How Are Lucky Bamboo Spirals Created?
Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo Spirals
I just purchased two stalks with lovely matching spirals below their leaves. How do I create these spirals again when I cut the tall stalks and want to start a new plant? Betty
January 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Betty,
The lucky bamboo that has a spiral shape was create by manipulating the lucky bamboo exposure to light. Because lucky bamboo is slow growing this a long and some say arduous task. But nothing worth having comes easy and half the fun is the adventure you take to get there. With that said, here is how you create lucky bamboo curls:
Find a cardboard box big enough to fit over the lucky bamboo with a little room. Cut the bottom and one side of the box off. Place the cardboard box over the lucky bamboo this will create shade on the top and three sides of the lucky bamboo. Face the open side of the box towards your light source. The lucky bamboo will begin to grow towards the light creating a bend. When you notice a definite bend rotate the container about an inch - the lucky bamboo will begin to grow towards the light again creating a new bend. Continue this process until you achieve the curl you want.
If you are re-rooting a lucky bamboo stalk, I would let it form new roots before attempting the curling process. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Wonderful! I have been trying to find out how to create the spiral for months. I won't go into all the different answers I received. (None were correct).
Can you direct me to additional information on this plant?
Thank you,
January 28th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Va,
Start with Flower Shop Network's Caring For Lucky Bamboo Page - we have complied a lot of information about lucky bamboo into one page. You can also go to chiff.com lucky bamboo.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:47 am
Is it possible to grow any bamboo in spiral or its just the lucky bamboo that can be grown in spiral?
March 11th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
So, if I want to grow a heart shaped lucky bamboo (actually it takes two to create the heart), I would lower the light source and possibly maintain a portion of one side of the box so that the stem starts to grow slightly downward - which obviously would require another box with the appropriate amounts cut away. Make sense? Or is there an easier way? I can always go back and buy another one, it would be kind of an adventure to see if this would work. What would you suggest about using this technique?
March 12th, 2009 at 7:28 am
I think you have a good idea of what to do. To make the lucky bamboo turn downward make sure the hole is lower than the piece you want to turn downward. Take pictures as you go along. Then we'll post your "experiment" with details for others who might want to do the same thing. Good luck and keep me posted.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I'd like to try to grow a heart shape. I have a little table that sits about 2 ft. high w. the kitchen window's bottom even in hieght. The sun shines thru bright in morning w. the porch difussing a little and a matchstick shade which I can pull up for more light. I have an Ott-lite I used to use for crafts and thought I could set it down on the floor to guide growth down? Should I keep the light from window difused w. shade? How many hrs. a day should I keep the lower light on? Sunrise to Sunset? Also, our water in Indy is VERY Hard!! Since we rent, we buy distilled & I drink ultra-purified & add trace minerals. Should I use distilled water & add a supplement? If so, what would you reccomend? Thank you for the help! Linda
April 6th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Linda,
Yes, you will need to keep the light from the shade a way from the lucky bamboo. The only light needs to come from the bottom. Keep the light on for 8 to 10 hours. For now just use the distilled water. In a month or two fertilize the lucky bamboo with a very very diluted solution of a water soluble fertilizer. Good luck and keep me posted.
April 22nd, 2009 at 8:29 am
Good day I just want to know how long does it take to complete the first spiral
Thank you
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
A week or two depending on the growth of the lucky bamboo.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Luck Bamboo is not bamboo at all, Its a reed. That is why it can sit in water 24/7. There are only a couple of Real bamboo plants that can do that. Real bamboo will also lean towards light but not in a spiral due to the rate of growth for most Real bamboo plants.