Firstly, LotusBuddhas would like to clarify a common misconception: Lucky bamboo is not actually bamboo! Its scientific name is Dracaena sanderiana, belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It comes from lush tropical forests in Central Africa, where it grows under the canopy, absorbing dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.
Lucky bamboo has slender, straight stems that can range from a few inches to a few feet tall, depending on its age and variety. The stems are an adorable shade of green, often with delicate vertical stripes that give them a bit of texture. As the plant matures, its stems become thicker and stronger.
The leaves of lucky bamboo are a vibrant shade of green, elongated and lance-shaped. They usually grow in clusters at the top of the stems, giving the plant a full, lush appearance. Sometimes, leaves can have a slightly yellowish-green color, which may be a sign of too much sun exposure or poor water quality.
One of the most attractive aspects of lucky bamboo is its ability to be trained into various shapes and forms. With a little patience and skill, these plants can be shaped into spirals, braids, hearts, and even intricate multi-tiered designs. This flexibility makes lucky bamboo a popular choice for both plant enthusiasts and Feng Shui practitioners.
In Feng Shui, lucky bamboo is often used to balance the flow of energy in a space, attract positive vibrations, and dispel negative energies. It is commonly placed in homes, offices, and businesses as a decorative element and a symbol of good luck.
To better understand the meaning and benefits of lucky bamboo in feng shui, you should read this entire article shared by feng shui expert Phung Phuong. Despite being very busy with his work, he still takes the time to share great knowledge with readers of LotusBuddhas.
Meaning of lucky bamboo in Feng Shui
Lucky bamboo has been revered in the world of Feng Shui for centuries. As its name suggests, we often refer to it as the “lucky plant” in our Feng Shui community, and I have used it in many projects to create good Feng Shui for my clients.
Lucky bamboo is a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy. In fact, the Chinese have a saying: “If you want to invite good luck into your life, welcome a lucky bamboo plant into your home.”
As I mentioned above, lucky bamboo can be created in different styles based on the number of stems, and each style carries a different meaning. For example, two stems represent love and doubled luck, while five stems represent attracting wealth and happiness. If you want to go all-out for good luck, go for a plant with nine stems – that’s the big Kahuna, symbolizing overall luck and wishes coming true. In Chinese culture, the number 9 signifies eternity and longevity.
How to use lucky bamboo to attract luck and wealth
Now that you know what lucky bamboo represents, in this section, I will guide you on how to use it to attract luck and wealth in your home!
As you can see, in Feng Shui, each number has a special meaning. To attract wealth, you will want to choose a lucky bamboo plant with three, five or nine stalks. Five is a magical number here because it represents the five elements of Feng Shui: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance that brings prosperity. Balance is a prerequisite for any Feng Shui practice.
To attract wealth, place your lucky bamboo plant in the southeast corner of your home or workspace (the far left corner when you look from the front door). This area is called the “wealth corner” in Feng Shui, and in Chinese, it’s called “Xun,” and it’s an ideal place to spark the inspiration to make money. Additionally, you can place lucky bamboo near your front door or on your desk. All are suitable following Feng Shui principles.
Remember, the important thing is to ensure that your plant receives indirect sunlight and fresh water to grow.
In addition, to enhance the power of lucky bamboo, you can tie a red ribbon around the stem or place it in a red-colored box. Red is a powerful color in Feng Shui, symbolizing prosperity and luck. Plus, it adds a pop of color that brightens up any space!
And don’t forget power of intention. When you are placing your lucky bamboo plant, take a moment to visualize the wealth and abundance you want to attract. Imagine yourself achieving your financial goals and let that energy flow into the plant. Trust me, your intention will create a different world.
How to care for lucky bamboo when growing indoors
Lucky bamboo is not only easy on the eyes but also very easy to care for. However, I also want to note a few things for you to ensure its optimal growth. Lucky bamboo doesn’t like direct sunlight – it will burn those beautiful leaves. Instead, place your plant where it will receive indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing windowsill is ideal!
