Fresh stalk of luck

Pot-a-plant

Miniature bamboo plants are everywhere these days and for a reason. They are easy-to-grow lucky charms, says Swathi T S.

One thing you notice as soon as you enter a building nowadays is a miniature bamboo sitting regally inside a glass bowl. Whether in homes or offices, on desks, or in hotels, they seem to be everywhere. According to Feng Shui, lucky bamboo is said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants are given as gifts. These plants cost between Rs 60-100, surely a small price to pay for good luck and prosperity.

Dracaena sanderiana, commonly called as the lucky bamboo, is not a bamboo in reality. It is a type of tropical water lily from Africa. The stalks of dracaena are braided and twisted by professional growers into many shapes and sold as lucky bamboos. The reason for its popularity is probably its easy maintenance factor.

The lucky bamboo is happy to grow in water or in soil. Whatever the media, direct sunlight should be avoided. It could be placed just about anywhere considering the amount of space it takes — in your living room, on your dining table, in your cubicle or on your coffee table. But keep it away from children as its leaves are slightly toxic.

While buying a lucky bamboo select one with bright green leaves. Yellow leaves means the plant is unhealthy. Take a glass bowl and add in few pebbles for stability. Place the bamboo over the pebbles and pour in up to one inch of water. As the roots begin to grow, make sure the roots are immersed in water. Good hygiene recommends that you change the water at least once a week. It doesn’t require any fertiliser; however you can add a drop of weak liquid fertiliser occasionally. Special lucky bamboo fertilisers are available in the market.

Pure, chlorine-free water should be used to water the bamboo as chlorine will slowly kill the plant. Also, water that is dirty or infected with bacteria can be deadly. If the plant develops black roots, cut them away immediately; same with the case of yellow leaves. Regular trimming will prevent the top from becoming heavy. Use an opaque container if you see growth of algae in the glass container.

So, go buy yourself a little bit of luck today. The bamboo might not really change your luck, but it will certainly bring some freshness into your house.