Keeping lucky bamboo inside houses and business places is believed to bring happiness and prosperity and this belief has promoted a huge sales of lucky bamboo shoots grown in decorative pots.
According to a student paper out of North Dakota State University, Lucky Bamboo, has been an Asian symbol of good fortune and prosperity for thousands of years. It has been used for 5,000 years in the practice of Feng Shui. Lucky Bamboo is said to bring health, love, and luck to whoever possesses it.
Plus it is so easy to care for lucky bamboo. Just stick the stems in some water, surround them with pebbles for support, and watch them grow. According to Alton Pertuit, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Clemson University, in South Carolina, lucky bamboo is not really a bamboo; it’s Dracaena sanderiana. Dracaenas are members of the Lily family, which includes the Easter lily and spider plant. Which has some people say it is poisonous to cats so… be warned. Lucky Bamboo does not appear on the ASPCA’s list of plants that are considered toxic for animals, although lilys are so be sure to keep an eye on the cat and be sure you could contact your vet if she looks sick. You can plant lucky bamboo in soil as well if you like but why bother? If all they really need is indirect sunlight and some flouride free water let’s remember the KISS Principle shall we?
Some people like to form and shape their lucky bamboo plant just as some like to form and shape bonsai. I have yet to try this. It seems complicated, though I am told it is not. Remember in Karate Kid when Mr Miyagi was teaching Daniel how to trim the bonsai. He said something like “Close your eyes and see picture of tree.” Daniel then asks, “But how do I know if my picture’s the right one?” To which Miyagi instructs, “If come from inside you, always right one. Close your eyes, concentrate. Think only tree…” I guess maybe it is the same with lucky bamboo?
Bonus- This will win you a drink at the bar. Mr. Miyagi’s first name is Kesuke. You are welcome.
Lucky bamboo has special meanings. Three stalks are given for happiness while five stalks are given for health. Six stalks are given for harmony. 8, 18, 28 or 38 stalks are given for prosperity.
Here is a really nice tutorial from WikiHow on How to Take Care of Lucky Bamboo. Check it out.
We have a few lucky bamboo around the house and whether they are helping bring prosperity or happiness or fortune, who knows? One thing is for sure, they do bring me smiles.
Do you have a lucky bamboo plant? Share your thoughts in the comments. Would love to hear from you.
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