Lucky Bamboo Plant Care Guide
About Bamboo Plants
Bamboo plants are a part of the Poaceae family. This flowering perennial is naturally found in Asia and South America among tropical and temperate climates. This bamboo houseplant is able to grow up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is a great plant for beginners and has many attractive properties. This bamboo plant care guide will walk you through all of the care instructions for being a successful horticulturist.
Basic Care Instructions and Requirements
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Bamboo Plant, Lucky Bamboo
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Bambusa
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Poaceae
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Perennial
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Great for Beginners
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Up to 8 ft tall
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Direct Sunlight
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Fertile and well draining
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pH 5.0-6.5
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Zones 5-6 (USDA)
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Tropical and Temperate Climates
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Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Sunlight
Bamboo plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you are keeping your bamboo plant indoors, place it near a south facing window for best results. If you notice your plants leaves are beginning to yellow, your bamboo plant may not be getting enough sunlight and it may be time to invest in plant lights.
Humidity
Bamboo plants prefer to be in an environment where humidity levels are 50-80%. Keep your lucky bamboo near a humidifier or near other plants that prefer the same environment.
Temperature
Lucky bamboo grows best when temperatures are 65-90 °F. Bamboo plants are hardy, meaning they can survive in colder temperatures. Keep a close eye on your bamboo plant if temperatures drop below the minimum level.
Watering
Make sure that the pot your bamboo plant is living in has good drainage. Water your bamboo thoroughly once a week.
Best Soil For ZZ Plants
The perfect soil combination for lucky bamboo is peat moss, perlite, bark, compost, and sand. Keep the pH levels in between 5.0-6.5.
Susceptible Diseases
Bamboo plants are susceptible to many pests and diseases. Here’s a list of the most common:
Mealybugs
Aphids
Scale
Root Rot
Termites
Propagation
Use a clean pair of shears to prevent the transmission of any unwanted diseases. Grab your mature bamboo plant and cut a shoot that is around 5 inches long. Place the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting in water. Place the jar near a window and wait until root growth begins. Change the water once a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the ASPCA, bamboo plants are non-toxic for cats and dogs. Always be careful with keeping any plants near your furry friends.
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When pruning your lucky bamboo plants its best to use clean shears to prevent the transmission of unwanted diseases. Trimming your bamboo plant will promote healthy growth of both the stems and leaves. Cut off the leaves half way through to the bottom.
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There are many things that can cause your bamboo plants leaves to turn yellow. The most common cause is overwatering/underwatering your plant.
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Always replace the soil and move the plant into a pot that is a little bit bigger than the current one. If your bamboo plant is root bound, gently loosen the roots before transporting into the new pot.