Is Lucky Bamboo Toxic to Cats? Keeping Your Feline Friend and Your Zen Garden Safe

Lucky bamboo, with its vibrant green stalks and air purification properties, is a popular choice for indoor gardeners. But cat owners, beware! Is lucky bamboo toxic to cats? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. While this aesthetically pleasing plant adds a touch of serenity to a home, its presence can pose a threat to curious felines.

 Keeping Your Feline Friend and Your Zen Garden Safe

Lucky bamboo, scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana, contains saponins. These compounds can irritate a cat's mouth and stomach, leading to unpleasant experiences like vomiting, diarrhoea, and drooling. In severe cases, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing or even coma.

So, what can a cat owner who appreciates the beauty of lucky bamboo do? Don't despair! Here are some preventative measures to ensure both your feline friend's safety and the enjoyment of your leafy companion:

• Placement is Key: Location is everything. Keep your lucky bamboo in a spot that's off-limits to your cat. Shelves, high plant stands, or hanging baskets create a beautiful display while keeping the plant out of reach.

• Creative Deterrence: For stubborn climbers, consider using a plant-repellent spray formulated specifically for cats. Choose a product with natural ingredients to ensure your cat's safety.

• Embrace Cat-Friendly Alternatives: The world of houseplants offers a variety of cat-safe options. Spider plants, air ferns, bromeliads, and ponytail palms provide a touch of greenery without the worry.

By following these simple tips, you can create a harmonious home environment where both your cat and your lucky bamboo can thrive. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring the safety of your furry companion while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of this unique plant.

Lucky Bamboo Plant Benefits: Green Living and Good Fortune

If you're searching for a low-maintenance plant that promotes green living at home, lucky bamboo might be the perfect choice. 

Lucky Bamboo Plant Benefits

This popular household plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your living space but also offers a range of benefits that can positively impact your well-being and surroundings. Let's explore the seven key benefits of keeping a lucky bamboo plant at home.

Lucky Bamboo Creates a Healthy Environment

Lucky bamboo plants are believed to be highly effective at purifying the air and promoting a healthy living environment. 

While some claims about their ability to reduce harmful toxins and increase oxygen levels are still under debate, one thing is certain—having household plants like lucky bamboo creates a happier and healthier atmosphere. 

Studies have shown that plants can enhance mental health, improve focus, elevate moods, and induce a sense of calmness, making them valuable additions to any living space.

Easy to Grow Indoors

For those who lack a green thumb, lucky bamboo is a great option. It's one of the easiest houseplants to grow indoors, making it suitable for both seasoned gardeners and novices alike. 

Lucky bamboo can thrive in various conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. 

With proper care, these plants can continue to flourish in your home for many years, even if you occasionally forget to water them.

Matches Well With Bamboo Floors

If you have bamboo floors in your home, adding a lucky bamboo plant can beautifully complement your modern-style interior decor. 

Whether placed as part of a centrepiece or on a bookshelf, lucky bamboo adds natural charm to any room. 

Moreover, the sustainable qualities shared by lucky bamboo and bamboo floors, such as being naturally pest-resistant and biodegradable, align with environmentally friendly living.

Good Luck Charm

Lucky bamboo plants have a rich history of being used as good luck charms, particularly in Feng Shui practices. 

Different arrangements of lucky bamboo stalks symbolize various forms of luck, such as prosperity, love, health, and positive emotions. 

Avoiding groupings in multiples of four is advised, as this number is associated with death. When given as a gift, lucky bamboo carries these positive effects, making it a thoughtful present for loved ones.

Aesthetically Pleasing and Versatile

Beyond their symbolic meanings, lucky bamboo plants are aesthetically pleasing and can be shaped into various patterns using ribbons or strategic lighting. 

They can enhance the visual appeal of any room, making them a versatile choice for home decoration.

Also, lucky bamboo is low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Its resilience means you don't need to invest significant time or money to care for it, making it an affordable and hassle-free addition to your home.

Promotes Green Living and Positive Vibes

By adding a lucky bamboo plant to your home, you not only bring in some greenery but also welcome positive vibes and good fortune. 

Cultivating an appreciation for nature and incorporating living organisms like plants into your living space can have a positive impact on your well-being and overall outlook on life.

