Caring For Lucky Bamboo

The homeland of the plant is considered to be the hot African tropics. In a natural environment, the height of the plant reaches several meters. At home, the flower grows no more than 22-31 inches.

The stems are very similar to the stems of real bamboo. The stems have a bright green color. However, sometimes you can find dracaena with dark green stems.

It may seem unbelievable to you, but Lucky Bamboo is a flowering plant. It is difficult even for many experienced gardeners to imagine the flowering of bamboo, as it is extremely rare. Only once in a lifetime the plant can release a flower-bearing arrow with small white flowers gathered from broom inflorescences. Witnesses of a rare event note a pleasant aroma emanating from flowers. Unfortunately, flowering is not good for Dracaena. As a rule, after that it dies.

Depending on where the plant is grown - in soil or in water, there are 2 options for caring for Sander dracaena. In addition, this species has a slightly pronounced period of sleep, which begins in mid-autumn and lasts until spring. Caring for dracaena in the rest period and the growing season is different.

Bamboo can be grown in water. This basis contributes to the rapid and harmonious growth of the plant. For bamboo, capacity doesn't matter. But it looks most effective in transparent vases or glasses. To increase decorativeness, several plants can be placed at once in a glass container, tied with a ribbon of a contrasting color.

A small pebble is poured at the bottom of the pot. First it should be thoroughly washed, then boiled. Bamboo is freed from old soil, the roots are washed. Growing in water is only suitable for a healthy plant. If root rot is found in dracaena, water will only contribute to its rapid development. Healthy bamboo is placed on pebbles and flooded with water.

Also, make sure to use only soft water for cultivation. You can use distilled or settled rainwater. The use of domestic water is unacceptable, even if it is pre-filtered.

The water is replaced with fresh water weekly. Mineral fertilizers are applied every 2-3 months when changing water.

Bamboo can also be grown in hydrogel. It is recommended to use small granules. The plant is placed in a hydrogel and flooded with water. Periodically it is necessary to add fresh water - feeding is applied every six months.

Dracaena is not picky about the soil. Its only requirement is good air exchange. Therefore, the flower is grown even in universal soil. You can prepare the soil yourself or you can go to your local flower shop to ask for soil particularly suitable for your bamboo.

Useful tip: The bottom of the pot should be lined with a good drainage layer of medium-sized materials. Without drainage, moisture will stagnate, causing rot to develop.

Particular attention should be paid to the flower pot. The thickness and height of the bamboo stem directly depend on the spaciousness of the pot. To grow giants, they take large tubs, and bamboo grows in a clean bush, a smaller capacity should be chosen.

Young flowers are transplanted annually, and adults - every 2-4 years. When transplanted, the plant is placed in a larger pot.

Growing a flower requires a competent organization of watering. Improper hydration contributes to the development of diseases in the plant.

The frequency of watering depends on the width of the leaf plates. Dracaena with broad leaves is watered every 2 days. Plants with narrow leaves - 2 times a week. In winter, the frequency of hydration is reduced. The volume of water can be calculated according to the height of the bamboo.

A flower likes very bright light. In the morning and afternoon it will be useful for it to be soaked under the soft rays of the sun. But from the active midday sun it should be kept away.

Adult bamboo tolerates partial shade well, so it can be placed on the floor, tables or tables in close proximity to the light source. In the summer, the pot can be taken out into the fresh air. At the same time, it must be covered from the sun, possible precipitation and current.

The flower is kept at room temperature. In the warm season, this range is from + 71F to + 7F. In the cold season - + 61-66F. A native of warm countries, it does not tolerate cold, so it is not recommended to place it in a stream or near an air conditioner.

Lucky bamboo is unpretentious in terms of humidity. It feels comfortable in conditions of low humidity. But experienced gardeners still recommend spraying bamboo several times a week and even placing it in the summer under a warm shower, covering the soil with plastic wrap.

Spraying and rubbing the leaves is not only a way to increase the level of humidity, but also hygiene, which is necessary when growing any houseplant. Leaf hygiene helps to improve metabolic processes and is a prevention of pest infection.

If you follow this simple guide, you will have one very pretty and healthy bamboo plant in your home! And if you enjoy taking care of the lucky bamboo, you can also check out other plants that can’t wait to be in a new home!