The lucky bamboo is an excellent choice for people who want unique looking plants that can grow easily. Unlike most other types of plants, the lucky bamboo has very unique stalks, and the plant has become a favorite for many people who want something that is stylish and easy to manage.
The lucky bamboo hails from Cameroon and the Congo, and the plant has quickly become a household favorite in many parts of the world. In other parts, it is grown using hydroponics, and if you are thinking of bringing the lucky bamboo into your house, it is important that you take appropriate steps so that it grows in a healthy manner.
The lucky bamboo tends to grow around 19 inches in six months. So, in a year, you can expect growth of up to 38 inches. However, you should know that the growth of the plant is usually divided into a series of steps. In six months, you will notice an approximate growth of around 10 to 12 inches.
Like all other plants, there are ways by which you can regulate the growth of the plant. Obviously, if you want the plant to grow quickly, you have to provide it with the optimal conditions and all requirements must be met.
If you are interested in growing the lucky bamboo in your house, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Light
One of the things that you might have heard about the lucky bamboo is that the plant does not need a lot of sunlight. That is also one of the key reasons why it’s such a versatile plant and can be kept in different parts of the house.
But, a lot of people mistake low light for no light, and that is one of the main reasons why the plant succumbs to a premature death.
Remember, this plant thrives in medium light conditions. The lower the light that it receives, the slower it’s going to grow. Even though the plant does really well in natural light, you should know that excessive exposure to the sun is going to cause sunburns.
For instance, if you leave the plant in an east-facing window, you will notice a bit of burning on the leaves. It doesn’t take more than a day for the burns to show up either!
Water
Then, you also have to take watering into account. If you notice a slimy texture on the lucky bamboo, it might be due to the presence of algae.
Algae requires two things to grow: exposure to sunlight and moisture, so if you are keeping the lucky bamboo in a container or a glass vase, there is a big risk that algae will begin to grow.
You have to make sure that the plant is kept out of the sun, especially during the summer months when the temperature is warmer. You also have to make sure that the water for your lucky bamboo is changed on a regular basis, and you need to clean the vase regularly too.
A common mistake that many people make in this regard is that they fail to change the water regularly, and even when they do, they do not clean the vase properly. This is one of the main reasons why algae growth becomes so common on the plant.
When it comes to cleaning the water, it is recommended that you do so at least once every two or three months.
You also need to make sure that you clean the vase thoroughly from the inside out. You have to know that bacteria is going to form on the roots if you are not careful with the cleaning process.
You need to understand that stagnant water can have a negative reaction, especially when it turns warm.
This plant is also likely to become a victim to mold and fungus over time, so you have to think about changing the water as a responsibility. The plant will also do well if you throw a few pebbles into the vase. Even glass chips are a good idea, and will improve the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Many nurseries also sell the lucky bamboo in these configurations, so you might want to consider buying one if you are looking for a plant that is decorative and good-looking.
Leaves
One of the issues that you might encounter with the plant is that the leaves might start turning brown. This usually happens when the amount of fluoride in the water is higher, or when you are adding water that is salty.
Keep in mind that the lucky bamboo thrives in freshwater, and if you are adding unclean water, there is a chance that the plant will begin to die.
The leaves are a clear indicator that there is something wrong with the plant, and it’s important for you to make sure that you handle this as quickly as possible. The best thing to do in this regard is to make sure that you use distilled water, as that is what’s best for the plant.
The yellow tips usually show up due to the age of the plant, or due to the excessive salt in the plant. So, if you notice these signs, you might want to take appropriate steps to ensure that the growth of the plant is not affected.
The best thing to do in this regard is to change the water and make sure that the vase is cleaned out thoroughly from the inside and outside.
Proper Care
The lucky bamboo does not need a lot in terms of care as you can easily see. However, it is still recommended that you observe the plant on a regular basis and make sure that you give it at least two to three hours of sunlight a day.
The plant is a great addition to any room indoors, as long as you don’t keep it by the window
Slow Growth
If the rate of growth of the lucky bamboo has decreased by a considerable margin, it could be due to a number of different reasons. You have to make sure that you start by isolating all of these different factors that could have an impact on the growth of the plant, and rule them out one by one.
For starters, you will want to check the water in your vase and change it. If you haven’t changed the water in a long time, it might be a wise idea to do so.
Give it a few days and see if the plant begins to recover. Secondly, as mentioned above, lighting is critical.
You have to balance the amount of lighting that the plant receives because if you don’t, it’s only going to die over time. Therefore, it is important that you keep the plant in a partially shaded area.
Most people think that putting the plant under the sun for a few hours is a good idea, but it’s not. It’s going to promote algae growth and cause the plant to suffer sunburns.
It’s best to keep it in a partially shaded location and you will notice the plant recovering within a few days.
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.