Dracaena braunii

Common Names

Lucky Bamboo, Ribbon Dracaena, Chinese Water Bamboo, Friendship Bamboo, Ribbon Plant, Belgian Evergreen

Summary

Dracaena braunii, commonly known as lucky bamboo, is an evergreen, short-stemmed shrub native to Africa that forms dense carpets of slender bamboo-like green stems with glossy lance-shaped leaves; it is not true bamboo, and braided cultivars exist.

In cultivation, it prefers bright indirect light and warm temperatures (65–90°F) with higher humidity, and grows best in a well-draining loam or sandy loam; water requirements differ by medium—soil keeps the mix moist and well-drained, while in water roots are submerged 1–3 inches with water changes every 1–2 weeks and water should be filtered or distilled; fertilize sparingly (every few months in water or every 4–6 weeks in soil); propagate from cuttings and repot every 2 years; prune in spring or early summer to shape; commonly used as a decorative houseplant and associated with Feng Shui; plant is toxic if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining potting soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil that prevents waterlogging

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White to cream (with pinkish-purple tinges on the lobes).

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings, Air layering, Division