Lucky bamboo care guide
Dracaena sanderiana
Also known as: Friendship bamboo, Ribbon dracaena
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Saponins in the stems and leaves can cause vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and lethargy; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Lucky bamboo
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- Grown in water, change all the water about once a week; in soil, water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- In water, keep changing it about once a week; in soil, wait a day or two after it dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- In water, change it roughly every ten days using water near room temperature; in soil, water sparingly a few days after it dries.
Light and placement for Lucky bamboo
Generally happy in a bright room out of direct sun; it tolerates shade well, but too dark a spot yellows the leaves, and strong window light scorches them and heats the water.
Overwintering Lucky bamboo
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Tender: as a guide keep it indoors above about 10°C; it survives around 5°C, but a cold entryway or windowsill yellows the leaves, and the water it stands in should not get cold either.
Fertilizing and repotting Lucky bamboo
Fertilizer
In water, a very dilute liquid feed made for hydroculture about once or twice a month from spring to autumn; in soil, slow-release fertilizer roughly every two months, and none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Lucky bamboo
- Neglected water goes stale and the stems yellow and soften from the base.
- Direct sun scorches the leaves and browns the tips.
- Kept in a cold entryway in winter, the leaves yellow and drop.
Tips for growing Lucky bamboo
- Wash the container when changing the water, and rinse slimy roots under the tap.
- Keep the water level just over the roots rather than deep up the stems.
- If a stem yellows from the base, cut off the green part and root it in fresh water.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
