Dracaena Sanderiana 'Gold'
 
Scientific name: Dracaena sanderiana V 'Gold'
Popular names: Dracena-ribbon, Dracena-sanderiana, Lucky-bamboo
Family: Asparagaceae
Category: Shrubs, Tropical Shrubs, Foliage
Climate: Equatorial, Mediterranean, Subtropical, Tropical
Origin: Africa
Height: 0.6 to 0.9 meters, 0.9 to 1.2 meters, 1.2 to 1.8 meters
Luminosity: Half Shade
 
Despite its name and appearance, lucky bamboo is not real bamboo. 
It belongs to the Ruscaceae family, the same as Elephant's Paw and other dracaenas, while true bamboos belong to the Poaceae. 
If allowed to grow freely, this dragon tree is medium-sized, 1 to 1.5 meters high, erect and thin stems, with a herbaceous texture, and lanceolate, narrow, evergreen, green leaves. There are also beautiful varieties with variegated leaves, with white or yellowish margins. 
The flowers are occasional and of no ornamental importance.
In landscaping, this dracaena is an option for bush, with a dense and tropical appearance, interesting in the formation of sets and rows next to walls, mainly in places with less luminosity. It can also be used on its own, in planters and vases, adorning protected patios and balconies. 
However, the most common way of using lucky bamboo is potted in interior decoration. 
Popularized by traditional Chinese science ofFeng Shui, it is bought and offered as a gift with the intention of bringing luck and good fluids to everything that is new, such as weddings, births, graduations, business openings, property acquisitions, new jobs, etc. 
Molded during growth by patient human hands, the thin rods of the lucky bamboo acquire various shapes, such as spirals, hearts, zigzags, in “s”, in “8”, towers, braided and many other creative forms.
 
The number of stems in the lucky bamboo has special meanings according to the Chinese tradition ofFeng Shui. There are three for happiness, five for health, two for love, eight for health and abundance, nine for good fortune and happiness. 
The pots with lucky bamboo also symbolize thefive elements of feng shui, Thewood (the plant itself), thewater (the watering and the vase), theEarth (the substrate and the stones), thefire (the red ribbon around the vase or stem) and themetal (the glass vase or some metal adornment).
 
It should be grown in semi-shade or diffused light, in fertile, drainable soil enriched with organic matter and irrigated regularly. It can also be grown in water hydroponically for indoor use. 
 
Monthly fertilizations are sufficient for this species. 
 
They do not resist intense cold or frost and do not tolerate salinity in the soil or water. 
Plants managed hydroponically must have only 2.5 cm of the stem covered by water, which must be changed weekly and cannot be chlorinated or fluoridated. 
If using tap water, it should rest for at least 24 hours before watering, for harmful substances to evaporate. 
Sudden changes in luminosity can cause burns or leaf fall.