Growing lucky bamboo from start is a relatively simple process that involves propagating offshoots and rooting them in water. Lucky bamboo, also known as Dracaena sanderiana, is a popular houseplant known for its attractive and easy-to-care-for nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully grow lucky bamboo.
1. Selecting a healthy offshoot: To begin, you’ll need to identify a healthy offshoot on an existing lucky bamboo plant. Look for a shoot that has a good number of leaves and is approximately 6-8 inches in length. It’s important to choose a vigorous offshoot to ensure successful propagation.
2. Cutting the offshoot: Using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node on the offshoot. Nodes are the small, raised areas along the stem where the leaves are attached. Cutting just below a node will encourage root growth.
3. Preparing the cutting: After cutting the offshoot, remove a few of the lower leaves near the cut end. This will prevent the leaves from rotting when submerged in water. You can leave a few leaves near the top intact.
4. Rooting in water: Place the cut end of the offshoot in a container filled with clean, room temperature water. Make sure the water level is sufficient to cover the exposed nodes. It’s important to use non-chlorinated water, as chlorine can be harmful to the plant. You can either use filtered or bottled water, or leave tap water out overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
5. Providing the right conditions: Lucky bamboo thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the container with the offshoot in a location where it will receive ample light without being directly exposed to intense sunlight. Avoid placing it near drafts or heating/cooling vents, as this can negatively impact its growth.
6. Maintaining water quality: Change the water in the container every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation and the build-up of bacteria. When changing the water, rinse the offshoot under running water to remove any debris or algae that may have accumulated.
7. Waiting for roots to appear: It typically takes around 2-4 weeks for roots to emerge from the cut end of the offshoot. During this time, be patient and resist the urge to overwater or disturb the cutting. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up as needed to ensure the nodes remain submerged.
8. Transplanting into compost (optional): Once the roots have grown to a few inches in length, you can choose to transplant the lucky bamboo into a pot filled with well-draining compost. Select a pot with drainage holes and use a blend of potting soil and sand or perlite to create a loose, well-aerated growing medium. Gently plant the rooted offshoot in the pot, ensuring the nodes are covered with soil.
9. Watering and care: If you decide to keep the lucky bamboo in water, continue to maintain the water quality and level as mentioned earlier. If you choose to grow it in compost, water the plant thoroughly but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Lucky bamboo prefers slightly moist soil but can suffer if overwatered.
10. Additional care tips: Lucky bamboo doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Avoid using fertilizer in winter when the plant is dormant. Additionally, dust the leaves occasionally to keep them clean and free from blockages that can hinder photosynthesis.
Remember that lucky bamboo grows upright naturally, and the twisted shapes commonly seen in stores are achieved through specialized techniques used by growers. While you can’t influence the growth pattern, you can still enjoy the beauty and benefits of lucky bamboo in its natural form.
Growing lucky bamboo can be a rewarding experience, whether you choose to keep it in water or plant it in compost. With a little patience and care, you’ll have a thriving lucky bamboo plant to brighten up your indoor space.
