Budget-friendly houseplants 101: Good luck plant

Adding plants to your home is a great way to bring life and color into your space. Except some houseplants can be expensive and require a lot of maintenance. If you're on a budget or new to plant care, the good luck plant (Dracaena sanderiana) also called the lucky bamboo plant, can be an excellent option. Here's why.

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What is a good luck plant?

Also known as "Lucky Bamboo," and sometimes “Chinese Water Bamboo,” the good luck plant is a popular houseplant believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owner. It is not technically a bamboo, but rather a species of Dracaena native to Central Africa and typically sold in small stalks.

Why is it budget-friendly?

Good luck plants are relatively inexpensive compared to other houseplants. They can often be found at local garden centers or online for a few dollars per stalk. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance and are known to thrive in low-light conditions, making them an ideal choice for beginners or those on a budget.

How to care for a good luck plant

• Water: The lucky bamboo is an aquatic plant and should be kept moist or in water at all times. If you keep it in water, change the water every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh. Tip: Use filtered water to limit chlorine exposure, which can damage the fragile roots.

• Light: While good luck plants can grow in low-light conditions, they do best with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to burn. Tip: If the plant is growing tall, thin, and spindly, it might need more light.

• Fertilizer: Good luck plants do not require much fertilizer, but a diluted balanced liquid plant fertilizer can be added to the water every 2-3 months. Tip: If your good luck plant's leaves turn yellow after fertilizing, you may have used too much or used it too soon.

With proper care, a good luck plant can live for many years and bring joy and positive energy to your home. So why not give it a try and see if this budget-friendly houseplant brings you some good fortune?

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