Bamboo is considered a lucky plant in feng shui. In Chinese, the words for “prayer” and for “bamboo” sound alike, and some believe that a bamboo plant increases the power of prayer.

The popular “lucky bamboo” plant is technically “dracaena sanderia,” not an actual bamboo plant. It is still considered very lucky in feng shui.

BUYING A LUCKY BAMBOO

When you select a lucky bamboo plant, be sure that it looks healthy and green, not bruised. If it’s in soil, the soil should not be dry. In pebbles and water, make sure that the stalks have some roots. Traditionally, it’s best to select a plant with three or eight stalks; both are lucky numbers in feng shui. If your plant has eight stalks, it’s ideal for two of them to be curly.

When you bring your plant home, let it sit in a bright area near a window, but not in direct sunlight. Unless the water level if very low (less than half way to the top of the pebbles), do not add water for at least two days. Allow the plant to get used to its new home.

If your lucky bamboo was planted in soil, be careful not to overwater it, but do not allow the soil to dry out entirely; keep it evenly moist.

To enhance your plant’s good luck, tie the stalks together with a red ribbon or a red thread. However, be certain not to tie them too snugly; lucky bamboo can bruise easily.

Once your lucky bamboo has had a chance to rest after its journey to its new home, it’s okay to water it and to move it to wherever you plan to display it.

PETS AND LUCKY BAMBOO

Some varieties of dracaena–the family of plants that include lucky bamboo–are poisonous to pets. So, if you’re bringing a lucky bamboo plant into your home, be sure to display it where your pets won’t be tempted to munch on the leaves.