How to Weave Live Bamboo

Lucy bamboo is not a true bamboo at all, but a species of the Dracaena evergreen shrubs, the Dracaena sanderiana. Lucky bamboo is often given as a gift in Asian countries to bring peace and prosperity to the recipient's home. With increasing interest in Chinese Feng Shui and eastern philosophies, lucky bamboo has become a popular houseplant in the west. Lucky bamboo is often woven into intricate spirals, braids or shapes, and while forming lucky bamboo yourself is not difficult, it can be a long process that requires patience.

Stalks of lucky bamboo
Glass vase
Small, clean rocks
Unilateral light source (a positionable desk lamp, for instance) or grow light
Twist ties or string

Instructions

- 1
  Place the stalks of lucky bamboo in the glass vase. Fill with clean water, and drop a few rocks or gravel in the bottom of the vase to support the stalks.
- 2
  Set up and aim the unilateral light or lamp at one side of the bamboo. This will cause the bamboo to bend and grow in the direction of the light. Allow bamboo to remain growing toward light for a few weeks.
- 3
  Gather the bent bamboo stalks together and arrange them so the bent stalks fit together in a pleasing way. Gently secure with a twist tie or piece of string.
- 4
  Set up and aim the unilateral light or lamp so it shines in another direction on the bound bunch of bamboo. Allow bamboo to remain growing toward light for a few weeks.
- 5
  Gather and weave together bamboo at the next bend, and bind together gently with a twist tie or string.
- 6
  Continue moving the light source, allowing the bamboo to bend and grow, and continue binding the bamboo until you have a woven pattern that pleases you. When done, remove ties or string and place bamboo on a table or shelf where it will receive regular ambient light or sunlight.

Weekend Project Ideas for a Forest Green Planter Box

What Flowers to Plant to Get a Queen Bee

Specialty Gardens