picture of lucky bamboo plant

A Picture-Perfect Guide to Lucky Bamboo Plants

Lucky bamboo plants have become increasingly popular houseplants due to their lush greenery, storied history, and reputation as harbingers of good fortune. Their graceful stalks and vibrant leaves make them beautiful additions to any home If you’re considering bringing one of these charmed plants into your life, read on for a helpful guide to selecting, caring for, and photographing lucky bamboo.

What Exactly is Lucky Bamboo?

Though named “lucky bamboo” these plants are not actually bamboo but rather a type of tropical evergreen perennial called Dracaena sanderiana. They are native to Central Africa but are also commonly grown as a crop in Taiwan. Lucky bamboo stalks are frequently braided twisted, or trained into creative shapes for decorative purposes. The plants can thrive in soil or even just in vases of water.

There are a few different varieties of lucky bamboo, distinguished by their leaf patterns:

• Solid green leaves are the most common. This variety represents the element of wood.

• Leaves with yellow stripes symbolize the element of earth.

• White-striped leaves correspond to metal.

• Leaves variegated with pink and cream are associated with the element of water.

No matter the variety, lucky bamboo plants are relatively easy to care for. They flourish in indirect light and need only to be watered when the soil becomes dry. Using distilled water will help prevent buildup of mineral deposits on the stalks and leaves. Lucky bamboo can survive in low light conditions but may drop some leaves or develop yellowing if light is insufficient. Low humidity can also lead to browning leaf tips.

The Significance of Lucky Bamboo

In many Asian cultures, lucky bamboo carries important symbolism. The plants are commonly given as gifts and incorporated into spiritual rituals. Specific stalk numbers, shapes, and directions bear different meanings:

• Two stalks represent love and happiness in relationships.

• Five stalks spell out wealth, health, longevity, career, and overall luck.

• Eight stalks stand for prosperity in new endeavors.

• Plants with 21 stalks celebrate blessings and good fortune.

• A coil shape connotes safety and security.

• Pointing stalks in an upward direction encourages positive growth and change.

No matter the configuration, lucky bamboo is believed to channel positive energy. It’s no wonder this charmed plant is so widely enjoyed for its uplifting presence.

Photographing Your Lucky Bamboo

A beautiful lucky bamboo plant deserves an equally beautiful photograph to capture its striking form. Follow these tips for taking great pictures of your lucky bamboo:

Lighting
Lucky bamboo looks best photographed in soft, natural lighting. Bright overhead light creates harsh shadows that hide the texture and color of the leaves. Diffused window light is ideal. If you need supplemental lighting, use a soft box or bounce flash to fill in shadows.

Background
Keep the background simple so the lucky bamboo can take center stage. Plain white poster board or fabric makes a clean backdrop. You can also situate the plant in front of a light wall in your home. Just make sure there is good separation between the subject and background.

Angle
Capture your lucky bamboo from multiple angles. A side view highlights the shape and height of the stalks. Shoot from above to emphasize the leaves fanning out. A low vantage point can make the plant appear tall and commanding.

Shallow Depth of Field
Using a wide aperture like f/2.8 will blur the background while keeping the lucky bamboo in sharp focus. This concentrates attention on the plant. You can increase the blur even more by focusing close to the end of the stalks nearest the camera.

Accessories
Add visual interest by decorating around your lucky bamboo. Group it with other small plants, flowers, candles, stones, glassware, or any accessories matching your home’s aesthetic. Just don’t clutter the scene too much. Keep the focus on the lucky bamboo.

Editing
Some light post-processing can really make lucky bamboo photos pop. Bump up the vibrance to intensify the green color. Increase contrast slightly to add definition. But don’t overdo it! Lucky bamboo already has such rich tones and textures. Subtle editing is best.

Displaying Your Photos
Mount your custom lucky bamboo art prints or canvas gallery wraps in your home. The plants bring such positive energy; displaying their photographs can nourish that uplifting presence throughout each day. You can also share your images on blogs, social media, or photo art websites to inspire fellow plant lovers.

Let Luck Grow in Your Home

With its vibrant leaves, sculptural stems, storied history, and charming lore, it’s clear why lucky bamboo remains such a beloved houseplant. If you decide to welcome one into your home, be sure to appreciate its tranquil beauty both in person and preserved in photographs. Let luck flourish with each glance upon its flowing stalks and lively leaves.