Indoor Bamboo CareIt is estimated that bamboo has been a symbol of good fortune in Asia for more than 3000 years. In ancient Asian history, this plant was considered a member of the bamboo family, however, modern science classifies it as Dracaena Sanderiana Lucky bamboo is one of the plants recommended by Feng Shui masters to improve Feng Shui and create a space where you feel safe and more energized. Feng Shui is the ancient practice of bringing the natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance in our surroundings. This is believed to produce greater harmony and a more positive life experience.Because lucky bamboo is able to thrive in many areas of the home or workplace where other plants would not, it is valued as a means to enhance the positive flow of energy or "chi" in these types of spaces. The bamboo stalk is valued as a symbol of the element "WOOD". A red ribbon tied around the stalk symbolizes the element "FIRE". The addition of the fire element assists in enhancing or "igniting" the positive results that are desired. What do the number of bamboo stalks signify ??? 3 stalks = Will Attract happiness 5 stalks = Will Attract Wealth 7 stalks = Will Result in Good Health 21 stalks = Will Offer a Powerful Blessing A few simple guidlines: Avoid heavy sunlight. Lucky bamboo will grow naturally under the canopy of wet tropical rain forests. It needs little sunlight to grow. In general, the more indirect light, the better. If you see burning or browning on the tips of the leaves, the location may receive too much sunlight. Lucky Bamboo must be kept wet all the time. It prefers a few inches of fresh, or filtered water. It will also grow in soil as long as the soil contains a high water concentration. Since neither water nor soil contain the vitamins, minerals or hormones that are found in Lucky Bamboo's natural growing environment, fertilizer is recommended. Why does lucky bamboo sometimes turn yellow ??? After considering the possibility of too much sunlight, the next thing to consider would be the type of water you are using. If you live in a city where fluoride is added to the water, or has high chlorine or salt content, this could be the reason. Or a combination of these factors could also be the problem. Yellow is first seen at the ends of the leaves and then spreads throug the whole stalk until it eventually dies. It is important to provide pure, clean water, either by adding an effective filtering system to your tap, or by purchasing purified water. If you suspect this is your problem, and you improve the quality of your water, allow time for healthy, new foliage to form before deciding that something else might be wrong. Can lucky bamboo be planted outside ??? No, not unless you live in a tropical area. Lucky Bamboo does not respond well to temberatures below 16c, and must always be kept moist. Is lucky bamboo safe for Pets or Kids ??? Yes, it is safe and non-toxic. Can you propagate from original stalks? To grow new Lucky Bamboo stalks from your original stalks, make a clean cut through the stalk, seal the top end with some wax. Place the cutting in fresh, clean water with some rooting hormone. Renew this mixture once a week. What Illnesses affect Lucky Bamboo ??? Lucky bamboo attracts many of the same illnesses as normal houseplants. Treat your lucky bamboo with the same products you would use to treat your houseplants. These items are available at your local hardware or garden store. We recommend treating pests with organic or environmentally safe products. How Long Does Lucky Bamboo Live ??? Lucky Bamboo is native to warmer, humid climates. Depending on the temperature & humidity of your home, it can last from a couple weeks to over a year. There really isn't much you can do if bamboo doesn't like your home environment, so enjoy it while you can. |
