Caring for Lucky Bamboo Plants

Lucky bamboo plants make perfect gifts for any occasion and can symbolize ingredients to a happy life. The meaning of lucky bamboo varies depending on number of stalks, but the basic symbolism stands for Wealth, Happiness and Longevity. The three symbols of lucky bamboo make it a perfect present for weddings, house warming gifts, new job promotion and even birthdays. Bamboo plants are extremely easy to take care of and require very little maintenance, making them a perfect gift for a grandmother on Mother's Day, or a grandfather on Father's Day.

Caring for lucky bamboo plants is very easy, and something I have personally done for many years. The basics of lucky bamboo care are a snug container, plenty of water and cleaning of leaves. Everything else done to a bamboo, such as training a bamboo stick to grow in curls or decorating bamboo containers is for aesthetics. Lovers of lucky bamboo plants also use them for Feng Shui, and bringing harmony to their home décor.

Lucky Bamboo Care: Plenty Of Water Is A Must
The only thing potted bamboo stalks really need is water, and plenty of it. I keep my lucky bamboo in water at all times, sometimes in up to four inches of water per container. There is no way to over-water bamboo, as they enjoy moisture and thrive from it. Not watering bamboo often, or letting pots dry out will kill bamboo stalks.

Lucky Bamboo Care: Picking The Right Container
Lucky bamboo stalks grow best in glazed ceramic pots, but can also grow in glass vases. A bamboo stalk does not require soil, so do not actually plant your lucky bamboo in the ground or a pot. The stalk will grow roots, but it will not grow branches or bamboo offspring. Bamboo stalks to not require a lot of space to grow, but cannot be placed in pots that will overheat from sun exposure. Containers or pots should not be placed in direct sunlight, and should be kept out of the cold weather.

Lucky Bamboo Care: Adding Rocks To Containers
Should you add rocks to your potted bamboo? Do bamboo stalks really need rocks in order to thrive? I always add rocks to my bamboo containers, because the roots seem to enjoy tangling up in a ball around the rocks. The rocks in water helps anchor bamboo stalks as well, helping to give shape and décor desired.

Lucky Bamboo Care: Getting Creative
A fun way to decorate with lucky bamboo is to pick different containers and rocks. I like using glass containers, or glass vases and adding personal touches such as river rocks collected from a family trip. One year, my husband and I went to the beach and collected sea shells. It was also the same beach trip that we found out we were expecting our first child. We added those sea shells to our largest three bamboo stalks in the biggest container, to represent our family and a lasting memory of the event.

Lucky Bamboo Care: Tips For Cleaning
Bamboo leaves can get dust on them, so wipe them off with a damp cloth. There is no need to spray water or mist bamboo leaves, a gentle wiping will remove any dust or dirt off of them.

The best tip of lucky bamboo care is to enjoy decorating, and trying new creative ideas with your plants. They are truly easy to raise and can last for many years. When leaving for a family trip, all you need to do is leave bamboo stalks in plenty of water. Bamboo plants will not die or wilt away while you are away from home for a few days, like other household plants.

Lucky bamboos make perfect gifts for any occasion, and can be a wonderful way to wish family and friends wealth, happiness and longevity. Most importantly, they can be a great way to wish someone good luck.