The lucky bamboo is one of the most popular plants across the globe. People love the lucky bamboo because it’s an instant head-turner. Not only does it look very good, but it is also easy to care for.
It’s one of those unique and fascinating plants that tends to grow in most kinds of soil. The plant itself is also quite versatile, and while you can also grow it in soil, the plant works just as well in water too.
Contrary to popular belief, the lucky bamboo isn’t a bamboo plant at all. The plant is also commonly known as the ribbon plant, the ribbon dracaena, the friendship bamboo, and the water bamboo.
People love the plant because of Feng Shui; it brings balance to their indoor environment and also improves aesthetic appeal.
The Lucky bamboo is a native of West Africa; it was reared in Cameroon and has since become incredibly popular. The plant is known to bring fortune, health, and good luck to its owner, which is perhaps one of the main reasons why so many people prefer it.

The plant has distinctive green stalks and a unique appearance, which does give it the appearance of a bamboo, though it’s actually not.
The lucky bamboo is an evergreen plant, and can be planted both indoors and outdoors. When planted in a conducive area that can promote growth, the plant is capable of reaching a height of up to 8 feet tall and can grow in width by up to 2 feet.
But, you should know that the plant isn’t ever going to attain these heights if you plant it indoors. In most cases, the mature plant is only going to reach a height of up to 3 feet, and that’s it.
Proper Growing Conditions
So, if you want your plant to achieve its maximum height, you should consider planting it outdoors. Planting the lucky bamboo outdoors allows for the roots to spread and settle firmly in the ground.
This is very important, because unless the roots are able to grow properly, you won’t be able to notice any growth.
Even though it’s not considered an aquatic plant, you should know that the plant is able to grow in water vases as well. It doesn’t really mind the growth, and will continue to grow happily without causing you any issues whatsoever.
If you are going to grow the plant in a water container, you might want to consider adding some stones at the bottom of the container.
This is important, because you will notice that the roots will eventually latch on to the stones at the bottom. If you are going to grow the plant in soil, you need to make sure that you use a properly draining potting mix.
The plant prefers quick drainage, so any kind of potting mix with high levels of drainage is going to work just as well.
Lighting Conditions

The lighting conditions for the plant are also going to play an important role in the way it grows.
By growing the lucky bamboo in a location where it will have access to plenty of light, you are only going to improve the growth of the plant. It’s also going to ensure that the plant reaches its maximum potential.
If you are going to plant the lucky bamboo outdoors, whether in soil or in a container, you need to make sure that it receives filtered shade.
At the very least, you need to keep the plant in a position where it’s going to get access to the partial sun, or at least the morning sun. Too much light is not good for the plant, and it is going to sustain damage over time.
The blistering hot afternoon sun, for instance, can cause damage to the plant, so you have to make sure that you keep the plant out of it. If the plant is kept in a place where it’s going to have to bear the full brunt of the sun, you will notice the leaves begin to burn after a while as well.
Moisture
The lucky bamboo also has very specific moisture requirements, and you need to make sure that they are met if you want the plant to grow properly.
If the plant is grown in soil or in specific containers, you should know that it’s going to be moderately tolerant to drought. However, regular watering is going to improve the height and width of the plant as well.
Ideally, you should check the plant container once a day, and water it when you notice the plant drying up. You need to make sure that you water it as deep as you can; don’t stop until the water overruns from the drainage holes.
Also, you should always check the top inch of the soil and make sure that it’s dry before you add more water to the plant.
Now, if your plant is growing in the water, it will be able to get by without water for up to a week, but if the conditions outside are arid and the temperature is considerably hot, you should know that the plant is going to suffer. You might have to water the plant several times in a week at the very least.
If you are growing the plant in a water container, you need to make sure that you keep the water filled to the brim. You will also want to prevent any kind of chemical buildup in the plant, so the best thing to do is flush out the water after every month and fill it up again.
These are just a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want your plants to grow in a healthy fashion. You need to make sure that you take care of your lucky bamboo to ensure that the plant is able to grow to its maximum height and really come into its own.

Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.