What is Lucky Bamboo?
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is not true bamboo, but rather a tropical plant that resembles bamboo when the lower leaves are removed. It can be grown in both water and soil. Lucky bamboo does produce small white flowers, but they are not typically seen in indoor plants. It is an easy-to-care-for houseplant available at most garden centers.
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) can be found in a variety of forms, including multiple canes planted in soil or individual canes for growing in water.
Ginger E. Long, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Native Range of Lucky Bamboo
While lucky bamboo is most associated with Chinese culture, it is native to western Africa.
Cultural Meaning of Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is a symbolic plant in Chinese culture. It is used in feng shui to help balance and enhance flow in the home. Lucky bamboo is often given as a gift for celebrations such as the Chinese New Year, a 15-day Chinese holiday that marks the lunar new year and the start of spring.
The number of stems per container symbolizes:
- 1 stem: good fortune
- 2 stems: love and relationships
- 3 stems: happiness
- 5 stems: health
- 6 stems: prosperity
- Plus, many more
(4 stems are omitted above because they are not considered lucky).
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo Successfully
USDA Hardiness Zones
- Lucky bamboo is hardy in zones 10 to 12.
Indoor Care Best Practices. For Lucky Bamboo
Light & Location (Lucky Bamboo Care Indoors)
- Place lucky bamboo in a room with bright, indirect light, such as those facing east or north.
- Direct sunlight will damage the leaves, causing them to turn brown.
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo in Water
- The stems of lucky bamboo should be submerged in enough water to cover the roots and at least one inch of the stem.
- Pebbles or marbles may be added to the bottom of the container to hold the stalks upright.
- Change the water weekly.
- Fertilize every other month with a liquid houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 the recommended rate.
The number of stalks of lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is symbolic.
Ginger E. Long, © 2026 HGIC, Clemson Extension
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo in Soil
- Plant lucky bamboo in a well-drained potting soil.
- Use a potting soil labeled for indoor or tropical plants.
- Tall stems should be staked until the roots anchor into the potting soil.
- Water the pot when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow it to drain thoroughly. Do not leave water in a saucer underneath the pot.
- Fertilize with a houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
How to Propagate Lucky Bamboo
- Cut a shoot of new growth off the main stem.
- Remove the lowest leaves.
- Place the shoot in water.
- New roots will usually form within 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Pests on Lucky Bamboo
- Pests include spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids.
- These pests can be removed by hand, by rinsing the leaves off, or by using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Growing Lucky Bamboo Outdoors
- Like most houseplants, lucky bamboo can be placed outdoors in a shady area after the danger of frost has passed in late spring.
- It must be brought back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 65°F.
Toxicity of Lucky Bamboo
- Lucky bamboo is toxic to pets and causes skin irritation in humans.
