Why are the leaves turning yellow?

This is often a sign of too much direct sunlight or chemical sensitivity to tap water.

Can I grow it in soil?

Yes, it thrives in well draining potting mix as long as it stays moist but not soggy.

Plant guide

Lucky Bamboo.

Dracaena sanderiana

Pronounced druh-SEE-nuh san-der-ee-AH-nuh

Also known as Belgian evergreen, lucky-bamboo, ribbonplant

Lucky bamboo is actually a member of the asparagus family and is not a true bamboo. It is a popular houseplant often grown in water or soil. It is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in various indoor light conditions.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: perennial
Light: bright indirect light
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 100 cm
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 11
Bloom time: Rarely indoors

Care

Keep your plant in bright, indirect light to prevent leggy growth. If growing in water, change it every few weeks to keep it fresh and clear. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal too much direct sun or chemicals in the water.

Watering: Change water weekly if grown hydroponically or keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Feeding: Use a very dilute liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back yellowing leaves or overgrown stems to maintain shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the root system becomes too crowded for the container.
Soil: well draining potting mix or water
Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 32°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the container.
Water draining through the pot too quickly.
Stunted growth despite proper care.

Safety

People: Ingestion can cause mouth irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of the leaves.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is toxic to pets and should not be consumed by humans.

How to identify it

segmented green stems
narrow lance shaped leaves
often grown in water
flexible stems for training

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, light green, evergreen
Flowers: white, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Root rot — Usually caused by overwatering or stagnant water in the container.
Leaf tip burn — Often triggered by fluoride or chlorine in tap water.
Spider mites — Small pests that thrive in dry indoor air and cause yellowing leaves.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during winter. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in cooler temperatures.
In containers: It is excellent for containers and can even be grown in decorative glass vases with water.

Stem cuttings

Cut a healthy stem section that includes at least one node.
Place the cutting in a clean jar of water.
Change the water weekly to keep it fresh.
Wait for roots to develop before potting in soil if desired.

Group plants with similar water needs together to maintain consistent humidity levels.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar low light and high humidity requirements.
Pothos — Both plants are easy to grow and handle similar indoor conditions.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents require much more light and less water than this plant.

Similar species

Corn Plant — It is a larger relative that shares the same genus and care needs.
Dragon Tree — It is another popular Dracaena with similar light and water preferences.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central Africa.
Conservation: This species is not currently of conservation concern.

It grows in the shaded understory of tropical rainforests where it relies on filtered light.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Hydroponic display, Feng shui decor

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Salinity: 2/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves turning yellow?: This is often a sign of too much direct sunlight or chemical sensitivity to tap water.
Can I grow it in soil?: Yes, it thrives in well draining potting mix as long as it stays moist but not soggy.

Where the name comes from

It is named after the German-born horticulturist Henry Frederick Conrad Sander.

Good to know

It is often gifted to bring good luck and prosperity.
The number of stalks in an arrangement is said to carry specific meanings.
It grows remarkably well in just water and pebbles.
It can tolerate lower light levels than many other houseplants.

Is your lucky bamboo looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.