As a gift, together with a bouquet of flowers, you can present indoor bamboo or bamboo of happiness, in fact, under the guise of bamboo, cut stems of Sander's dracaena are sold ( Dracaenasanderiana). This plant is a symbol of good luck and prosperity, attracts money to the house, the more plants in the composition, the stronger this green talisman. Dracaena stems are very similar to bamboo, they are even, bright green, with light brown constrictions at regular intervals.
Dracaena sander is such a tenacious plant that its cut shoots can grow for years in a vase of water, buds wake up on their tops and new leafy shoots begin to grow. Cut stems like bamboo sticks can be of different lengths from 5 cm or more, collected in a group and tied with a ribbon or with a spirally twisted top. Dracaena sprouts are always directed strictly upwards so that they take the form of a spiral, young flexible shoots are placed in a curved spiral tube.
At home green stems of cut lucky bamboo they can grow in a vase with clean water for several years, you just need to change the water to a new one every week and add the minimum rate of liquid fertilizer for indoor plants to the water once a month. Beautifully green stems with sprouts on top look in transparent containers filled with colored hydrogel. Young leaves are long, shiny, leathery and grow in bunches at the ends of young shoots that emerge from dormant buds. Sprouts can appear anywhere on the constriction on the stem, they can be formed, leaving only growing shoots at the tops, and breaking out along the trunk.
The sprouts at the ends of the shoots with leaves look like green bunches; over time, the plant begins to resemble a palm tree. White branched roots form at the base of the stem in water. Dracaena shoots are harvested for sale in Central Africa, the upper sections are covered with wax to prevent drying.
Growing happiness bamboo in water is not difficult. The lower ends must be immersed in water so that the roots are at a depth of 1-2 cm, otherwise the stems will begin to rot. Regularly add filtered or settled water to the vase to the desired level and renew it completely once a week. For the growth of leaves and shoots, any complex fertilizer for indoor plants is added to the water once a month.
When long enough roots grow in the stems in the water, they can be divided and planted in pots with earth, after which the dracaena can be grown as an ordinary houseplant.
When planting dracaena, make good drainage, and the substrate must be breathable enough, for this, coarse sand is added to it.
After planting dracaena in the ground, the plant must adapt and take root. When stressed, dracaena leaves may turn yellow, keep them out of direct sunlight and spray frequently. Watering should be regular so that the soil in the pot does not dry out.
You should not place a green composition of cut stems of Sander's dracaena in a vase of water on the windowsill, the sun's rays can burn the sprouts that are not accustomed to bright light. Decorative indoor happiness bamboo will grow well at some distance from windows in diffused light, however, with a lack of light, the growth of shoots slows down.
Gradually accustom the dracaena stems transplanted into the ground to the sun's rays, the plants will develop well on the east or west window.
Do not keep bamboo stalks in water in cool conditions, this tropical plant does not tolerate temperatures below +12 degrees, but it is optimal to keep them indoors with an air temperature of +20 ... +25 degrees.
Dracaena Sandarian, bamboo of happiness, spiral, Dracaena Sander - these are just a few names of an extremely beautiful and original houseplant, which, by the way, apart from its appearance, has nothing to do with real bamboo. It is an elegant decor element of modern luxury boutiques and restaurants. According to Feng Shui, happiness bamboo brings prosperity and good luck, so this plant is a welcome guest both in shopping malls and in apartments and houses.
Dracaena sandariana: a brief description
Bamboo of happiness is an evergreen plant with a straight tall stem and narrow long leaves. It got its name from the British, so it is often sold in flower shops under the brand name Lucky Bamboo.
Sander's dracaena bears a striking resemblance to real bamboo. But this is only in appearance. In fact, the plant is smaller than bamboo, and its stems are not as lignified and greener.
Features of keeping lucky bamboo at home
Bamboo of happiness is an unpretentious plant, therefore it is popular with many flower growers. But, like any flower, Sandarian dracaena has its own individual characteristics of keeping at home.
Firstly, the plant, especially in the summer, needs abundant watering.
Secondly, happiness bamboo prefers diffused light. He does not need to organize special lighting, and the direct rays of the sun can provoke the occurrence of burns of his leaves.
Thirdly, it is undesirable to spray the plant; it is enough to wipe its leaves from dust with a damp cloth.
Fourthly, Sandera does not tolerate drafts well. The most favorable temperature for its normal growth is the range from +18 to +25 degrees Celsius. But it should be remembered that lucky bamboo is a heat-loving plant, so it is still necessary to provide it with the necessary temperature indicators. At temperatures below the specified range, Dracaena Sander may die.
