Lucky Bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana
AKA: Ribbon Plant, Friendship Bamboo
easy
low water
low, medium, bright_indirect
Pet caution
Lucky bamboo is an extremely easy indoor plant often grown in water. It prefers low to medium light and clean water, making it ideal for desks and offices.
Care snapshot
☀️ Light
Low, Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Low
💨 Humidity
Medium
📈 Growth
Slow
Lucky Bamboo Care at a Glance
Lucky bamboo is a popular, symbolic houseplant known for its simple care and adaptability to low-light indoor environments.
Best For
- Offices
- Low light rooms
- Beginners
- Feng Shui displays
Not Great For
- Direct sunlight
- Hard tap water
- Homes with plant-chewing pets
Light Requirements
Lucky bamboo prefers bright indirect light but adapts well to low light. Too much sun causes leaf burn and yellowing.
How to Care for Lucky Bamboo in Water
Keep roots covered with water at all times. Change water every 1–2 weeks and clean the container to prevent bacteria buildup.
Watering Tips
- Use distilled or filtered water only.
- Avoid letting stems sit in stagnant water.
- Rinse roots gently during water changes.
Growing in Soil
Lucky bamboo can also grow in soil. Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy. Drainage is essential.
Symbolism & Meaning
Lucky bamboo is often associated with Feng Shui. The number of stalks is believed to represent luck, health, and prosperity.
How to Propagate Lucky Bamboo
- Cut a healthy stalk below a node.
- Remove lower leaves to expose nodes.
- Place cutting in water with nodes submerged.
- Roots typically develop within 2–4 weeks.
Lucky Bamboo Problems (Fast Fix Guide)
Yellow leaves
Cause: Direct sun or poor water quality
Fix: Move to indirect light and use filtered water
Brown tips
Cause: Fluoride or chlorine
Fix: Switch to distilled water
Soft stems
Cause: Rot
Fix: Trim healthy sections and propagate
Pet Safety Warning
- Lucky bamboo is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
- Keep out of reach of pets and children.
No. It is a type of Dracaena, not true bamboo.
Every 1–2 weeks to keep roots healthy.
Yes. It grows well in lightly moist, well-draining soil.
No. It is toxic if ingested.
Pet warning
Not true bamboo. Toxic if ingested. May cause vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite.
Video tips
Extra reading
FAQ
No. It is a type of Dracaena, not true bamboo.
Every 1–2 weeks to keep roots healthy.
Yes. It grows well in lightly moist, well-draining soil.
No. It is toxic if ingested.
