots will soon sprout, and the resulting plant will be bushier. Don't throw the trimmings away, because they can be used to propagate new lucky bamboo plants to add to your collection.

Lucky bamboo leaves are mildly toxic, so they should not be kept in a place where pets or children are likely to handle or snack on them

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