|
Home > Plant profiles > Chinese Water Bamboo
Chinese Water Bamboo
 Botanical name: Dracaena sanderiana
Common names: Lucky Bamboo
History: Well known throughout China, this plant is probably the most popular indoor plant in China and is well regarded in art of Feng Shui, in which part of the plant is regarded as a symbol of good luck. New businesses are presented with towers of canes up to 1 metre high as gifts of luck for the new venture and kept near the entrance of the business to attract good fortune. Chinese New Year is celebrated with the gift of this plant to bring good luck, prosperity, health (Chi), harmony, peace and virtuous (Zen) relationship.
Origin: China
Comments: Chinese Water Bamboo is a popular indoor plant as it is hardy and able to survive with minimal light. It can be grown in potting mix with water or pebbles. Roots are easily formed and can live in water indefinitely if occasional fertilizer is applied and the water is kept fresh. Another novel way of growing the bamboo is to plant with pebbles. Fill the pot with only 5-10mm water and enough pebbles to support the canes.
Tips: Change the water regularly to reduce algae problems. Canes will produce new shoots when cut, these shoots can grow up to 1m with about 3-4cm between each leaf. Feeding it more or less depending on the height you wish to achieve can control the growth. If the stems become too tall trim back to lowest leaf which will encourage new shoots off the side. The canes can be kept out of water for short periods as long as they don’t dry out. If the roots dry out or are damaged some canes may die, these should be removed to avoid further rot. If you use water as an option to grow the Water Bamboo, keep in a warmer area than if they are planted in soil. If growing indoors, allow approx 4-6 hours of daylight each day.
Contacts:
www.collectorscorner.com.au
Family: Agavceae.
Plant type: Evergreen perennial.
Size (HxW): 100cm x 50cm.
Depth and spacing: Plant with stem just below soil surface. If planting with pebbles only keep about 5cm of water in base of pot or container.
Watering: If grown in a potting mix it should be allowed to dry out on the surface before more watering takes place.
Frost tolerance: Frost tender, if planted outdoors make sure to protect this plant from heavy frosts.
Climate: Cool to tropical.
Aspect: These plants need full sun to semi shade when planted outdoors. Indoors they can survive without direct sunlight but will perform best in sunlight.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2 months with a small amount of slow release.
Pruning: When the plant grows too large cut the cane below the lowest leaf, above a node at the desired height. New growth will shoot from the internode below.
Comments: If grown in water make sure that the water remains clean and clear.
|