Luck and Good Fortune

In conclusion, lucky bamboo plants offer a range of benefits that make them a wonderful addition to any home. 

So, why not consider bringing the benefits of lucky bamboo into your home today? Enjoy the perks of good luck and good fortune with this elegant and auspicious plant.

Lucky Bamboo Propagation: How to Plant Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular and visually appealing houseplant known for its elegant appearance and ability to bring good luck and positive energy. 

While it's often found potted in containers with water and pebbles, lucky bamboo can also be propagated to create new starts and expand your collection. Read about the process of propagating lucky bamboo to grow new healthy plants.

1. Selecting the Right Stalks

To start the propagation process, you'll need mature lucky bamboo stalks that have been growing for about four months and have reached a length of eight to ten inches. 

These stalks will serve as the source for new starts. Look for healthy, vibrant green stems without any signs of disease or damage.

2. Preparing the Stalks for Propagation

Begin by removing about eight to ten inches of growth from the selected lucky bamboo stalks. These cuttings will be placed in a separate container for propagation. 

Trim the remaining stalks neatly and apply hot wax to the cut end to seal it properly.

3. Separating the Roots

Gently remove the lucky bamboo stalks from their existing container. The roots may be entangled, so take care to separate them carefully without causing damage. 

Lucky bamboo roots are known for their beautiful red colour and should be healthy and free from any signs of decay.

4. Identifying the Nodes

The nodes on the lucky bamboo stalks are key to successful propagation. The nodes are the points where the roots and leaves grow. 

Identify the nodes, which appear as raised rings around the stem.

5. Cutting and Propagation

Using sharp and clean tools, cut the stalk about half an inch above the identified node. Make a clean and swift cut to avoid damaging the plant. 

Strip away any leaves near the cut to have a clean section for propagation. These cuttings are now ready to be propagated into new lucky bamboo plants.

6. Propagation Medium

Prepare a container filled with either dechlorinated water or aquarium water (which contains some nitrogen that promotes root growth). 

The cut ends of the lucky bamboo cuttings should be submerged in the water, and the container should be placed in a well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight. WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR MORE INFORMATION,

7. Adding Aquarium Gravel

To keep the new lucky bamboo cuttings upright and stable, add an inch of aquarium gravel to the container. This will help support the cuttings and encourage them to grow straight and strong.

8. Care during Propagation

Keep an eye on the propagating cuttings and maintain the water level. Change the water if it becomes murky or stagnant, as fresh water will encourage healthy root growth. 

Be patient; it can take about a month for the cuttings to develop roots and grow new shoots.

9. Transplanting

Once the new lucky bamboo plants have developed a substantial root system and new shoots have emerged, they can be transplanted into pots with a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants. 

Continue to care for the young plants as you would for mature lucky bamboo.

Final words - Lucky Bamboo Propagation

Lucky bamboo propagation is a rewarding process that allows you to expand your collection of these beautiful and meaningful plants. With a little care and patience, you can successfully grow new lucky bamboo starts from mature stalks. 

Remember to use clean and sharp tools, maintain a healthy propagation environment, and enjoy the growth of these new plants as they bring good fortune and beauty into your home or office. 

Happy propagating!

Supercharge Your Lucky Bamboo Plants with these Tips and Tricks

Lucky bamboo plants have gained immense popularity as beautiful and low-maintenance houseplants that are believed to bring positive energy and good luck. Let's take a look at the secrets of growing healthy lucky bamboo plants.

Harness the Power of Cinnamon

Cinnamon, the aromatic spice found in our kitchen cabinets, can work wonders for your lucky bamboo plant. Acting as both a rooting hormone and a natural fungicide, cinnamon helps promote healthy root growth and protects your plant from potential infections. 

Simply create a cinnamon-water mixture and soak your lucky bamboo's roots in it for a couple of hours before repotting. You'll be amazed by the magical results!

Check out this Video for more information.

Soil vs. Water: Choose Wisely

One of the most common debates in lucky bamboo care is whether to grow it in soil or water. Both methods have their benefits, but understanding their unique requirements is key. 

Lucky bamboo in water demands more frequent care, as it can quickly dry out, while soil-grown bamboo tends to be more resilient and requires less frequent watering. 

Consider your schedule and preference to choose the best-growing medium for your lucky bamboo.