As for watering, lucky bamboo is a bit picky, so you should water it with a little filtered or distilled H2O. Tap water may be too harsh due to all the chemicals and minerals. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and clean, and your lucky bamboo will grow healthy and strong.
But how much water should you provide for your plant? It’s as easy as pie! Just keep the roots submerged in water about one or two inches. If you are growing lucky bamboo in soil, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Waterlogging is not good for any indoor plant.
Lucky bamboo likes a warm environment – think room temperature, around 65-95°F (18-35°C). Keep your plant away from drafts, vents, and heaters to avoid any temperature tantrums.
And finally, let’s talk about feeding your lucky bamboo. A balanced indoor plant liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, will do the trick. Feed your plant once every few months, and it will reward you with vibrant green leaves and healthy growth.
Common problems of lucky bamboo
Although easy to grow and care for, lucky bamboo can also encounter some health issues like other plants.
Yellow leaves: Nobody likes to see their plant’s leaves turning yellow, am I right? This can be caused by too much sunlight, over-fertilizing, or poor water quality. Move your plant away from direct light, cut back on fertilizer, and switch to filtered or distilled water to get those leaves back to green.
Soft, mushy stalks: This could be a sign of overwatering or root rot. If you’re growing your bamboo in water, change it more frequently and make sure the roots are clean. For soil-grown plants, let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogged roots.
Brown tips: Dry air or underwatering might be the culprits here. If your indoor air is on the arid side, try increasing humidity around your plant with a humidifier or pebble tray. And remember, keep those roots submerged in water or consistently moist soil.
Leaf drop: If your lucky bamboo is shedding leaves, it could be due to temperature fluctuations or drafty conditions. Keep your plant in a cozy, stable environment, away from drafts, air vents, and heaters.
Pests: Lucky bamboo isn’t too prone to pests, but sometimes critters like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids can crash the party. If you spot any unwelcome guests, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to send them packing.
Slow growth: Feeling like your lucky bamboo is stuck in slow motion? Make sure it’s getting enough indirect light and consider giving it a dose of balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (diluted to half strength) every couple of months.
Above are the common issues of lucky bamboo that I have referenced on FiddleandThorn, a reliable source for plants. By keeping an eye on your lucky bamboo and addressing these common issues, you will have a healthy, thriving plant that brings luck and positive vibes to your space .
Benefits of having a lucky bamboo in your home
As the name suggests, “lucky plant,” you already know the main benefit of lucky bamboo! Let me reveal more great benefits that lucky bamboo will bring you if you grow it indoors.
Aesthetically pleasing: Lucky bamboo’s elegant, slender stalks and lush green leaves can brighten up any space. Plus, you can find them in various shapes and arrangements, from spirals to braids, which add a touch of artistic flair to your home.
Low maintenance: Lucky bamboo is one of those plants that’s easy to care for, making it perfect for busy folks or plant newbies. Just give it some indirect light, clean water, and a little love, and you’re good to go!
Air purifier: Believe it or not, lucky bamboo is a natural air purifier. It helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making your indoor environment fresher and healthier.
Good luck charm: Lucky bamboo is known for attracting good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. Whether or not you’re a believer in such things, having a symbol of positivity and luck in your home can’t hurt, right?
Stress reducer: Studies show that having plants in your living space can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. And let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a little more zen in their life?
Feng Shui booster: In the world of Feng Shui, lucky bamboo is a powerful symbol of positive energy, growth, and balance. Placing it in specific areas of your home can help enhance the flow of good vibes and create a harmonious atmosphere.
If you’re a plant enthusiast, there’s nothing to say, but if you’re a business person looking to improve your income, then lucky bamboo is the perfect plant for you. This versatile and charming plant not only adds beauty and style to your space, but also brings health, happiness, and good fortune.
Styles of lucky bamboo
As a Feng Shui expert, I cannot help but appreciate the artistry and creativity in shaping these miraculous plants. From simple straight stems to complex designs, there is always a lucky bamboo style for everyone. This provides me with more options in Feng Shui projects when my clients have different personal preferences than mine.