Dracaena Sandariana: landing conditions
There are several ways to plant "lucky bamboo":
- in a container filled with clean water;
- in a pot with earth;
- in a container with hydrogel.
The first method is the easiest method of growing a plant. For this, only two things are needed: a container and filtered water.
With this method of growing Sander dracaena, it is especially important not to forget to change the water regularly and on time. The liquid level should not be more than 1-2 cm higher than the roots of the plant. Otherwise, they may rot. In addition, it is desirable to feed the plant with useful minerals. This contributes to the excellent growth of "happy bamboo", prevents premature yellowing of its leaves.
The original method of growing Sander's dracaena is the use of a special hydrogel for this purpose. It is characterized by the ability to absorb water in significant quantities and at high speed. This is very beneficial, for example, when for some reason the soil dries up, the hydrogel gives the absorbed moisture to the plant.
Apply several types of this decorative soil - transparent, green and iridescent, to grow bamboo of happiness. The photo of the latest version of the hydrogel and Sandera looks amazing in it. Looking at such a masterpiece, customers in the store simply fall in love with this plant and purchase it with pleasure to create an exquisite decor in their home.
The most common, but certainly the best method is to grow "lucky bamboo" in a pot of earth. The soil must be rubbed with sand, and drainage from expanded clay or pebbles should be made at the bottom of the tank.
Features of transplanting dracaena Sandarian
Reproduction of dracaena Sandarian. Growing problems
"Bamboo varnishes" propagates in two ways:
- seeds;
- cuttings.
The seeds of the plant must be soaked in water until they germinate in March. Seedlings are planted in the soil, which consists of four parts: soil (2 parts) and sand (1 part), and drainage is also mandatory (1 part). Spray daily with a spray bottle. When shoots appear, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect for them: cover with polyethylene, organize additional lighting and optimal temperature conditions. To avoid rotting of young shoots, it is recommended to ventilate the "greenhouse" at least three times a day.
To propagate the Sandarian dracaena with cuttings, it is necessary to pinch off a small shoot from it. It is placed in water until the roots appear. Then the plant is planted in water, according to the previous algorithm.
- too low temperature leads to curling of dracaena leaves and brown edges;
- bright lighting contributes to the appearance of dry light spots on the leaves;
- the result of insufficient watering or systematic cold drafts are brown edges and tips, spots on the leaves.
"Bamboo of happiness": how to care?
Dracaena sander does not cause much trouble when leaving. You just need to remember a few important rules:
- abundant watering in summer, moderate - in winter;
- periodic feeding of the plant;
- for irrigation use settled, filtered water with a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius;
- diffused lighting for comfortable growth;
- optimum temperature for plant maintenance: minimum +18, maximum +25 degrees Celsius.
"Bamboo of happiness": how to spin it yourself?
It is the curved leafless trunk that distinguishes this dracaena from other plants of its kind. "Bamboo happiness" with such an original appearance, of course, is obtained only artificially. How to spin it yourself? This does not pose any particular difficulty.
- First option. A young growing shoot must be placed in a tube, which is in a curved position, and wrapped around the stem. Thus, the desired configuration is given to the escape. Over time, it is released from the tube, and it retains its shape perfectly. During growth, it releases new shoots, and also overgrows with leaves, and in the future it grows like an ordinary upright "happiness bamboo".
- Second option. Young shoots need to be bent, then wrapped around the stem and fastened with wire. After compaction of the sprouts, the fixation can be removed.
Dracaena sandariana: a talisman for the home
According to Feng Shui, having this plant in your home or office, you can attract prosperity and good luck. There is a specially designed combination of the number of stems so that Dracaena Sander brings only happiness and success.
In the "bamboo varnishes" pyramid, three stems contribute to the reign of only positive emotions and joy in the house.
Financial flows will attract, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, a configuration of five stems of a plant.
If a person needs good health, it is advisable for him to buy seven twisted stems.
Prosperity and well-being will give twenty-one stems of bamboo happiness.
To enhance the effect, feng shui experts advise tying the plant with a golden or red ribbon and planting it in a pot with the image of an animal that brings good luck (frog, dragon, panda or elephant).
The beneficial energy of Sander's dracaena will be enhanced with the help of an image of a dog that needs to be hung on a plant.
It should be remembered that any combination of the number of "bamboo lacquer" stems brings happiness, with the exception of the number 4. It should be avoided so as not to bring misfortune and suffering into the house.
