Lucky Bamboo is such a great way to add a touch of zen to your living room. It’s got that charming, architectural look, and the best part? It’s actually pretty easy to keep alive. However, when it comes to feeding your plant, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fertilizing your Lucky Bamboo.
Fertilizing Your Lucky Bamboo
The amount of fertilizer your Lucky Bamboo needs really depends on how you’re growing it. But here’s the golden rule: less is more. It’s always better to under-fertilize than to overdo it, as too much plant food can actually do more harm than good. Also, pro-tip: try to use lime-free water (like filtered or rainwater) to keep your plant at its happiest. Keep that water level consistent and change it out regularly, and your bamboo will be looking great for a long time.
Growing in Vases and Hydroponics
If you’re growing your Lucky Bamboo in a vase or a hydroponic setup, you’ll need to be a bit more intentional with fertilizer. Since there’s no soil, the plant relies entirely on you for its nutrients. I recommend feeding it every week or every two weeks. A standard liquid fertilizer from your local garden center works just fine. Just remember to stay on the stingy side with the dosage—this also helps prevent gross algae from taking over your water.
Growing in Soil
If you’ve decided to plant your Lucky Bamboo in soil, you won’t need to fertilize nearly as often. The potting mix already comes packed with the nutrients the plant needs. In fact, if you’ve just repotted it in fresh soil, your bamboo can thrive for several months without any extra food at all. If you’re thinking about moving your plant from water to soil, just make sure it has developed a strong enough root system before you make the switch.
Quick Checklist: The Essentials
- Fertilizer needs vary depending on whether your plant is in water or soil.
- For vases or hydroponics, fertilize regularly (every 1 to 2 weeks).
- Always keep an eye on the water level and change the water frequently.
- If you’re repotting into soil, make sure the roots are well-established first.
- In fresh soil, Lucky Bamboo can go several months without extra fertilizer.
- When in doubt, go light on the fertilizer!
