Lucky Bamboo Plant: Indoor Bamboo Plant Meaning and Care

The lucky bamboo plant is a member of the Dracaena family and is well-known for its durability and resemblance to the bamboo plant. It is used more than just as an ornamental indoor plant. It is believed in Feng Shui that the lucky bamboo plant can bring luck, prosperity and fortune. This makes it a widely preferred indoor plant to be placed in offices and homes. However, to make its chi more effective, it must be received as a gift rather than being bought yourself.

What is the lucky bamboo plant?
Unlike what the name suggests, the lucky bamboo is not a bamboo at all. It is, in fact, a resilient member of the lily family that grows in the dark and tropical forests of Africa and Southeast Asia. But, the ones that are used to decorate indoors are imported from countries like China and Taiwan where they are professionally cultivated by botanists. The result is a beautiful lucky bamboo plant that has curled stems and may even have elaborate detailing in its design to increase its ornamental value, making it more expensive. Lucky bamboo plant can survive in water alone as well as can be planted in soil. In the latter case, do ensure that the soil is kept damp at all times. This, however, does not imply that you make the holder a mud pool.

Why is this plant considered lucky?
This plant has been associated with the Eastern practice of Feng Shui for a long time now. The lucky bamboo is believed to be an ideal example of the thriving water and wood element. Sometimes, a red ribbon is also added to fire the positive flow of energy or chi into the room. The plant is believed to spread tranquilizing vibes in its environment.

What do the different numbers of lucky bamboo stalks mean?
Did you know that according to ancient Chinese tradition, the number of stalks in your bamboo plant is associated with attracting a multitude of good fortuity in your life.

2 lucky bamboo stalks	Luck in love
3 lucky bamboo stalks	Happiness, success and longevity
5 lucky bamboo stalks	Wealth
6 lucky bamboo stalks	Peace, harmony
7 lucky bamboo stalks	Good health
8 lucky bamboo stalks	Prosperity
9 lucky bamboo stalks	Good fortune
10 lucky bamboo stalks	Totality
21 lucky bamboo stalks	Blessings

Please note that a lucky bamboo plant with 4 stalks must be avoided at all costs since it is believed in Feng Shui that it attracts misfortune, to be more precise, death.

What steps should I take to care for my lucky bamboo plant?
Here are some steps that will ensure that your lucky bamboo plant is always growing.

If yellow stalk starts appearing on your lucky bamboo plant, it must be completely removed to prevent damage to healthy green stalks. This also applies to dark, decaying roots and yellow leaves. Water is one of the things that the lucky bamboo plant requires to grow well. Do not use chlorinated water for lucky bamboo plants. Else, they will not survive. To ensure that the water you use is devoid of chemicals, run tap water into a container and allow it to sit out uncovered for about 24 hours to allow the chemicals to disperse. Change the water at least once every week. If you have an aquarium at home, put the lucky bamboo in it. The plant thrives on the microscopic organisms found in this water. Light is another factor that contributes to the rate of growth, production of chlorophyll and overall development of the lucky bamboo. As this plant grows in the dense shade under the thick rainforest canopy of the equatorial Africa, excessive or direct sunlight would be too strong for it. Place the lucky bamboo in a room that receives no natural light. Ensure that you change its position every 3 to 4 days so it receives a sufficient amount of sunlight. The lucky bamboo plant also requires nutrients for growth. Add a few drops of aquarium plant food to the water you use while refilling the container of 1/10th of the recommended strength of a standard plant food. This is to be done every two months or longer as feeding it too much may backfire. If bacterial growth goes out of control and the plant seems to wither rapidly, add 1 to 2 drops of an antibacterial solution to the water. Do NOT exceed this quantity. Also, pebbles and stones and other ornaments placed in the pot/vase along with the lucky bamboo plant must be kept clean. Keep away from the reach of children and pets. If ingested, lucky bamboo leaves can be mildly toxic. Do not place the lucky bamboo plant near artificial sources of air temperature regulators like air conditioners and heaters. Lucky bamboo plant persists best at room temperature. It absolutely cannot endure hot/cold weather.

Although the plant can survive for a long time, it needs appropriate care in order to thrive in a healthy manner for it to attract good chi. A healthy lucky bamboo plant has spotless white roots with thick, luscious green leaves and has firm stems. If it emits foul odor, the plant is definitely not in good case. Lucky bamboo can only thrive in a clean environment that is devoid of bacterial growth and algae.