How to Care for a Braided Bamboo Plant

The braided bamboo plant is a popular houseplant known for its intricately woven stalks. Contrary to its name, this plant is not a type of bamboo but a species named Dracaena sanderiana, often called “lucky bamboo.” Native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, this resilient member of the asparagus family is relatively easy to grow indoors. Its common name comes from its resemblance to true bamboo and its association with good fortune in Feng Shui traditions.

Braided Bamboo Plant Care

Water

These plants can be grown hydroponically in a vase with pebbles and water, or potted in soil. If growing in water, use distilled, filtered, or rainwater, as the plant is sensitive to chemicals like chlorine in tap water. You can also let tap water sit for 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate. The water should be changed weekly to prevent bacterial growth and keep it fresh.

When planted in soil, the goal is to keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. A well-draining potting mix is recommended to prevent the roots from sitting in excess water. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a window with a sheer curtain. Direct sunlight is too intense and can scorch the leaves. While the plant is tolerant of low-light conditions, its growth will be slower, and the leaves may fade in color. If you notice the plant stretching or becoming sparse, it may be an indication that it needs a brighter location.

Temperature and Humidity

Dracaena sanderiana prefers temperatures between 65°F and 90°F (18°C to 32°C). As a tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold drafts from windows or doors, nor does it like blasts of dry heat from heating vents. Sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant. It performs well in average household humidity but will appreciate occasional misting if the air in your home is particularly dry.

Fertilizer

This plant has minimal fertilizer needs and is sensitive to over-fertilizing. When grown in water, a single drop of a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for lucky bamboo can be added every couple of months. For soil-grown plants, a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied every four to six weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid feeding the plant during the winter months when its growth naturally slows.

Understanding the Braid

The plant’s distinctive braided shape is a result of human intervention. Growers cultivate the plants, and while the stalks are still young and malleable, they carefully weave them together. The intertwined stalks are then held in place with ties, allowing them to harden and permanently adopt the braided form as they mature.

Once the stalks have matured and become woody, they are no longer flexible enough to be manipulated without breaking. The braiding is performed on very young plants in a commercial greenhouse setting. Attempting to braid an established plant will likely harm it and is not recommended.

Maintaining the Plant’s Shape

To keep the braided bamboo looking neat, regular pruning is necessary. Over time, the plant will produce new shoots and leaves from the nodes along the braided stalks. These offshoots can make the plant look unruly, and pruning them helps maintain the plant’s intended aesthetic.

When pruning for shape, use clean, sharp scissors to cut the offshoots back to about an inch or two from the main stalk. This encourages fuller growth to emerge from the cut area. You should also trim away any leaves that have turned yellow or brown to keep the plant tidy. Do not cut the main, braided stalks, as this can permanently alter the plant’s structure.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing leaves can be caused by several factors, including too much direct sunlight, over-fertilization, or chemicals in tap water. A yellowing stalk, however, is a more serious problem, often indicating root rot from overwatering. If an entire stalk turns yellow and soft, it should be removed immediately to prevent the issue from spreading to other stalks.

For plants grown in water, algae can become a problem if the container is clear and exposed to too much light. Algae competes with the plant for nutrients. To resolve this, thoroughly clean the vase and any pebbles with each weekly water change. Using an opaque container can also help prevent algae from forming.

Pests are not a frequent issue, but the plant can attract mealybugs or spider mites. Mealybugs appear as small, white cottony spots, while spider mites may cause discoloration. These pests can be managed by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap. Leggy growth, where the top of the plant becomes sparse, is a result of insufficient light, and moving the plant to a brighter spot can help.