Pruning - Nurturing Growth

Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape and health of your lucky bamboo. Trim away yellow or dead leaves to allow new growth to flourish. 

This pampering session not only helps your plant look better but also promotes rejuvenation and encourages new shoots to emerge.

Placement Matters

When it comes to lucky bamboo, the right spot is vital. Place your plant in a well-lit area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. 

Avoid direct sun exposure, as it can scorch the delicate leaves and harm the plant. 

Striking the perfect balance of light will result in vibrant and healthy growth.

Here is how to stop the Yellowing of Lucky Bamboo Leavers.

Watering Wisdom

Moderation is the key to watering your lucky bamboo. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause it to dry out and suffer. 

Observe your plant's moisture needs and establish a watering routine that suits its specific requirements. Balance is the secret to a thriving and happy plant.

Supercharge Your Lucky Bamboo Plant

With these top tips, you can transform your lucky bamboo plant into a symbol of abundance and prosperity. 

Remember, just like any living organism, your lucky bamboo needs tender loving care and attention to thrive. So implement these tips and watch your lucky bamboo plant grow and prosper with beauty and grace!

10 Air Purifying Bathroom Plants

Freshening up your bathroom by placing plants in it. Choose plants that are bright happy colours and shade-tolerant. 

In this article, you'll find out about the 10 air-purifying bathroom plants and their benefits - what makes the ideal plants for your bathroom.

What makes the best bathroom plants?

There’s no reason why your bathroom can’t be decorated like the other rooms of your home. Consider plants that have these 5 features:

• High shade-tolerant
• Are bright happy colours.
• Love a warm and humid environment.
• Can stand up to the cramped spaces of the bathroom.

Buy shade-loving plants from Thompson & Morgan

Bathroom plants polled the best

Create a Tropical Oasis in your bathroom to boost your well-being. So what plants are proven to be best for bathrooms? A comparison of over 100 online opinion polls and social media posts was reassuring. 

Many participants were houseplants fans and hobbyists. Over 95% recommended these 10 bathroom plants. 

1. Orchid
2. Bamboo
3. Calathea
4. Aloe Vera
5. Spider Plant
6. Snake Plant
7. Golden Pathos (Devil’s Ivy)
8. Monstera Swiss Cheese plant
9. Tacca chantrieri ('Bat Flower')
10. Tradescantia Nanouk ('Fantasy Venice')

Golden Pathos (Devil’s Ivy)

Air purifying plants

Bathroom plants have several health benefits too. These plants are great air purifiers. 

The spider plants will remove impurities like formaldehyde/carbon monoxide from the air. 

Bamboo grows in almost any light level without soil. 

Peace Lilly leaves filter air, producing better air quality.

Bathroom challenge

Have you ever been to a spa or a beachside resort with bathrooms inspired by the tropics? Lush greenery and the subtle scent of coconut fill the room. 

The sound of water can be heard ever so slightly and the iridescent colours remind you of shimmering shells beneath the waves. Sound familiar? 

If this is your ultimate ambience, there’s no reason you can’t bring this theme home. With the right bathroom plants, you can turn your bathroom into a dreamy tropical oasis in no time.

Calathea Plants Grow Well in Shade [Calathea crocata, rifibarba, orbifolai, markoyana, triostar]

There are over 60 species with variegated leaves in shades of pink, orange, red, white and purple. They produce yellow, purple or white blooms in summer. 

Calatheas come from the deep rainforests of the Amazon where there is heavy shade and high humidity and temperature. They thrive in very little light and are one of the best indoor plants. 

Calathea White Star

• Common name: Calathea
• Other names: Prayer Plants, Zebra Plants, Rattlesnake Plants, The Living Plant
• Native to: South America, Pacific Islands

Buy Calathea plants from top UK suppliers

Calatheas are shade-loving plants that thrive in low low-light areas, the easiest houseplants to care for.

Common Calathea varieties

Calathea crocata (Tassmania Orange' or Eternal Flame) 

Eternal Flame has beautiful dark green coloured leaves and bright yellow flowers

Calathea rifibarba (Fuzzy Feathers Plant or Velvet Calathea)

Commonly known as the Fuzzy Feathers Plant, it has long, dark-green, feather-like, fuzzy leaves that have maroon undersides.

