Lucky Bamboo

Quick facts

• Light: Low to bright indirect · Water: Clean water or lightly moist soil
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pet-safe: No

Description

Despite the name, this is not bamboo. It is a Dracaena with cane-like stems and narrow leaves, often sold in water with decorative stones.

Care

• Light: Bright indirect is best; low light is tolerated. Avoid direct sun that scorches leaves.
• Water: If grown in water, keep roots covered and change water regularly. If grown in soil, keep lightly moist but not soggy.
• Soil & potting: Can transition to well-draining potting mix; avoid fluoride/salt buildup if leaf tips brown.
• Humidity & temperature: Average humidity and warm rooms are fine.
• Feeding: Very dilute feeding; too much fertilizer burns roots.
• Repotting / propagation: Soil-grown plants are usually more stable long-term than water-only plants.

Propagation

From stem cuttings. Cut a cane section with nodes, keep the correct orientation, and root in water or moist soil. New shoots emerge from nodes. See Propagation Basics.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA lists Dracaena as toxic; signs can include vomiting, drooling, appetite loss, and dilated pupils in cats.

Common ailments, afflictions & pests

Click any item for how to identify and treat it.

• Root Rot — slimy roots or yellow canes from stagnant water or soggy soil.
• Spider Mites — stippled leaves in dry air.
• Mealybugs — white cotton in leaf clusters.
• Scale Insects — brown bumps on canes.
• Fungus Gnats — if soil-grown and too wet.

See also: Diagnose a Problem.

Sources

• ASPCA Dracaena · iNaturalist · Wikipedia