by W. Diane Van Zwol

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: July 07, 2008

The Lucky Bamboo: Real Bamboo Or Not-Real Bamboo

The lucky bamboo plants, that we normally grow indoors as houseplants are not actually real bamboo. Real bamboo trees are woody perennial evergreens, from the true grass family known as Poaceae. (1)

Dracaena sanderiana, also known as the lucky bamboo, or the ribbon plant, is from the family Ruscaceae. It is actually a native plant from Cameroon, West Africa, but its stalks, or stems, are frequently imported from China, Korea and Taiwan. The lucky bamboo plant has long, slender stems and flexible strap-shaped leaves. (2)

This is popular house plant is a small, understorey shrub that grows in the shade under trees in the tropical forests. (3)

Lucky bamboo is often used in the ancient Chinese healing art of Feng Shui, meaning wind and water. The wind disperses unseen energy from heaven and earth and the water absorbs it. This affects everyday life, by giving it balance and harmony. As an ornamental house plant, it is thought to bring health, happiness, good fortune and prosperity to one's home.

It is often used as a gift for those reasons. Three stems are frequently given for happiness, five for wealth and six for health. Since the number four has come to be associated with death, one normally would not give a gift of four stalks. If one receives the lucky bamboo stalks tied together with a red ribbon, that symbolizes chi (fire or energy.) (4)

Mystically, the lucky bamboo is said to create space, energy and safety for its owners.

*Tips on how to grow bamboo indoors:

1. Growing media: The lucky bamboo houseplant can thrive under a variety of indoor conditions. It will grow well in water or soil, but soil is generally preferable to water. When initially purchased, the plant may be in the form of a number of cuttings that are all tied together. These stems will have been rooting in water and you will see the root growth. Excess growth may be cut off with a sharp knife.

2. Container: Ideally, you may choose to use any decorative glass or pottery container. Place marbles, or pebbles in the bottom of the container first and then cover them with fresh water. Insert the stems into the container, with each one at the same level on the bottom of the container.

3. Roots: Try to keep the roots moist at all times. Note that the lucky bamboo plant will grow roots right to the top of the water level, so keep it relatively low. How much water you use, will depend upon the height of the cuttings. Approximately one to two inches of water,

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