In this viewer-inspired video, find out how to effectively use a humidifier to give your houseplants more humidity. This video covers how close to plants to put the humidifier, what type of water to use, how long to run the humidifier, and more.
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Today, I have a plant care video for you on Lucky Bamboo, also known botanically as Dracaena sanderiana. This is Lucky Bamboo, a really cool plant with twisted trunks that is commonly grown in water. Although you can grow it in soil, I will focus on how to keep this plant healthy and happy in your indoor garden.
In its native habitat, Lucky Bamboo can reach up to five feet tall with an equal spread, but indoors, it is more likely to grow only about two or three feet tall. It has slim, upright stems with distinct nodes and a striping pattern that gives it a bamboo-like appearance, which is where it gets its name. The plant is also called “lucky” because, according to tradition, growing an odd number of these plants in your indoor garden will bring you good luck. So, when you get Lucky Bamboo, make sure to get an odd number—three, five, seven, nine, or even just one—to ensure it remains lucky.
The leaves of Lucky Bamboo are strap-like, pointed, and can eventually reach five to seven inches long, although the plant grows slowly. The foliage is green, with some varieties exhibiting variegated stripes of white or yellow. Outdoors, the plant may produce small white flowers, but it rarely blooms indoors. As you can see, this particular Lucky Bamboo has been trained to grow in a spiral form. These plants can also be trained to be braided or shaped into loops and even hearts, making them a striking addition to any indoor garden.
Lucky Bamboo is usually grown in water, and as you can see, this one is placed in water with colored glass and marbles, which not only add visual appeal but also match the color scheme in my office.
Lighting: Lucky Bamboo thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage. Medium to bright indirect light is ideal, and Full Spectrum Lighting works well too. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, its leaves may become more green, indicating it isn’t happy. On the other hand, if it receives too much light, the leaves can become washed out.
Watering: If you’re growing Lucky Bamboo in water, make sure the roots are submerged at all times and change the water every week to two weeks. This prevents toxins from building up in the water, which can harm the plant. Tap water can be used, but over time, the plant may develop brown leaf tips due to chlorine and fluoride in the water. If your tap water isn’t heavily chlorinated, you can alternate between tap water and reverse osmosis (RO) or filtered water. Well water can also be suitable. If the plant develops a lot of brown leaf tips, it may be a sign that the water has too many harmful minerals. When setting up the container, use a substrate like marbles, glass, or gravel to give the roots a place to secure themselves.
Humidity: Lucky Bamboo enjoys humidity levels of around 50% or higher, which is typically maintained when the plant is grown in water, as the water evaporates and humidifies the surrounding area.
Temperature: This plant does best in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 65 degrees, growth will slow down. If it exceeds 80 degrees, ensure that the water level is maintained and changed weekly to prevent stagnation.
Repotting: Traditional repotting isn’t necessary for Lucky Bamboo, but if the plant develops a lot of roots, you may need to move it to a larger container to give the roots room to grow comfortably. A crowded root system can cause the water to run out quickly, which can harm the plant.
Fertilizing: Lucky Bamboo usually doesn’t require fertilization if you’re using tap or well water, as these water sources provide some nutrients. However, if you’re using distilled or reverse osmosis water, which lack nutrients, you may need to feed the plant with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer at one-quarter the recommended strength. If the leaves start to yellow and you’ve ruled out other problems, consider adding a little fertilizer, even if you’re using tap or well water.
Pests and Diseases: Occasionally, Lucky Bamboo may attract mealybugs, which like to hide where the leaves are forming. If you notice mealybugs, spray the plant with 70% to 91% isopropyl alcohol, and rinse it off regularly. Continue this treatment a couple of times a week at first, then weekly for a few weeks, to get the pests under control.
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. Don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
FAQ: Using a Humidifier Around Plants
Why do houseplants need a humidifier?
Many houseplants, especially those from tropical climates, thrive in high humidity levels, which are often not present in typical homes.
How long should I run the humidifier?
It’s best to run the humidifier for about four to five hours a day, ideally between sunrise and midday, and avoid running it at night.
Where should I place the humidifier?
The humidifier should be in the same room as your humidity-loving plants, but not too close to avoid excessive condensation on the leaves.
How often should I use the humidifier?
Use the humidifier every day during dry times, checking the humidity level with a hygrometer. If it shows 50% or lower, turn it on.
What type of water should I use in the humidifier?
Use filtered or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria growth in the humidifier.
What factors should I consider when choosing a humidifier?
Consider the noise level, size, and output level of the humidifier based on your space and needs.
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