Lucky Bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana
Lucky Bamboo is a hardy Dracaena often grown in water and associated with good fortune in Feng Shui. Despite the name, it is not a true bamboo. Slender stalks and green foliage make it an easy desk or office plant.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
Toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, and dilated pupils due to the presence of saponins.
Care Notes
Light
Place in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn leaves; very low light can turn them yellow.
Water
If growing in water, change it weekly and prefer distilled or rainwater, since chlorine and fluoride in tap water often cause tip burn. In soil, keep the mix moist but not waterlogged, and use a pot with drainage holes. Pebbles in a vase help hold stalks upright.
Soil
You can grow Lucky Bamboo in water with pebbles or in a well-draining potting mix. Either way, stagnant water or soggy soil leads to soft, rotting stalks.
Humidity and Temperature
Keep temperatures between 65°F and 90°F. Moderate humidity is fine. Avoid air conditioners and heating vents that blast the foliage.
Common Issues
Yellow leaves often mean too much sun, poor water quality, or fertilizer that is too strong. Soft stalks usually mean the water was left unchanged too long.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Water-soluble foliage fertilizer diluted to 1/10 strength
Soil
Well-draining potting mix or a water-filled container with pebbles
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
1-3 feet tall
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings in water or soil
Common Varieties
Dracaena sanderiana 'Gold'
Slender lance-shaped leaves with golden-yellow margins around a green center.
Dracaena sanderiana 'Victory'
Sword-shaped deep green leaves with bold creamy-yellow to white margins along wavy edges.
Dracaena sanderiana 'White Stripe'
Slender lance-shaped leaves with deep green centers and crisp white margins.