Lucky Bamboo

May, 2003

According to Chinese tradition, plants and flowers are believed to have special properties, capable of bestowing good fortune on their owners. Like the four leaf clover or a shiny penny, lucky bamboo has emerged in the 21st century as the lucky charm of choice among today's most inspired home decorators.

The Chinese believe that lucky bamboo can bring a feeling of positive energy into the person's life. This premise of creating a positive energy flow is the basis for the art of feng shui, which is a Chinese philosophy that teaches how to create balance, harmony and prosperity by harnessing the flow of "Chi," or life force. Feng shui practitioners recommend lucky bamboo for increasing positive "Chi" energy forces insisde a room.

These beautiful stalks are technically a relative of the corn family and require low maintenance. They thrive in shallow water and reside best in indirect sunlight. Fertilizer is not necessary but can be used monthly to motivate growth if applied during warm seasons. Water must be changed or added weekly and if leaf tips begin to discolor, move the plant to a place where it receives less sunlight.

Stalks can be purchased in straight, spiral, curved and braided shapes and are often grouped in multiples of three. Many arrangements have shoots in three differenct lengths to signify the past, present and future and are placed in containers with colors that symbolize power (red), spiritual wealth (blue) and overall prosperity (gold).

Pete Fitzgerald, Produce Director at Sunset Foods, notes an increase in orders for lucky bamboo. "I can't promise that these plants will bring good luck, but my customers are seeking them out as gifts and for their own homes," comments Pete, "they are ornamental and a beautiful addition to any room."

Whether you want to promote a more harmonious environment in your own home or need a great gift idea, the lucky bamboo is sure to satisfy your sense of style.

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