lucky bamboo

A rising interest in feng shui within the U.S. has led to the increasing popularity of lucky bamboo. Feng shui is a Chinese practice that is thought to be about 3,000 years old. Literally meaning 'wind and water,' feng shui is a practice of spatial arrangement said to increase harmony, prosperity, and other positive qualities. The practice emphasizes natural elements, like wind, fire, and water.Lucky bamboo is considered an ideal example of the wood element and water element thriving together. Lucky bamboo often comes with a red ribbon tied around its stalks; the red color is meant to symbolize the fire element, and its presence is thought to increase the chi (energy flow) within the room.Some people consider the number of stalks within a lucky bamboo arrangement to be meaningful. For instance, an arrangement of three stalks is said to bring happiness. An arrangement of five stalks is thought to bring wealth. While some practitioners believe strongly in the importance of the number of stalks, many practitioners do not.Oddly, the plant known as 'lucky bamboo' is not really bamboo at all. Dracaena Sandcrana is actually a type of lily. Lucky bamboo is a popular gift for housewarmings and business openings as well as other occasions. It is generally considered a very easy plant to care for and pre-planted lucky bamboo comes in a wide range of sizes and decorative pots and vases.