Dracaena sandariana is a stunning elegant addition to creating an original decor for any room. Compliance with all of the above recommendations contributes to the excellent growth of this evergreen plant.
Growing indoor bamboo at home as a houseplant has become extremely popular, especially since it can be used to create an original exotic composition.
All About Bamboo: Feng Shui Growing
good luck symbol
happiness plant
The ancient teaching of Feng Shui says that this plant will become a source of good luck and happiness for the person who started growing it.
That is why quite a few people strive to acquire the type of Sander's dracaena, which, in fact, is called happiness bamboo and is perfectly grown as a houseplant.
According to the philosophy that has come down to us from China, if you put a “tree of happiness” in the southeast room, and place a toad sculpture with coins next to it, then luck and financial well-being will never leave this house.
The number of stems grown in one pot matters.
- If there are 3 of them, they will help to attract good luck in business. It would be better to put these pots in the office.
- 5 stems symbolize personal happiness, and it is better to put such an interior decoration, of course, in the bedroom.
- 7-fold stems predict good good health
- Well, in order to achieve a positive impact on all aspects of life, the Feng Shui technique recommends growing 21 stems in one pot.
A species that grows wild in nature is not suitable for home conditions, and it is also unsuitable for decoration due to its huge growth and stiff stems that cannot be intertwined. The wild bamboo plant has nothing to do with the indoor specimen of the same name, moreover, they are not even relatives. In nature, where bamboo grows, it reaches as much as 50 meters in length and is considered the highest grassy species. It is used by locals for collecting juice, as well as for construction.
Bamboo houseplant home care: what it looks like
bamboo spiral
The plant has a bare stem, which has green leaves at the end. At home, on the windowsill, the created composition with the participation of bamboo in a vase will look very exotic. The color of the stems can be either emerald green or straw yellow. But the leaves and shoots will have a more intense color only if you provide good lighting throughout the day.
Bamboo stems have amazing flexibility, they are able to twist into a variety of spiral shapes, it is this feature that has made the plant suitable for creating bonsai. Unfortunately, the flowering of Sander's dracaena at home is an extremely rare phenomenon.
Species diversity of pets
Especially noteworthy are several species related to indoor bamboo, which have gained the greatest popularity among plant lovers. Each of them has an individual shape and color of the leaves, as well as a different shape of the stems. The most famous and adapted for growing at home include the following.
Lucky Bamboo
The main one has a beautiful name - bamboo Lucky spiral home care is simpler than the rest, but gardeners call it a little simpler -. This plant can be attributed to species less demanding for care, but at the same time in need of constant provision with a special microclimate.
Dracaena does not complain about rare watering and dry soil, but rather welcomes. Most often, the plant is used as a gardener in a room or part of an interior design.
Reproduction occurs by seed or by cuttings, due to the lack of root cuttings. Initially, the appearance of Lucky is straight, and it is forced to make it spiral.
Bamboo Muriel
The largest indoor sample with a stem height of about 2.5 meters, it is in the Muriel variety. This species is an excellent solution for a large room or growing in the garden. The plant gets along very well with any frame, but due to its huge size, care is very difficult, especially if it is produced by one person.
variegated
Variegated bamboo achieved the greatest decorative value, and all thanks to its crown with unusual colors.
The leaves are lightly colored light green, and small white blotches serve as decoration for the edge. 
The stem is green-yellow, it is interesting that by the time of transplanting to a new place, it is covered with snow-white spots.
There is one significant drawback: the plant quickly becomes unattractive due to the drying of the foliage, combined with the active change of the crown.
In addition to these representatives in the room version there are:
- Layered with narrow foliage
- Bluish or undersized, growing to miniature sizes, which rarely cross the 40 cm mark.
- Variegated with decorative foliage, has an average height of up to 1 meter
- Brilliant variety appears bright emerald green narrow leaves.
Varieties for open ground in Russia
How is bamboo grown in Russia in the open field? For the average climatic regions of the Russian Federation, only frost-resistant species that can be planted in open ground are suitable. Chinese phyloblast (sinarundinaria pleioblastus photo) will not like such conditions. The plant will be able to withstand a short period of frost down to -20 ° C. If the indicator becomes lower, then the plant will freeze to the ground level. In some areas, the earth layer often freezes, in which case the phyloblast will die from frostbite. The ideal temperature for the species is +30 -9 degrees.
Several species can be grown in the Moscow region, called Sasa bamboo (Sasa tsuboiana). Their beauty is no worse than that of the southern varieties and there is not a drop in height: they are from 30 cm to 3 meters.
