Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a beloved houseplant, celebrated for its elegance and symbolic value. Despite its common association with water, lucky bamboo can thrive in soil, providing advantages like accelerated growth and simplified maintenance. This article aims to answer the question ”Can Lucky Bamboo Grow in Soil” and further explores the ideal soil mix and care practices to maximise the beauty of this plant.
Benefits
There are several benefits to growing lucky bamboo in soil:
- Faster growth: Lucky bamboo typically grows faster in soil than in water.
- More robust plant: Lucky bamboo grown in soil tends to be more robust and less likely to tip over.
- Easier to care for: Lucky bamboo grown in soil is easier to care for than lucky bamboo grown in water, as you do not need to change the water regularly.
Check out how to grow lucky bamboo in water in this article.
Planting lucky bamboo in soil
When choosing a pot for lucky bamboo, select one with drainage holes to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent mix is a good choice for the potting mix, as it provides good drainage and aeration.
To plant lucky bamboo in soil, follow these steps:
- Fill the pot with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Place the lucky bamboo plant in the pot and fill in around the roots with potting mix. Be careful not to overpot, as this can lead to root rot.
- Water the plant thoroughly, until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
- Place the plant in a bright spot with indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Caring for lucky bamboo in soil
Lucky bamboo grown in soil requires regular watering, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilize lucky bamboo once a month during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength.
Prune lucky bamboo regularly to encourage new growth and to shape the plant. Use clean shears to trim any dead or yellow leaves. You can also prune to shape the plant into a desired shape, such as a spiral or a tower.
Repot lucky bamboo every few years, or when the plant outgrows its pot. When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
Creative ideas
Here are some creative ideas for growing lucky bamboo in soil:
- Grow lucky bamboo in a terrarium. A terrarium is a great way to create a unique and eye-catching display for your lucky bamboo. Be sure to choose a terrarium with drainage holes, and add a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom before adding the soil.
- Grow lucky bamboo in a bonsai pot. Bonsai is the Japanese art of cultivating miniature trees. Lucky bamboo can be trained to grow in a bonsai style by pruning and shaping the plant.
- Grow lucky bamboo in a water feature. Lucky bamboo can also be grown in a shallow water feature, such as a dish or bowl. Be sure to place the plant in a sunny spot, and add fresh water regularly.
Lucky bamboo plants needs | |
Plants rooting powder | |
Prepping tools | |
House plants feed | |
Windowsill seed propagators | |
Potting soil |
Final words (Can Lucky Bamboo Grow in Soil?)
In conclusion, lucky bamboo is a beautiful and versatile plant that can thrive in either water or soil. It offers faster growth and ease of care.
With the right soil mix and attention, this elegant plant can bring prosperity and joy to your indoor space and flourish for many years to come.