Bamboo Plant Maintenance

Minerals in tap water, such as fluoride, can cause leaf yellowing on lucky bamboo.

If you're caring for an indoor bamboo plant that grows in pebbles, chances are it's lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana). Lucky bamboo comes as straight or twisted green stalks, usually about 6 to 12 inches high, with 6-inch green leaves at the top. The plants aren't a true bamboo, and they're often grown in water with pebbles for support. It requires little maintenance and no fertilizer or pruning, so it's ideal for people who want a no-fuss plant that provides distinctive beauty. Lucky bamboo grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11 but is usually grown as a houseplant.

Fill the pot or container with fresh, distilled or bottled water. If you use tap water, allow it to sit overnight so the chlorine can evaporate before using it on the plant. Change the water once a week, and ensure that there is always at least 1 inch of water in the container or vase.

Place enough pebbles in the vase or container to hold the stems upright. Use any type of pebbles or stones you want.

Place the lucky bamboo plant in an area that gets bright, indirect sunlight with temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant will survive in areas with less light, but it will grow more slowly.

Rinse off the plant under cool running water if you notice aphids or spider mites. This should remove them without causing stress or damage to the plant. Aphids appear as small, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects of varying color. Spider mites are tiny, vary in color and often produce webbing on plants.