A tree of happiness that brings well-being to the home care video:
How to grow bamboo at home?
The tree of luck is an amazing plant; for its successful maintenance, you can use not only flower pots, but also the aquatic environment. While the initial stage of growth is underway, the stem can be given any shape desired by a person. What are the methods of cultivation, and what are their features?
Use of the aquatic environment
Homeland is in the forests of the tropics, and there are not so many dry places, which is why some plants moved into the water.
How to care for bamboo in water? To create conditions as close to natural as possible, a special environment is created for the plant.
Before planting, the root part is washed; if necessary, too long processes can be cut. They cut off up to a third of the entire rhizome, and this will not harm it, because the growth rate of bamboo is impressive.
As a container, any suitable object is suitable at the discretion of the grower. You can use decorative stones to make the exposition more interesting, but before that, do not forget to treat them with boiling water. The stem parts are lowered into the selected container, the pebbles are carefully laid out, then the turn of the main component, water, comes.
Plant lover take note. This method of cultivation involves the use of distilled or melted water. There should be no problem with the last component. Water is poured into a plastic bottle and sent to the freezer. When defrosting, it is recommended to throw out the frosted core of ice where all sorts of harmful components settle along with chlorine.
When caring for a plant, the water should change systematically, most often this procedure is carried out every 14 days. If an unpleasant odor begins to appear, bubbles, foam, sediment, then the fluid should be changed more often. The presence of yellow foliage serves as an indicator for an immediate water change.
It is worth considering that with such a specific method of growing, plants need top dressing, which is applied every 30 days.
The use of hydrogel
The procedure is similar to the one described above, but here they use not stones, but granules.
How does bamboo grow in hydrogel? It has a specific feature: after some time to change color, all that is needed is to systematically add a certain amount of water. Fertilizers are applied twice a year.
It is important not to forget about the root system, it should not dry out or be exposed above the granules.
Of course, such an original way of growing will be a highlight in the overall interior of the room.
Soil application
This method can be attributed to the traditional. It is easy to find the land you need for bamboo, in specialized stores there is a huge assortment of different soils that are suitable for dracaena. You can prepare the soil with your own hands, given some important aspects.
Potted bamboo should be developed along with a good drainage system to prevent the following from happening:
- mold formation
- accumulation of excess moisture
- emergence of hostile microorganisms
In one container with earth, you can plant several stalks of bamboo dracaena. To make it more convenient to care for them, as well as to give a more decorative look, it is recommended to tie several plants into a bundle with a braided rope, choosing the color you like. Any container is suitable for a pot, and not just traditional devices. Some people use glasses, vases. As soon as the pet begins to "outgrow" his house, he is transplanted into a bucket or a deep jug. If the height of the plant exceeds 0.8 meters, it is recommended to move the container with it from the surface to the floor in the immediate vicinity of the window opening or next to the light source.
Subtleties of care
Transplant Basics
It is important to know! Bamboo is very painful to transplant, and therefore if there are no important prerequisites for this procedure, then you should refrain from it.
First of all, the required capacity is selected. It should leave some room for the root system, but not much. The ideal option is if the rhizome enters the pot unhindered and at the same time 4 cm of free space remains.
In the second place, drainage holes are made, if they are not. Install a tray to collect excess liquid. A layer of drainage is laid along the bottom of the pot.
After these manipulations, the dracaena is planted in a container and filled with earth, it does not need to be carefully tamped, if necessary, you can simply add more soil. The plant in a new place must be shed properly, a sufficient amount of time is given to the transplant procedure. Excess water is poured out of the pan, after which the bamboo pot is moved to a specific place for growing.
How to crop
bamboo pruning
Such a procedure is carried out if it is needed to create an attractive appearance or provide the desired shape. The owner must pay enough attention to the root system to remove defective, dry shoots.
Trimming the branches from below and removing segments of insufficient thickness will help maintain decorative appeal. It is possible to give a certain shape to the stems only while the plant is still a seedling; garden twine or thick wire is used for garters.
Bamboo happiness reproduction at home
There are several ways to breed dracaena:
Using offspring and tops, you need to stock up on a lot of patience, and remember that this method will take time and effort. This method of reproduction refers to a rather difficult event.
But the most difficult is the seed option and at home, plants grow very rarely. Sow the seeds, wait until the seedlings appear, and then properly care for them for a long time. Not every grower will go for this.
