Dracaena sanderiana

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Dracaena sanderiana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Asparagales Family: Ruscaceae Genus: Dracaena Species: D. sanderiana
Binomial name
Dracaena sanderiana Sander ex Mast.

This article is about "lucky bamboo". For the aquatic plant, see Vallisneria

Dracaena sanderiana, known as Ribbon Dracaena, lucky bamboo or sometimes Ribbon Plant, is a species of Dracaena, native to Cameroon in tropical west Africa. It is one of a group of small, shrubby species with slender stems and flexible strap-shaped leaves that grow as understory plants in rainforests. It is an upright shrub growing to 1.5 m tall, with leaves 15-25 cm long and 1.5-4 cm broad at the base.

[edit] Cultivation and uses

Dracaena sanderiana and related species are popular houseplants, with numerous cultivars sold. It can survive in many indoor conditions, from direct sun to indirect lighting.

Although it grows better in soil, it often is sold with the roots in water. The water level is to either be completely changed every two weeks or added to every week. The water should be bottled water, or soft tap water with very little fluorine. It does best in bright, indirect lighting and temperatures above 15 °C up to 25 °C.

Yellow or brown leaf edges may be caused by fluoridated or chlorinated water, and can be prevented by leaving tap water exposed to the air for a day before plant use. Salty or softened water can also cause this.

Twisted shapes can be produced by rotating the plant with respect to gravity and directed light sources.

[edit] Propagation

To propagate Dracaena sanderiana, simply make a clean cut just below a node on an existing sample and plant the cutting. The cutting will quickly root in 2-4 weeks, and will grow from there. To stop the new cutting from rotting by getting water in the top of the stem, put a layer of wax over the top of the stem. Unfortunately, the original plant will not grow any higher from where you cut it, but leafy stems will begin to sprout just below the cut section, often more than one will sprout over time. This is also an effective way of maintaining the height of your plants.

[edit] Other useful information

• It is sometimes sold as "lucky bamboo", although it is not related to the bamboo plant.
• Dracaena sanderiana is toxic to pets [1].
• Dracaena sanderiana is also a popular plant used in Feng Shui.
• How to Choose and Care for Lucky Bamboo [2].