Calathea orbifolai (The Prayer Plant)

The prayer plant is a large Calathea plant, it has large, round leaves and air-purifying qualities. The top and bottom sides of the leave are striped with pale silver-green variegated markings.

Calathea markoyana (Peacock plant) 

Peacock plants have oval pale green leaves with dark green patterns. The top and bottom sides of the leave have dark purple to red stripes.

Calathea triostar (Stromanthe Triostar) 

Cathalea triostar is known for its incredible colourful leaves with pink undersides. It is a rare cultivar that is now trending.

How do you propagate a Calathea?

The best way to propagate a Calathea is by base separation also called dividing.

Propagate the new plants early in spring. Separate the rhizomes taking care not to destroy any new roots - the segments will detach easily.

Plant the segmented parts in well-drained, moist soil.

Calathea leaves turning brown

This is the main problem Calathea plants face. If the leaves turn brown, it means that they are getting too much direct light, it's too cold.

Do these quick checks:

• Light: Is your plant in direct light?
• Soil: Is the soil moist and well-drained, not waterlogged?
• Pot: Is the pot or container suitable for the plant?

If the answer to questions is no, take action immediately to revive your plant.

Revive Calathea plants

To revive a dying Calathea plant, make sure light is not the main cause of the problem, If the plant is in direct light, move it to a location where there is sufficient natural light and is also warm.

Also, check the soil and ensure it is moist but not waterlogged roots exposure to stagnant water can upset the plant. 

The pot and container you use can also affect the health of the plant. Ensure that the holding pot has a drainage hole at the bottom for water to shive freely. Bigger plants will require repotting.

#Calathea is native to South America and parts of the island of New Guinea. Also known as the Living Plant, a fantastic #houseplant.

Got to find a place for it now ;)x pic.twitter.com/hJECpuiBuM

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) September 30, 2022

Swiss Cheese Plant Likes Indoor Shade [Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, Monstera borsigiana, Monstera obliqua]

There are several cultivars of the Monstera species called Swiss Cheese Plants. These plants are common house plants because they thrive in shade.

They are fantastic indoor plants because of their high shade tolerance, low maintenance and undemanding.

The Swiss Cheese Plants (Monstera spp) have holes in the leaves that resemble Swiss Cheese, hence the name.

Here are some shade-loving plants that grow well in the UK. 

Monstera deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant

Common name/s: Sweet Cheese Plant, Sweet Cheese Vine,  Five-Holes Plant, Monkey Mask Plant

Swiss Cheese Plants family: Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansoni, Monstera borsigiana, Monstera obliqua

Native to: South-east Asia, South America and New Guinea

4 Types of Swiss Cheese Plant

There are several species of Swiss Cheese Plant. 

The four commonly plants are:

• Monstera deliciosa: This species has the largest leaves compared to the other Monstera plants, has broad perforated leaves. It produces white flowers that look like an arrowhead as seen in the image above.
• Monstera adansonii: This is a marginally large Monstera with ovate leaves and slightly bigger oval holes in them than Monstera deliciosa.
• Monstera borsigiana: This is a smaller form of Monstera deliciosa.
• Monstera obliqua: This Monstera resembles Monstera adansonii, but has thinner leaves with lots of holes in them.

Soil for growing Swiss Cheese Plant

Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting soil, which will help trap moisture in the soil without allowing it to become waterlogged.

How to propagate Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant grows well by vine cuttings. Cut at least two or three nodes from the tip of the vine.

Propagate the cutting in water until rooting before potting. Ensure that the water does not go stale as this may kill the new plant. 

You may see signs of root and leaf growth after a few days. Transplant the cutting into a pot or hanging container. 

You can also plant the new cutting straight into a holding pot of moist, well-drained soil.

How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant is a tropical plant, native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea and South America, where temperature and humidity are high, yet the forest undergrowth receives little indirect light from the sun. And that is where Monstera species thrive.

They are great bathroom and windowsill plants. They are also fantastic hanging plants because warm air tends to circulate to the top making it conducive for them to thrive there.

The Swiss Cheese Plant is not winterhardy and does not really like cold.

They generally require very little care. The most crucial thing is to make sure they are warm and there is some light, but not direct light.

They love to climb, so get some bamboo-stick stakes for the plants to climb onto.