Question: I have bamboo curly stalks growing in a vase of water with glass stones. Can it be transplanted outdoors in the Ohio area? Thank you.
ridgewayyvonne
Answer: Hi Yvonne,
It sounds like you're asking about "Lucky Bamboo", which is really not bamboo at all, but a tropical plant from the lily (Liliaceae) family called Dracaena sanderiana, common name, Sander's Dracaena or Ribbon Dracaena. This Dracaena has recently enjoyed a surged in popularity, after successfully being marketed as an aquatic bamboo plant. They are usually sold in vases of water filled with colorful rocks or stones, and advertised and as the perfect merging of the elements of water and wood in the ancient Eastern practice of Feng Shui.
This species of Dracaena is native to the rain forests of West Africa-places like Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. Although it can live in water for long periods, it is not an aquatic plant. Given the proper conditions, it actually grows better in soil-as nature intended.
In its native habitat, "Lucky Bamboo" settles in the loose, fast-draining soils of the rain forest, where temperatures are hot and the humidity is high. Unfortunately, the growing conditions in Ohio do not provide the heat or the humidity that these plants need in order to thrive outdoors year round. That said, I suppose you could try growing your Dracaena outdoors in a container over the summer, as long as you bring it back indoors when temperatures cool down-and by cool down, I mean drop below 65ºF-70ºF. If you try it, make sure you use a soil that drains well. You will need to keep the roots moist, but not soggy, and keep the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. If you're not up for the babysitting this would require, you are probably better off growing your plant indoors.
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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RE: Transplanting "Lucky Bamboo" Outside
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Post By Sodagirl (Guest Post)
(05/11/2008)
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Hi I have several "lucky bamboo" plants, Dracaena does very well for a while in water but does need to be transplanted into good potting soil, mine are kept away from direct light and watered often, the were 5" tall when I got them and are now 1 1/2 feet tall and do very well this way. However they are a tropical plant and won't do well outside here in the Pacific Northwest, but they may do well in a warmer climate. Good luck
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RE: Transplanting Bamboo Outside
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Post By Carol in PA (Guest Post)
(04/18/2008)
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Please be careful when you plant bamboo outside. Be sure it is planted inside a container so it doesn spread like wild. We have a variety of bamboo that is taking over Pennsylvania. It spreads not only through its roots, but also by seed. It now grows wild everywhere especially along creeks and railroad tracks. It cannot be killed. I know a woman who tried using RoundUp on it as well as bleach and depriving it of sunlight. None of these methods killed the bamboo that grew wild on the bank near the ditch in front of her house. Please be careful.
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RE: Transplanting Bamboo Outside
If you mean the "Lucky" bamboo that usually comes in a vase with small gravel or glass beads,
no it can't be transplanted in soil and will not live outside. It is very tropical and needs only water. I water mine with bottled water and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Hope this helps.
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RE: Transplanting Bamboo Outside
There are several varieties of bamboo and this link will help you sort through them as I do not know if your bamboo is hardy for OH climate.
http://www.bamboogarden.com/
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RE: Transplanting Bamboo Outside
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Post By Teresa (Guest Post)
(04/16/2008)
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Some bamboo can be VERY invasive and it can take over EVERYTHING if not contained. You may want to find out what type of bamboo you have and research the plant before transplanting. Some places even have laws against certain invasive species.
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