Root division
Another method is used by plant lovers and is called root. It consists in the accurate separation of the process from the central part of the root. The main thing is to prevent rupture or damage. Allows the separation of only stronger specimens with root leaves. To process the cut site, a garden pitch is used, which protects the plant from infections or rot. Thanks to this method, the root system is updated. The method is a preventive measure against corrosion and death of the root.
Reproduction by cuttings
Cuttings are the most commonly used, they are the most affordable, and are also ideal for a representative of this family.
How to propagate bamboo at home with cuttings? Using cuttings is very simple, besides, it is not necessary to replant the plant. It is best to breed with the onset of spring. For cutting, a part with a significant presence of a flank node is suitable, from which a branching will begin in the future. The selected part is carefully separated from the main plant and placed in a container with earth or water for the roots to appear. If the second option is chosen, then it is important to remember the systematic change of water. After 30 - 48 days, the root system will begin to develop at the cutting. Landing in the soil is carried out according to the rules of transplantation.
What can hurt bamboo
Plant health problems arise due to improper care:
- The appearance of dark spots indicates the presence of a fungus. Fungicides are used for processing, and the room with bamboo should be regularly ventilated;
- There is no growth, most likely, the matter is the lack of mineral components. It is necessary to apply fertilizers, but the main thing is not to overdo it with their quantity;
- Darkening and softening of the leaves. It happens when the temperature regime is violated. At low rates, the pet sheds leaves. The problem is easily solved by installing additional heaters.
- Why do leaves turn yellow? Subject to all conditions, proper care, the foliage may begin to turn yellow and dry. Most often, this indicates the presence of some kind of disease. The infection can be brought even with the soil bought in the store. Or get from ticks, aphids that have moved from plants in the neighborhood.
Bamboo Luck refers to undemanding and unpretentious plants. If the care is correct, it will immediately begin to grow rapidly and delight the owner with a bright color and original look.
The plant can be used as an original part of the decor or as an ornament in apartment design. Especially if the stem is formed in a timely and correct way, twisting and turning it in different directions. Also, do not forget about the symbolism of this handsome man, after all, what if it really with its help to turn out to attract happiness, luck and health?
Thinking about the choice in favor of one or another type of indoor bamboo flower, you should give preference to dracaena.
Important to remember that over-caring for bamboo can be just as dangerous as not enough.
Decorative bamboo sickness and care video:
Dracaena Sandera is a plant that has become popular in many parts of our planet. This unusual name is translated as "happy bamboo" or "bamboo of happiness." However, it is quite difficult to find common properties with real bamboo. With bamboo, they are united only by a similar appearance.
Indoor palm family
It is quite difficult for inexperienced connoisseurs to identify dracaena among other plants. This unpretentious plant belongs to the family of indoor "palms". This species is especially popular among pets. Surely everyone wondered if this plant really brings happiness and prosperity to its owner.
If luck and well-being are really able to attract bamboo of happiness, how not to take care of it, how not to do everything to make it healthy, beautiful and attractive. Despite everything, it has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the house. Owners prefer this particular type of indoor plants because of the ease of care for it. Indoor bamboo, or Sander's dracaena, does not require special conditions, it is hardy and easy to grow.
Visual resemblance to bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana, or, as it is also called, sanderiana, is popular all over the world. It can be found in almost all corners of the globe. However, the name of this plant misleads even the most experienced growers. Most are 100% sure that it is indoor bamboo. You shouldn't repeat this mistake. The plant differs in appearance both from bamboo and from other types of dracaena.
The technologies by which these crops are grown are also different from each other. Dracaena has long been a phenomenon of its kind due to its prevalence. The wide popularity of this pet is associated with Feng Shui. It is in this technique that the plant is used as one of the ways to attract good luck and happiness to the house. On the shelves of flower shops you can find dracaena as a houseplant. However, today souvenirs with its use are popular.
Refers to a perennial plant that is unpretentious in care and pleases the eye with its evergreen color. Attractive appearance has not only foliage, but also shoots.
Many are misled by its bamboo appearance. On the shelves of flower shops, it is most often found in the form of a kind of palm tree, which consists of stems - “columns” and a bunch of foliage on top. Quite often I form a spiral from the stem. Perfectly cope with the function of decor and numerous twigs-outgrowths. The plant has a fairly well developed root system. In the assortment of the market there are figurines made of small parosts of pseudobamboo.
