Interestingly enough, lucky bamboo is actually not bamboo at all, but a type of dracaena. Real bamboo is not meant to be cultivated as an indoor plant. However, because lucky bamboo is smaller, it can be used indoors, and because lucky bamboo looks a lot like real bamboo, it can be used interchangeably and shares the same meanings and symbolism in feng shui. It’s native to Africa, grows abundantly in Asia, and is a popular houseplant. It’s a really lovely addition to most homes, especially if you love the look of bamboo, and is usually quite easy to find.
The Symbolism of Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is strong, grows very quickly, and also bounces back quickly. It represents upright growth, nobility, and flexibility. It also also has a hollow stem, which represents an open, humble heart. Bamboo’s fast growth and adaptability also make it a popular choice for eco-friendly construction projects and home goods. In Western culture, it has become a symbol for sustainability.
Care
Lucky bamboo is low maintenance and very easy to care for. It can be grown in water or soil, and likes partial shade to diffused sunlight—just keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. Water regularly if you’re growing it in soil, and change the water often if you’re growing it in water. Watch out for lucky bamboo that is turning yellow. This might mean that the plant is root-bound and needs to be moved to a larger pot, or that it is getting too much sunlight. If you do notice a stalk that has died, be sure to remove it. Even if you once placed a lucky bamboo plant in your home with positive intentions, it’s not very good feng shui to have plants that are dead or dying in your living space.
Where to Place Lucky Bamboo in Your Home
Xun, the Wealth Corner
Lucky bamboo is also a supportive plant when it comes to wealth and abundance. To attract more prosperity, place three or nine stalks of lucky bamboo in the wealth corner, or Xun position, of your home, workspace, or bedroom. To find the wealth corner, stand at the front entrance of your home or room and locate the far left corner. Place your lucky bamboo here with the intention of continued growth and expansion in your finances.
Kun, the Relationships Corner
Placing lucky bamboo in the relationships corner (Kun) can help support your intention of a harmonious relationship between you and your current or future partner. To find the relationships area of your home, stand at the front door facing in, and locate the far right corner of your home. You can also find the relationships area of your bedroom by standing at your bedroom door and locating the far right corner of the room. Place a vase of water in this area with two stalks of lucky bamboo: one to represent you, and one to represent your partner. It’s best if the two stalks are similar in size, which symbolizes a balanced relationship between you and your partner. As you do this, set the intention that your two stalks of lucky bamboo will support a harmonious relationship, and that the two of you will grow together.
Near the Entry
Lucky bamboo is connected to the wood element, which represents growth, new beginnings, and family harmony. Try placing a lucky bamboo plant near the entry of your home to bring in any of these aspects in your life. The entry of your home is how energy comes into your life, so this is a great area to activate with lucky bamboo.
On Your Desk
In feng shui, your desk represents your career, work, and your path in life. If you need more growth in your work, a lucky bamboo plant on your desk can help inspire growth and expansions in your career.
