Lucky Bamboo is such a classic for a reason—it looks amazing in any living room and adds that perfect touch of zen. It’s no wonder so many of us want to give it a permanent home in our indoor gardens. If you’re looking to get yours settled in, here’s everything you need to know to keep it happy and thriving.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Lucky Bamboo loves a bright, warm nook. That said, try to keep it out of direct sunlight, as those harsh rays can actually do more harm than good over time. These plants also crave humidity. A great pro-tip is to give yours a regular misting with a spray bottle. Just be sure to use clean rainwater or filtered tap water if you can.
Temperature is another big factor for healthy growth. You’ll want to keep its spot at 65°F (18°C) or warmer. Don’t worry if there’s a quick dip in temperature—like when you’re airing out the room—but generally, a cozy, warm spot is the way to go. Keep it warm, and you’ll see that steady growth we all love.
Choosing Your Substrate
How you plant it depends on the “vibe” you’re going for. If you’re sticking with hydroponics, standard clay pebbles (LECA) work great. Otherwise, a high-quality potting soil is your best bet. Switching your plant from a vase or water setup into soil is actually pretty straightforward. However, trying to move a soil-grown plant back into water is a lot more work and usually isn’t worth the stress on the plant, so it’s best to avoid that.
Getting Ready to Plant
If you’re moving your bamboo from water to soil, timing is everything. Make sure the roots on the stems are nice and strong before making the jump. It’s better to wait a little longer and give the young plant plenty of time to develop. You’ll also want a pot that’s large enough to keep the plant stable—the right pot-to-plant ratio really makes the aesthetic pop! When you do plant it, make sure it sits at the same depth in the soil as it did in the water.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Right after you move it to soil, your Lucky Bamboo is going to be extra thirsty. Water it regularly, but don’t go overboard. You want the soil to stay moist, but never soggy or bone-dry. This helps prevent root rot. Again, using lime-free or filtered water is the gold standard here. If you’re using fresh potting soil, you won’t need any extra fertilizer for quite a while, as the soil is already packed with nutrients. With the right care, a soil-planted Lucky Bamboo can reach up to three feet tall!
Lucky Bamboo Planting Checklist:
- Pick a bright, warm location.
- Keep the temperature above 65°F.
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight.
- Mist the leaves regularly.
- Water consistently after planting, but avoid waterlogging.
- Skip the fertilizer if you’ve used fresh potting soil.