Straight stalks: The classic! Straight stalks of lucky bamboo are often arranged in groups to represent different aspects of life, like love, health, or wealth. It’s a simple yet elegant style that never goes out of fashion.
Spiral stalks: These beauties are real showstoppers! The stalks are carefully shaped into spirals by rotating the plant toward sunlight over a period of time. The spiral is a symbol of growth and positive energy, making it a perfect addition to any Feng Shui-friendly space.
Heart-shaped: Talk about a symbol of love! The stalks of these lucky bamboo plants are meticulously trained into a heart shape, often representing affection and harmony. They make a thoughtful gift for your sweetheart or simply to show some love for yourself.
Braided: This style features multiple stalks of lucky bamboo woven together in a braid-like pattern. The braid symbolizes strength and unity, making it an excellent choice for cultivating a sense of togetherness and support in your home.
Multi-tiered: In this style, stalks of varying lengths are arranged in ascending tiers, often resembling a miniature pagoda. The tiered arrangement can symbolize growth and progress, encouraging you to reach new heights in your personal and professional life.
Combination: Why choose just one style when you can mix and match? Many lucky bamboo arrangements combine different styles, like spirals and braids, to create a unique and eye-catching display. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity!
FAQ
Can lucky bamboo be grown in water?
Lucky bamboo is one of the versatile plants that can thrive in both water and soil. Let me guide you on how to grow lucky bamboo in water..
First, find a beautiful container – a glass vase, a glass jar, or even a decorative pot works. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold about 1-2 inches of water and provides enough space for the roots to spread.
Next, fill your container with clean, filtered or distilled water. Lucky bamboo can be a bit picky about water, so using tap water may not be the best choice.
Now, gently place your lucky bamboo into container, making sure that the roots are submerged in water. If additional support is needed to keep the stem upright, you can use pebbles or small rocks as stabilizing agents.
Remember to change the water weekly to keep it fresh and clean. This will help prevent the buildup of algae or harmful bacteria that could harm your plant. And don’t forget to provide your lucky bamboo with a dose of liquid indoor plant fertilizer (diluted to half-strength) every few months to keep it healthy.
How to propagate lucky bamboo?
Lucky bamboo is a breeze to propagate, so let’s walk through the process together, step by step.
Choose a healthy parent plant: First things first, you’ll want to find a strong, healthy lucky bamboo stalk to take a cutting from. Look for a stalk with plenty of green leaves and a robust appearance.
Make the cut: Now, grab a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or a knife. Find a spot on the parent plant where there’s a healthy offshoot with at least one leaf joint (also called a node). Cut the offshoot just above the joint at a 45-degree angle. This will encourage new growth on the parent plant.
Trim the leaves: To help your cutting focus on root development, trim off the leaves on the lower part of the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. Don’t worry, it’ll grow more leaves in no time!
Let it heal: Place the cutting in a cool, dry spot for a day or two to let the cut end heal and form a callus. This helps prevent rot when it’s placed in water or soil.
Rooting time: Now it’s time to root your cutting. You have two options here—water or soil. For water rooting, simply place the cutting in a container filled with clean, filtered, or distilled water. Make sure the callused end is submerged. For soil rooting, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist.
Light it up: Provide your cutting with bright, indirect light to encourage root development. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Be patient: Patience is a virtue, my friend! It can take a few weeks for roots to develop, so keep an eye on your cutting and make sure it’s getting the care it needs.
Is lucky bamboo toxic to pets?
Unfortunately, lucky bamboo is toxic to both cats and dogs. If your curious cat or mischievous puppy decides to nibble on lucky bamboo plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and loss of appetite.
In some cases, the plant can also cause pupil dilation in cats. Although it is usually not life-threatening, it is definitely not a pet-friendly excursion. Therefore, to keep your furry friend safe and healthy, consider placing your lucky bamboo plant out of their reach. You may want to place it on a high shelf or in a room where your pets are not allowed.
Phung Phuong’s shared knowledge is really helpful, isn’t it, guys? LotusBuddhas hopes that through this knowledge, you can understand more about benefits as well as how to take care of lucky bamboo plants to keep them healthy and bring good luck and fortune to you.
