We just finished two months of renovations after our broken water pipes and I wanted something fresh and green for my living room. I went to the florist to get a....
lucky shamrock seeing it was St. Patrick's Day and my ancestors are Irish. The best laid plans often fizzle in the face of something more interesting or inviting. The poor old shamrock didn't get a second look when I saw this....
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| Lucky bamboo pillar |
I couldn't help myself. I was pulled in by this lucky bamboo. Most bamboo plants grow into a leggy, somewhat untidy mess, and for that reason I've never bought one. I didn't realize there were different ways of braiding or shaping them.
So I am now the proud owner of a lucky bamboo. Here's my Cole's notes (am I dating myself?) version of my research on understanding them a little more:
10 facts about lucky bamboo
The lucky bamboo:
- has been used for 5,000 years in the practice of Feng Shui
- arrangement can have 5 essential elements of Feng Shui- earth (rocks or pebbles), wood (stalks), water (for growth), metal (add small coin or ornament), and fire (red or orange object added)
- is not a real bamboo, it is an Asian tropical water lily, botanical name "dracaena sanderiana"
- does well in low light, but needs a constant supply of water (keep at 1 inch)
- likes distilled water or tap water left out overnight ,
- doesn't like water with flouride
- needs a water change once a week
- brings luck (amount of luck it brings depends on the number of stalks) check this link
- leaves can be toxic when ingested
- designs are trellis, pillar, tower or "random"
Special designs
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| Spiral triad |
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| Pineapple braided pillar |
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| Simple braided pillar |
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| Two tiered tower |
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| Serpentine wall |
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| Trellis lucky bamboo |
If you want a plant in your home a lucky bamboo is your best bet if you don't have a green thumb. It may even survive for awhile.
Using lucky bamboo in decor
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| Using repetition of small arrangements in a dining space |
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| The sculptural quality of curled lucky bamboo makes a stunning centerpiece |
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| Lucky bamboo in a simple design works well in a Zen bathroom |
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| An arrangement of curled stems needs no other adornment |
