How to Grow Bamboo Indoors

How to Grow Bamboo Indoors

Bamboo is actually a plant belonging to the family of grass and varies in length from a few centimeters to a few meters. Bamboo can grow in different places under diverse climatic conditions, but generally the plant flourishes in hot, humid and rainy regions. The lucky bamboo is an indoor variety that is native to Cameroon; but its stems are often imported from countries like China, Taiwan and Korea.

Bamboo is an ornamental plant which is also considered to be a good luck plant. The Chinese believe that this plant is instrumental in bringing fortune and good luck. According to the Chinese art of healing Feng Shui, bamboo can help balance the energy to your home. The number of bamboo stalks signify different good things:

• 2 bamboo stalks bring good luck.
• 3 bamboo stalks mean happiness.
• 5 or 7 bamboo stalks symbolize good health.
• 9 bamboo stalks convey wealth.
• 21 bamboo stalks attract blessings.

How to Grow Bamboo Indoors

Bamboo plants require humidity, light, water and air movement. The first step is to choose a proper bamboo plant, whether tropical or native species. Tropical bamboo plants, when grown indoor adapt more easily. Some precautionary measures to ensure that your bamboo houseplant grows well are:

• Make sure you buy a healthy bamboo plant; check whether the leaves and the stem are strong and green.
• Get a glass container. An important fact to remember is that bamboo thrives in a large container. As the bamboo grows quickly, it is always good to leave at least two inches between the edge of the root and side of the container.
• Put the stones at the bottom of the container, so that the bottom is covered. Add water. Add stones around the stem of the plant. This will help keep the plant balanced and will prevent the roots from getting flattened at the bottom. Instead of stones, you can also use either marbles or pebbles.
• Bamboo requires indirect light. If it gets direct sunlight, the leaves will burn; but at the same time, if it doesn't get enough light, the leaves will lose strength. Hence, the best way to ensure proper light, is to use an energy efficient bulb.
• Bamboo thrives in humid conditions. Hence, it's necessary to see that its moisture levels are always high. This can be done by spraying water on them regularly. It is best to keep these plants in cooler places.
• Keep the bamboo in an area where there is good air movement, possibly where they can get fresh air from outdoors.
• Watering the plant everyday is not required. If leaves start to curl, water frequently. Make sure that there is no chlorine in the water. If chlorine is present, let it settle down overnight, and then water your plant, because chlorine causes leaves to turn yellow.
• When the roots have been in water from a long time, the container, marbles and the roots require cleansing. Take out the roots first. Wash them with water. Wash the container with a detergent. Also wash the marbles and then add freshwater.
• Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures. Bamboo thrives well at room temperatures between 15 to 25 degrees centigrade.

Once the bamboo plant has been inside the house for some time, it will adapt to its indoor conditions.

Bamboo is a symbol for longevity, health, luck and wisdom. Bring this enamoring plant into your house and feel its aura.