Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
Dracaena sanderiana
Plant Common Name
Lucky Bamboo
General Description
Lucky bamboo is not a bamboo but a Dracaena just like the popular houseplant called a corn plant. It is native to the rainforest of Cameroon in Africa and is an evergreen shrub with upright cane-like stems. The canes hold widely spaced, wavy, lance-shaped leaves with white strips and margins. Many cultivars have green leaves or other colors and patterns of variegation.
Dracaena sanderiana has been used as an interior foliage plant for decades, most often in combinations with other plants in dish gardens and other containers. It is tolerant of many interior conditions from low to bright light and varying amounts of humidity. It does grow outside in frost-free zones in well-drained soil and partial shade.
Lucky bamboo has become somewhat of a novelty plant grown in twisting shapes and hydroponically – in water. The slender canes are caused to grow in twisted shape by variously exposing the plant to gravity at differing angles and directed light sources. Eventually lucky bamboo should be planted in soil. If left in water, change it often. Use water which is free of fluoride and salt as lucky bamboo is sensitive to both and the leaves will turn yellow or brown on the margins if exposed. Fertilize the water carefully, lightly and infrequently. Use a product specifically formulated for hydroponic use, it should be free or have low levels of salt and fluoride. Lucky bamboo may be short-lived when grown in water.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H2, 21, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Shrub
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
-
Height
6"-70" / 15.2cm - 177.8cm (18)
-
Width
6"-24" / 15.2cm - 61.0cm
-
Native To
Western Africa
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Loam, Sand
-
Growth Rate
Slow
-
Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
-
Habit
Upright/Erect
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
None
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green
-
Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Bark Color
Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Coarse
-
Foliage Sheen
Glossy
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Smooth
-
Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