The height of the dracaena can reach one meter. The length of the leaves is 20-25 cm. In appearance, the dracaena is similar to real bamboo. Dense leaves, which have a glossy sheen, as if varnished, reach a width of three centimeters. Leaf color may vary. Traditionally, dracaena has a light green color. There are plant varieties in which the leaves are edged with yellow or dark shades. Leaves may have stripes. Unfortunately, at home, the dracaena does not have a flowering process.
Features of cultivation and care
Endurance is one of its important characteristics. Dracaena sander, when cared for at home, is able to grow even in water, it is in such conditions that this houseplant is sold. However, happiness bamboo is grown by planting in soil (substrate).
There are only 2 ways to grow a plant:
- Can be grown in water. Hydroponics will work too. Decorative pebbles are used as soil.
- As a standard, dracaena is planted in the ground.
Do not try to curl it with a spiral at home. Wire, lighting on only one side and other improvised materials will not be able to cope with this task. Curl them artificially.
Necessary lighting
Grow dracaena bamboo of happiness in well-lit places. Appearance is greatly improved in good lighting. It has an excellent ability to adapt to any conditions. Therefore, it is possible to breed dracaena without causing damage to it in rooms where there is no natural source of light. Of course, the lack of light affects the appearance of the plant, but not so critical. Dracaena can lose their color. Foliage and shoots acquire lighter shades, while they stretch upwards. No other changes will be noticeable.
Thanks to its properties, lucky bamboo is an excellent decorating element of any interior. This decorative element will bring a touch of freshness and decorate any corner of your home. Do not place dracaena under the sun.
Air temperature
It survives quite well in any temperature conditions. But it is worth considering the fact that dracaena loves warmth. Therefore, do not lower the temperature in the room below 17 degrees. The optimum temperature regime is 20-35 degrees Celsius.
Fresh air has a beneficial effect on the plant. For the normal development of dracaena, regular ventilation is necessary. Pseudo-bamboo feels great in drafts. You should not move it to the balcony, and also expose it to the open sky.
Hygroscopic conditions and watering
By nature, this type of plant is very moisture-loving. Since dracaena can fully develop in water, it is not afraid of moisture stagnation during irrigation. Dracaena, which is traditionally grown in the soil, is watered as it dries. Humidity should be above average. In addition, drying out the soil below three centimeters deep is fraught with negative consequences. Of course, complete drying should never be allowed.
Growing a plant in water means keeping the water at the same level. Without fail, the water must completely cover the roots. In addition, the water level should be at a height of 2-3 centimeters from the level of the root system. Water levels above this will cause rotting. It is necessary to replenish water supplies no more than 1 time per week.
A special role in the cultivation of this plant must be given to the quality of water. For this purpose, distilled water is used. And also soft water, purified with a filter, will cope with this task. The temperature of water and air in the room should be the same.
Air humidity does not play a special role in the cultivation of dracaena. Bamboo feels great even in the driest room. It is not necessary to spray the leaves of the plant. It can be used as a natural air humidifier if grown in water. This property has a beneficial effect on other plants in the house.
Particular attention must be paid to cleanliness. Dracaena loves rubbing the leaves with a sponge wetted with water. This procedure helps to preserve the natural shine of the foliage and save the plant from accumulated dust.
Fertilizer methods
Growing in water means using a completely different feeding strategy. Most experts are of the opinion that it does not need top dressing at all. However, with a lack of essential minerals, the leaves of the plant acquire a yellow tint. At the same time, all decorative qualities deteriorate. As a result, this slowly leads to the death of the plant. To preserve the attractive appearance of dracaena, fertilizers for dracaena are periodically added to the water (it is better if it is a specialized product for this plant).
Dracaena, which are bred in substrates, are also fed with special fertilizers. It is necessary to observe the same intervals between top dressing. Ideally, the procedure is carried out every three to four weeks. If dracaena grows in water, then the dose of fertilizer should be less. There is no need to fertilize Sander's dracaena in winter.
Cutting technology
Dracaena sander primarily performs a decorative function. In the process of growth, the appearance of the plant does not change for the better. Overgrown old pagons do not look as good as young ones. To improve the appearance of dracaena, it should be trimmed periodically. At bamboo, the top is cut and rooted near the water. At the same time, new ones will grow to replace the old pagons.
Transplanting Lucky Bamboo
For normal development, this flower needs a transplant. This process does not depend on the place of cultivation (water or solid soil). Dracaena Sander needs to be transplanted once a year. If the plant is grown in water, then the transplant is performed when deposits form in the water. The dishes in which the dracaena grew can be left the same. Water must be replaced.
