Photo: Champlax, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Lucky bamboo: when and how to prune
Dracaena sanderiana
Lucky bamboo is best pruned in April–July.
| Pruning months | April–July |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Lucky bamboo: when to prune it?
Pruning is not needed, but from April to July you can cut off side shoots that are too long or crooked. Preferably do not cut the main stems.
What else to prune in those months? April · May · June · July
Lucky bamboo: how to prune it?
- Cut side shoots with clean, sharp scissors, leaving a 1–2 cm stub on the stem; a new shoot may grow from it.
- Use the shoots you cut off as cuttings: they root in water.
- You can shorten a stem that is too tall; it will not grow any taller, but will produce side shoots below the cut.
- Remove yellow leaves, and take yellow, soft stems out of the vase straight away.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: April–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: A yellow, soft stem will not recover: remove it immediately so the rot does not spread to the other stems through the water. Lucky bamboo is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Lucky bamboo · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.