If your lucky bamboo is healthy, you will notice that it will grow out of its original shape. For example, maintaining twisted corkscrews or interlocking patterns, new shoots tend to grow straight up. At first attractive, it eventually results in an unbalanced plant. Fortunately, these unbalanced offshoots can be used to create new plants. Here are two best ways for propagating lucky bamboo.
When propagating lucky bamboo, remember that the new plant will not have the same distinctive stems and growth habit as the parent. It will still be a nice hardy indoor plant with narrow green leaves and straight stems, but it won’t look like a professionally shaped happy bamboo.
Here’s best method of propagating lucky bamboo plants in both soil and water.
What you will need to propagating lucky bamboo
To propagate a lucky bamboo, you will first need a healthy plant with offshoots. You will also need small, sterile scissors or cutting scissors.
Materials for propagation in soil:
- Root hormone (optional)
- Small container with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix
Materials for propagation in water:
- Small glass
- Distilled water
- Accepting cutting
The first step in propagating lucky bamboo in soil or water is a healthy cutting
Here is the procedure to propagating lucky bamboo:
- Using scissors or clippers, cut off a branch that is approximately 4 to 6 inches long. Make the cut as close to the mother stem as possible.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. But make sure you leave at least one set of leaves on top.
It is good to take several cuttings at once. That way, if one doesn’t end up rooting, you’ll have some backups.
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Best way to Propagate Lucky Bamboo in Soil
If desired, apply rooting hormone to the end of the cut. This is not necessary, as a happy bamboo should root easily, but it can help make the process more efficient. Here’s what you need to do to propagate in soil:
- Plant the cut end in a small container with drainage holes that is filled with a well-draining potting mix. Cactus soil is a good choice. The cut end should be several inches down into the soil to be stable, with at least one node (from which the roots will grow) below the soil line. Gently firm the soil around it.
- Place the container in a warm place with bright indirect light.
- Water to slightly moisten the soil. And continue to water as needed to keep the soil moist but never wet.
Best way to Propagate Lucky Bamboo in Water
Many people prefer to propagate lucky bamboo in water because it is easy and effective.
- Simply place your cutting in a small glass filled with a few inches of distilled water. If you have multiple cuttings, you can place them in the same jar. Just make sure the remaining leaves are above the water so they don’t rot.
- Place the jar in bright, indirect light.
- Replace the water at least once a week and always replace it with distilled or bottled water. Any chlorine in the water can negatively affect the cuttings.
How long does Lucky Bamboo take to propagate?
Your lucky bamboo cutting should start forming roots within a month. You will be able to see this happen when spreading through water. For soil propagation, the growth of new leaves and stems is a sign of root formation.
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At this point you can either sink the new plant into the soil or place it in a more decorative vase with water and pebbles to continue growing.