Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): The Feng Shui Favorite That Grows in Water

Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana

Lucky Bamboo exploded in popularity in the late 1990s, and it's easy to see why: care couldn't be simpler. It grows happily in a vase of water with pebbles for support—no soil required.

Despite its name, it's not a true bamboo but a Dracaena with slender, upright stems and graceful, arching green leaves that taper to a point. Its roots are naturally red—don't be alarmed if you see them in the vase.

Feng shui enthusiasts prize it for enhancing chi energy and attracting good luck. Offices and dorms love it because it tolerates neglect for weeks without complaint.

Water & Vase Care

• Light: Bright indirect light—no direct sun, which scorches foliage.
• Vase: Use an opaque container. Clear glass allows light to promote algae growth. If water turns murky, clean the vase and pebbles and refill.
• Water Quality: This plant is sensitive to chlorine, fluoride, and other tap water chemicals. Use distilled or bottled water, or let tap water sit overnight before use.
• Water Changes: Replace water every 1–2 weeks.

Common Issues

Yellow leaves: Too much sun or fertilizer. Reduce both and move to a shadier spot.
Brown leaves: Dry air or chemicals in water.
Soft, mushy stalks: Usually fatal. Remove immediately to protect other stalks. To attempt rescue, cut away mushy parts and place trimmed stalks in fresh water.

Pruning & Shaping

Don't cut the main stalk. Instead, trim offshoots to 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) from the main stem to encourage bushier growth. Root the cuttings in water for new plants.

Those dramatic twists and curves? They're created by slowly rotating stalks toward a light source—a labor-intensive process difficult to replicate at home.

Lucky Bamboo Care Quick Reference

• Origin: Africa
• Height: Up to 3 ft (90 cm)
• Light: Bright indirect light; no direct sun
• Water: Change weekly/biweekly. Use distilled/bottled water or aged tap water.
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C)
• Soil: N/A (grows in water)
• Fertilizer: Every 2 months with all-purpose liquid fertilizer—just a drop
• Propagation: Stem cuttings in summer, rooted in fresh water