But first of all, the plant is very carefully removed from the container. The emptied container should be thoroughly cleaned. If decorative stones were used, then they should also be washed well. After that, the plant is placed in a clean dish. Replacement of the hydrogel is carried out according to the recommendations of the manufacturers.
If the bamboo of happiness grows in the soil, then it is better to transplant in the spring.
When transplanting dracaena into water, substrate substitutes are not used. However, in order for young pagons not to break, decorative substrates are used. Pebbles must be round, otherwise sharp edges can damage the root system of the plant. For these purposes, a large type of sand or granulate is also suitable. This procedure will make the shoots of the plant more stable.
Particular attention must be paid to the choice of capacity in which dracaena is planted in water. For these purposes, it is better to use transparent dishes (a vase, a glass, etc.). This will emphasize the beauty of the plant, and will also act as a decorative element of the interior.
If the dracaena is grown in the soil, then the main point is the correct location of the drainage. Drainage should occupy ¼-1/3 of the tank. The root system of the plant must be completely covered by drainage. Pebbles or coarse sand will do just fine with this function. If transparent vases are used, then decorative stones can be used. The top layer can also be varied:
- Sand.
- A mixture of peat and substrate.
- Ordinary earth mix.
Diseases and pests
Indoor bamboo is usually not affected by pests. Lucky bamboo can get sick only with improper care. Most often this happens when the water is heavily polluted. Affects the state of dracaena and a change in habitual care. If the plant is located near crops affected by mealybugs or spider mites, then it can also suffer from these pests. Insecticides are used to kill pests. However, this does not always lead to the desired result. Therefore, plants need to be replaced more often.
There are difficulties in growing this plant:
Plant propagation
Reproduces only vegetatively. To propagate dracaena Sandera, you can use:
For better rooting, it is necessary to create a warm temperature regime. The optimum temperature is 23-25 degrees.
This type of dracaena has been considered in Asia for many hundreds of years as a symbol of happiness, health and success. The Chinese give it for any occasion: for a wedding, birthday, New Year, etc. So, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, 3 stems of Sander's dracaena bring happiness, 5 - attract energy and wealth, 7 - health, 8 - happiness and cheerful mood, and a composition of 20 stems is called the "tower of love".
But in the Middle Ages, on the occasion of the holidays, they gave real bamboo. Such a gift, unfortunately, did not please for long, since real bamboo is not a houseplant and dies very quickly in a vase. Approximately 100-150 years ago, dracaena Sander began to be used for these purposes, which is supposedly native to South America or Africa. This plant looks very similar to bamboo, but it is less demanding to care for and can stand in a vase for months, and sometimes years.
The name "Dracaena Sanderiana" consists of the botanical designation dracaena (dragon tree) and the name of the famous plant collector, "king of orchids" Frederik Sander (1847-1920). The experienced horticulturist owned 60 greenhouses, where, together with his employees, he grew over 2 million plants. Selling noble flowers, Frederick Sander, who at that time lived and worked in England, became a famous orchid dealer. In those days, such people were called "plant hunters." In their travels, they got into incredible adventures and for their hunt for plants very often paid with their lives. Frederick Sander could be called a "nerd Indiana Jones". In his search for noble plants, Sander (or one of his collaborators) discovered and classified our happiness bamboo, or Sander's dracaena.
This evergreen plant has green oval-lanceolate leaves up to 20 cm long and up to 3 cm wide, with white-yellow and silver-gray stripes. An adult plant reaches a height of up to 2 m. Over time, a slender trunk becomes bare, which gives the plant a majestic appearance.
The unusual spiral stem of Sander's dracaena is obtained thanks to one-sided lighting. The stems bend towards the light, the direction of which is periodically changed. Sometimes the stems are twisted with wire. The duration of the formation of one ringlet is up to a year. Both of these methods are not difficult at first glance, but require a truly great patience.
Happiness Bamboo Reproduction
One of the biggest mysteries of the happiness bamboo is its reproduction. Until today, it is not known for certain how exactly this plant reproduces in a “natural” way.
Despite this, there are still several breeding methods for our pet. As one of them is the division method. The stem is cut into several parts. In this case, the following rules must be observed: sections must be covered with soft wax. Do not use hot wax, which can burn the plant. The wax prevents the stem from drying out.
The cuttings are then placed in a glass of water for rooting. After a few weeks (or better, after a few months), we transplant cuttings with shoots into another substrate without any problems.
You can also process the ends of the cut stem on both sides, as shown in the figure: remove half the layer of wax (fig. b).
