The Lucky Bamboo Plant - Feng Shui, Care and Maintenance Tips

The Lucky Bamboo Plant is a low-maintenance and easy to grow plant that is representative of the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui. The Lucky Bamboo plant is really not a bamboo plant at all, however. It is really a member of the lily family that grows and thrives in Rain Forests.

I was given a Lucky Bamboo plant as a Christmas gift one year. I have no green whatsoever in either of my thumbs, but I was assured that this plant was sturdy and resilient enough to survive in my care. A little water and a little lindirect light were the only real needs of my new plant, I was informed. And so I optimistically embraced my new Lucky Bamboo Plant, and anticipated much good fortune in having the plant in my home.

So I did some reading and investigating about my new bamboo plant, and found that the Lucky Bamboo Plant has long been viewed as a symbol of good fortune to the Chinese. In the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, the bamboo represents the wood element which influences life energy, growth, vitality, and physical energy. Sounded great to me!

Another interesting fact I came across was about the stalks on the Lucky Bamboo Plant. The number of stalks on the plant has a lot of significance. 3 stalks mean happiness. 5 stalks mean wealth. You will probably not see a bamboo plant with 4 stalks because the word 4 in Chinese sounds very similar to the Chinese word for death.

The care of my Bamboo Plant was quite simple, as I was promised. I read that The Lucky Bamboo Plant requires about an inch to 2 inches of water. Apparently the water should always be clear and fresh, so I needed to remember to change the water about every two weeks or sooner. Not too difficult to remember. Also, it is best to let tap water stand in a separate container for 24 hours before using it for the bamboo plant. This is because the chlorine and fluoride in the water needs to dissipate. Too much of these chemicals ca cause yellowing or browning of the bamboo leaves.

Just a little bit of watered down plant food was recommended, but not deemed necessary. Indirect light is apparently best for a Lucky Bamboo Plant to thrive and grow under. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. The Lucky Bamboo Plant prefers an indoor location, and normal room temperatures. So, I found my little plant a nice location near a lamp but not near a window.

So, wondering what happened to my Lucky Bamboo Plant? Did I discover the hidden green in my thumbs? Did this acclaimed low-maintenance and sturdy bearer of good fortune thrive in it's new home near a nice lamp with indirect light? And most importantly, did I receive good fortune in having this lovely plant in my home?

I did not find any green in my thumbs.... none. My poor friend, the Bamboo, withered under my watchful care. Alas, I would have to say that neither my Lucky Bamboo Plant nor I were blessed with any good fortune in this case. Perhaps one day I will try again with another Lucky Bamboo Plant. I could really use some good fortune.