How to Care for a Lucky Bamboo Dracaena Plant

Lucky bamboo may resemble bamboo, but it is actually a member of the Dracaena family and not a bamboo at all. Lucky bamboo makes an interesting houseplant because it can be trained into a myriad of shapes and curls. Straight-growing lucky bamboo is usually a rooted piece of stem and doesn't grow any longer, but lucky bamboo that has been trained into designs often continues to grow, albeit slowly. While it is low-maintenance, caring for your lucky bamboo properly ensures that it thrives for years to come.

Distilled water

Fertilizer

Place the lucky bamboo plant in an area that receives indirect or low light. Lucky bamboo prefers less light but tolerates bright light. The plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight.

Place the lucky bamboo in a 65 to 75 degrees F room. Place it away from air vents and other areas that receive hot or cold drafts, as this can dry out and damage the plant.

Replace the water in the vase or container every two to three weeks, replenishing it to a 3-inch depth. Use distilled water as the chlorine in tap water can damage the plant. For lucky bamboo growing in soil, water regularly with distilled water, keeping the soil slightly soggy.

Fertilize every one to two months with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Add one to two drops of fertilizer to the water right after the water has been changed.

Lucky bamboo produces roots when one of the joints on the stem is underwater. You can divide the plant by breaking the stem so that it has at least one joint to place under water.

Chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals in tap water kill the plant. If you must use tap water, set it out in an open container for two to three days so the chlorine evaporates.