Put the cutting horizontally in a flat bowl (c), the cut points must be constantly filled with water. But be careful with watering: the kidneys must be dry and not lie in water. As soon as the roots appear, the plant can be transplanted into the substrate. Bamboos of happiness are not demanding, there will be enough inexpensive land for flowers.
And finally, the easiest way is to cut the top cuttings and root them further in water or moist soil.
Kinds
Bamboo of happiness in water
Gardeners and sellers advise growing happiness bamboo in water. Some recommend changing the water weekly. But this is optional.
If the water is of good quality, simply adding fresh, clean water will suffice. Rainwater at room temperature is best because tap water can contain a high concentration of chlorine and well water can be contaminated with nitrates. If it is not possible to use rainwater, it is recommended to stand tap water for at least a day, reducing the concentration of harmful substances. To eliminate unpleasant odors in the water that may develop after a while, add some charcoal, which has excellent antibacterial properties.
To decorate the glass container in which your bamboo of happiness is placed, you can add multi-colored pebbles or pebbles, after washing them in hot water to avoid infections.
Growing happiness bamboo in the ground
Bamboo of happiness can be planted in the soil, using any land for flowers. Despite the fact that the plant feels great in water, it does not like stagnant moisture, the roots rot rather quickly. Various sources report that it is better to plant our sander dracaena or happiness bamboo in clay pots than plastic ones, as they have a good ability to evaporate excess water. There is an opinion that happiness bamboo feels better in a pot without a hole for water drainage, since the substrate will be wet all the time. But it's not. Sooner or later, mold can form and attack the plant: it will turn yellow or the roots will begin to rot, causing the bamboo to dry out. Therefore, it is better to use pots with a hole for water drainage.
Growing Dracaena Sander indoors is not difficult at all. It needs enough light, while avoiding direct sunlight, and abundant watering as the soil dries.
Care and conditions of detention
Bamboo of happiness is an unpretentious plant, therefore it is popular with many flower growers. But, like any flower, Sandarian dracaena has its own individual characteristics of keeping at home.
Firstly, the plant, especially in the summer, needs abundant watering.
Secondly, happiness bamboo prefers diffused light. He does not need to organize special lighting, and the direct rays of the sun can provoke the occurrence of burns of his leaves.
Third, it is undesirable to spray the plant; it is enough to wipe its leaves from dust with a damp cloth.
Fourth, Sandera does not tolerate drafts well. The most favorable temperature for its normal growth is the range from +18 to +25 degrees Celsius. But it should be remembered that lucky bamboo is a heat-loving plant, so it is still necessary to provide it with the necessary temperature indicators. At temperatures below the specified range, Dracaena Sander may die.
reproduction
"Bamboo varnishes" propagates in two ways: by seeds; cuttings
plant seeds must be soaked in water until they germinate in March. Seedlings are planted in the soil, which consists of four parts: soil (2 parts) and sand (1 part), and drainage is also mandatory (1 part). Spray daily with a spray bottle. When shoots appear, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect for them: cover with polyethylene, organize additional lighting and optimal temperature conditions. To avoid rotting of young shoots, it is recommended to ventilate the "greenhouse" at least three times a day.
For breeding dracaena sandariana cuttings it is necessary to pinch off a small escape from it. It is placed in water until the roots appear. Then the plant is planted in water, according to the previous algorithm. As a result of non-observance of important recommendations for caring for the plant, some problems may arise when growing "bamboo of happiness": too low a temperature leads to twisting of the leaves of the dracaena and to brown edges; bright lighting contributes to the appearance of dry light spots on the leaves; the result of insufficient watering or systematic cold drafts are brown edges and tips, spots on the leaves
Transfer
The most favorable time for this process is May-April;
When transplanting, it is forbidden to fertilize the soil, it is desirable to feed after three weeks (mineral fertilizers are added to the water and watered with "lucky bamboo");
Other fertilizer options: phosphorus, nitrogen, bird droppings; organization of abundant watering after transplantation (it is impossible to allow the earth to dry out completely in a pot)
Diseases and pests
Why does the plant turn yellow
It often happens that over time, the stalk of the Sandera dracaena turns yellow and then rots. Perhaps the plant is affected by an unknown disease, bacteria or mold. If you find a yellow spot, you need to act immediately, otherwise, the whole plant will turn yellow very quickly.
To date, there is only one effective method - this is amputation (cutting off the diseased part of the stem). After that, the cut point should be allowed to dry for several hours, and then disinfected with charcoal powder and covered with soft wax.