A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2002 bamboo houseplants

I was given a small bamboo plant as a housewarming good-luck plant. I have no clue how to care for this type of plant. It is in rocks and water in a clear container with a lid formed around the actual plant. How often do I water it, where should it be in my home, sunlight, etc.? I live in Phoenix, the a/c is on until October. Any help?

Your plant is not actually a bamboo. What you have are Dracaena sanderiana cuttings. Like most cuttings, they need fresh water replenised periodically and they will grow roots in the water. Add water whenever the water level drops to about half-full.

Although they will live for a long time in water, in most cases the new growth weakens considerably after a year or so. If you want yours to live a long time, it is best to plant it in a small pot. These plants do best in bright indirect light and warm temperatures above 60 degrees.