Do you need a little luck?

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....

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

Spiral triad

Pineapple braided pillar

Simple braided pillar

Two tiered tower

Serpentine wall 

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

Using repetition of small arrangements in a dining space

Source 

The sculptural quality of curled lucky bamboo makes a stunning centerpiece

 Heydt Designs

Lucky bamboo in a simple design works well in a Zen bathroom 

Ryan Interior Design

An  arrangement of curled  stems needs no other adornment 

  Adams + Beasley Associates