Plant care guide

Lucky Bamboo

Dracaena sanderiana

A desk-sized water-grown favourite for corporate gifting.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)Plant care guide

Care guide

1234
  • 1Bright direct light
  • 2Bright indirect light
  • 3Medium light
  • 4Low light
Lucky Bamboo grows best in zones 3 and 4.

Watering requirements

Water change water weekly, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.

Sunlight requirements

Tolerates low to medium indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.

Humidity requirements

Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.

Pet-friendly plant?

Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.

Care level

Easy

Best setting

Indoor

Low Maintenance

About Lucky Bamboo

Grown in water rather than soil, braided or straight-stemmed lucky bamboo needs almost no upkeep beyond a water top-up — one of our simplest, most requested gifting items.

Grows in water on a desk; just keep the water fresh and the light gentle.

Where it works best

  • Corporate gifting
  • Desks & reception counters

How to care for Lucky Bamboo

Sunlight

Grows well in low to medium, indirect light. Direct sun scorches the stems and leaves and encourages algae in the water.

Water

Keep the roots covered with water and replace it every week. Use filtered, settled or rainwater — tap water with chlorine or fluoride can yellow the leaves.

Humidity & temperature

Comfortable at normal room temperatures of 18–32°C. Keep it away from heat sources and cold drafts.

Soil & feeding

Needs almost no feeding. A very diluted drop of liquid fertiliser every couple of months is enough; too much encourages algae.

Pruning

Trim yellow leaves and overgrown shoots; cut the stem just above a node to shape the plant.

Propagation

Cut a stem section that includes a node and stand it in water. Roots form in several weeks.

Common problems

  • Symptom

    Yellow stems or leaves

    Cause

    Too much sun, chlorinated water or too much fertiliser.

  • Symptom

    Slimy roots or smell

    Cause

    Stale water — rinse the roots and refill with fresh water.

  • Symptom

    Brown leaf tips

    Cause

    Salts in the water or dry air.

Frequently asked questions

Can it be grown in soil?

Yes, it will grow in moist soil too. Water-grown plants are simply easier to look after for desks and gifts.

How do I keep it tidy?

Trim yellow leaves and overgrown shoots, and clean the container and pebbles when you change the water.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Keep Lucky Bamboo out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.

Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.

Lucky Bamboo

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Photo courtesy: Lucky Bamboo by Beah Vega, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.