Changing Lucky Bamboo Containers

[caption id="attachment_8892" align="alignright" width="112" caption="Lucky Bamboo Pot Option"][/caption] Ask the Expert: Re-plant my Lucky Bamboo As you can see from the pictures my lucky bamboo plant has (I think) all but outgrown its original glass planter. I would like to re-plant it in the new planter (see picture). Will it look okay in this new planter? Can I use rocks to fill it (along with the small pebbles it came with) and if so what kind of rocks I should use? Clean and wash them? What else do I need to be aware of? Thanks JD Plant Expert Reply: I think the lucky bamboo will look fine in the crytal shoe.  You have two options: 1) You can place river rock pebbles in the container.  You will need to wash the rock first with warm soapy water and then rinse them before placing them in the shoe. 2) Don't place any pebbles in the container - I have had lucky bamboo in a vase without pebbles. When you transfer the lucky bamboo use distilled water.  You might lightly prine the roots at this time. The lucky bamboo may go into transplant shock for a couple of weeks. Don't panic just let it be and it will come out of it.

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What Plants Can Be Used Like Lucky Bamboo?

Ask the Expert: Grown in water with pebbles Can Dragon trees/plants be grown in water with pebbles? If not, what plants can be grown in water with pebbles besides "lucky bamboo"? I would really appreciate your help!! Ains Reply: Ains, Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) is not one that I would grow in water. My suggestion is to use one of these four plants: Equisetum hyemale - Horsetail Juncus effusus spiralis - Corkscrew Rush Lysimachia nummularia - Creeping Jenny Acornus gramineus - Sweet flag [caption id="attachment_2076" align="alignleft" width="128" caption="Horsetail"][/caption] You should be able to plant these the same way you would lucky bamboo. My favorite is the horsetail because it texture, color and up right growth pattern. Horsetail is very versatile and can be used as a cut foliage as well as a potted plant or a landscaping plant. This photo of Equisetum hyemale was provide by Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy through CalPhotos. See what I mean about the texture and color. Horsetail is a very interesting plant. My aunt uses it at the edge of her pond and I love the unique element it give to the landscaping. [caption id="attachment_2087" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Corkscrew Rush"][/caption] The next three images come from Ball Horticulture. I have grown the Corkscrew Rush as a potted plant but not as a bog plant. However, I have known other who have and they like the curly yet smooth texture of the leaves. [caption id="attachment_2089" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Creeping Jenny"][/caption] Creeping Jenny is another very versatile plant. My aunt with the pond uses it as a cascading plant at the top of the waterfall. Part of the plant grows in the water and part in the soil. [caption id="attachment_2091" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Sweet Flag"][/caption] Sweet flag is another plant that my aunt uses along the edge of her pond in the shadier areas. It seems to like the water; but of all the plants, I find this one the least interesting. However, it will give you the fullest look. Any one of these plants could be used in the same fashion as lucky bamboo. Your choice will depend on the texture, color and growth pattern you prefer. Some local flower shops and most nursery garden center will carry these plant varieties. Our nursery carries all of them and we usually sell the Horsetail as a water plant. Good luck and keep me posted. I'm excited to see which one you choose. Send me a picture when you make your choice and I'll post it.

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