What is the Lifespan of a Lucky Bamboo Plant?

Lucky Bamboo is a stunning house plant and is believed to bring good luck to its’ owners. It is an easy plant to care for and grow and is often given as a gift.

However, like all living things, Lucky Bamboo requires some attention to stay healthy and thrive. Most houseplants will live indefinitely given the right care and conditions, but because of the unique characteristics of Lucky Bamboo, its’ lifespan is shorter.

Given the right conditions, according to Jon Vanzile on The Spruce, Lucky Bamboo has a lifespan of around one to two years.

If you wish your Lucky Bamboo plant to live longer, it is recommended to transplant it into potting soil. You will need to keep the soil moist and place the plant in a bright room with filtered light.

According to Gardenguides, they suggest Lucky Bamboo can live for up to a decade. However, for the most part, this plant will survive for only a few years. It is not clear as to why Lucky Bamboo has a shorter lifespan, it is just the nature of the plant.

Even though it is an easy plant to care for, it has specific requirements for it to grow and if you do not pay attention your plant will not thrive.

For Optimum Lifespan

For most plants, there are several variables involved in maintaining good health and thriving conditions.

They are:

• Light
• Soil
• Water
• Temperature and Humidity
•  Fertilizer

These are the important conditions that influence the lifespan of any plant.

Listed below are the requirements to maintain a healthy Lucky Bamboo plant that continues to grow, thrive, and live a normal lifespan.

These requirements are referenced from an article written by Vanzile, Jon, Lucky Bamboo: Indoor Plant Care and Growing Guide, August 18, 2021.

Lucky Bamboo requirements:

• Bright but filtered light. Not direct sunlight because it will burn the leaves.
• Soil needs to be moist but not saturated.
• The water must be free of chemicals that are often found in tap water, like fluoride and chlorine. You can remove chlorine from your water by filling a bowl with tap water and let it rest on the counter for 24 hours. The Chlorine will evaporate in 24 hours. You may use distilled or bottled water as a substitute. Make sure the rocks in your tray or vase, and the roots, are covered with water. Change the water once a week to prevent mold and algae from growing. Don’t be surprised by the red color of the roots. Red-colored roots mean you have a healthy plant. 
• The perfect temperature is between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius). Average humidity is perfect, so do not place your Lucky Bamboo in your bathroom. It is also important to keep your plant away from drafty places like windows, heating vents, or air conditioners.
• Fertilize your Lucky bamboo plant with one drop of a liquid plant fertilizer every other month. Too much fertilizer will kill your plant.

If you own a cat or dog, you should be aware that Lucky Bamboo is toxic to these animals.

Please keep your Lucky Bamboo plant in a safe place and away from your pets.

Lucky Bamboo is more closely related to a succulent than bamboo as they are in the dracaenas family.  Dracaenas are known to be toxic to cats and dogs.

Lucky Bamboo Lifespan

Lucky bamboo is a beautiful houseplant and makes for an excellent gift. It is a perfect gift for a housewarming, new job, friendship, or as a pick-me-up.

Don’t hesitate to buy one for yourself as well. It is a beautiful plant with architectural features and symbolism. They are easy to care for, especially given the right conditions and attention.

The average lifespan is around one to two years, but if you remove the plant from its water and pebble tray then transplant it in potting soil, Lucky Bamboo will survive for several more years.

Place your Lucky Bamboo in a bright room away from direct light and drafts. Add water as needed, plus change the water once a week. Don’t forget to fertilize your plant with liquid plant fertilizer every other month.