Ask The Expert: I am considering selling Lucky Bamboo Plants thru my decorating business. It seems they are easy to take care of however recently I received a quite lare plant with at least 25 stems in it but they were in soil. I have not been able to find any information about growing them in soil or how to transition them over to water. I was wondering if you have any information that could help me with this. Thank you Chris

Reply:

Although Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is often grown hydroponically, it is actually a soil plant. Most dracaenas prefer to live in soil, so it will be very happy in the soil. However if you are selling lucky bamboo to fill a customers needs for hydroponically grown lucky bamboo then you must acclimate it to water.

This can be done. It is easier to transition soil grown lucky bamboo to water than the other way around. Begin by gently removing the lucky bamboo from the soil. You will need to wash all the soil particles off of the lucky bamboo stalks. Once you have done this prepare your container. You need a clean chemical free container. If you are selling the stems individually, don't both with pebbles or rocks in the bottom of the container. Find a container that will support the lucky bamboo stalks without tipping over with only about two to three inches of water. If you need extra weight in the bottom of the vase add the pebbles or rocks but make sure the stems can easily be removed as you sell them. Place distilled water in the container or use tap water that has been exposed to air for at least 24 hours. Draceana sanderiana (lucky bamboo) is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine which as often found in tap water. Place your lucky bamboo in bright indirect light and do not fertilize.

I would not transfer all of the stalks at once. I would test trial about 3 or 4 for a couple of weeks to see how the transition goes. Remember lucky bamboo grown in soil likes a moist but not soggy condition. So make sure that the lucky bamboo potted in soil drains well.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

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1. Lucky Bamboo planted in soil.
2. Can Lucky Bamboo Be Planted In Soil?
3. Lucky Bamboo Care: Changing the Water and Container
4. Lucky Bamboo – Yellow Stalks and Spring Water
5. Why Do I Have Cloudy Water In My Lucky Bamboo Container?