Learn how to prune Lucky Bamboo and get the plant to thrive.
#healthyhouseplants #luckybamboo #plantpruning #houseplantcare #indoorplants #gardeningtips #plantmaintenance #indoorgardening #Dracaena #houseplanttips
Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support my show and get help growing your houseplants, check out my Patreon link below.
Today, I have a viewer-inspired video. Justin asked if I could do a video on how to prune Lucky Bamboo. This is Lucky Bamboo, which actually isn’t bamboo at all. Lucky Bamboo is a Dracaena sanderiana. It’s called Lucky Bamboo because it somewhat resembles bamboo in appearance, especially the stems.
In this video, I’ll demonstrate how to prune Lucky Bamboo, using a few examples of plants with different issues. This plant has a few problems that will be useful for the demonstration. For instance, one part of it died back, so I will show you how to address that issue and how to cut into the stem itself.
The plant in good shape, however, will not be cut. This middle section of the plant is in good condition, so I will leave it as is. On the other hand, this part of the plant is really tall, so I’ll demonstrate how to cut the leaves and the stem to maintain an even appearance.
Lucky Bamboo is often grown in a way that causes it to curve or twist, which is achieved by using wires and other methods during its youth. These twists and curves are part of what makes Lucky Bamboo unique.
For good luck, it’s traditionally recommended to have Lucky Bamboo arranged in odd numbers, such as three or five stalks. This is believed to bring good fortune. For example, if you want to enhance the plant’s luck, you might need to cut and adjust the plant to achieve the desired number of stalks.
When cutting Lucky Bamboo, remember that cutting into the stem will not encourage new growth from that segment. Instead, growth occurs from the nodes—these are the rings on the stem. These nodes contain auxins, which are growth hormones. Cutting just above a node stimulates new leaf growth from that point.
If you cut too low on the stem, the plant will not grow back from that segment. You should stay higher on the stem to ensure you get new growth from the nodes. For instance, I will cut this piece just above the node to encourage healthy new growth.
If you want to propagate Lucky Bamboo, you can cut it into smaller pieces, each of which can grow into a new plant. However, I prefer to maintain the height of my plant as it is, so I won’t be propagating it at this time.
When pruning, it’s essential to avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once to prevent shock. Since each segment is considered a separate plant, cutting back too much can harm it. For a balanced appearance, I plan to cut about a third of the way down.
For the pruning process, use sharp pruners. You may need larger pruners for thicker stems, but smaller ones can work for smaller cuts. I will include links to recommended pruners below.
After pruning, the plant will grow new leaves and potentially become bushier. This will improve the overall appearance of the plant.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lucky Bamboo?
Lucky Bamboo is actually not bamboo but a Dracaena sanderiana. It is called Lucky Bamboo because it resembles bamboo in appearance, especially in the stems.
How do you prune Lucky Bamboo?
To prune Lucky Bamboo, you should cut just above the nodes (the rings on the stem). The growth occurs from these nodes, which contain auxins (growth hormones). Avoid cutting too low, as it will not encourage new growth from that segment.
What should you do if part of the Lucky Bamboo plant died back?
If a part of the Lucky Bamboo died back, cut away the dead or damaged area just above the node to encourage new, healthy growth. Avoid cutting too much at once to prevent shock.
How can you achieve good luck with Lucky Bamboo?
For good luck, it is traditionally recommended to have Lucky Bamboo arranged in odd numbers, such as three or five stalks. This arrangement is believed to bring good fortune.
Can you propagate Lucky Bamboo?
Yes, you can propagate Lucky Bamboo by cutting it into smaller pieces. Each piece can grow into a new plant. However, if you prefer to maintain the current height and appearance, you may choose not to propagate.
How much should you cut back when pruning Lucky Bamboo?
Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once to prevent shock. Prune about one-third of the way down for a balanced appearance. Each segment is considered a separate plant, so cutting too much can harm it.
What tools should you use for pruning Lucky Bamboo?
Use sharp pruners for the pruning process. Larger pruners are suitable for thicker stems, while smaller ones are effective for smaller cuts.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Pruning shears for small cuts: https://amzn.to/3hISuI4
Pruning shears for big cuts: https://amzn.to/3Tna6wl
Share to Social Media.