History

• Lucky bamboo, called fu guei chu, has been used in China since ancient times. Lucky bamboo, whose latin name is Dracaena sanderana, has been used to change luck, re-direct the chi (or energy flow) of a room, and in many other ways. It became popular in the late 20th century in the west through the adoption of feng shui practices by westerners.
  
  

Symbolism as a Gift

• The best way to acquire lucky bamboo is to receive it as a gift. When given as a gift for a house warming or the opening of a new business venture, it expresses a wish for good fortune and prosperity in the future. The placement of the lucky bamboo gift in the room according to feng shui principles increases the positive effects of the gift. Although the best way to acquire lucky bamboo is as a gift, there is nothing wrong with buying one for yourself and placing it in a room.
  
  

Use in Feng Shui

• Although simply placing lucky bamboo in a room will, because of feng shui principles, improve the chi in a room, the best place to put the bamboo in the room will depend on a number of calculations that include the birth day and time of the person who usually occupies the room. There are a number books to help calculate feng shui directions of online direction calculators that can get you started. Larger cities may have professional feng shui masters who can help you properly place your lucky bamboo.
  
  

Numerical Symbolism

• The number of stalks in an arrangement of lucky bamboo symbolizes different things. An arrangement of three stalks brings the three elements of a happy life together: happiness, wealth and longevity. An arrangement of five stalks brings wealth. Adding one more stalk, for a total of six, attracts prosperity and good conditions. Seven stalks are arranged together to attract health. Eight stalks brings continuing growth and prosperity. Ten stalks attracts perfection. An arrangement of 21 stalks, often a physically larger arrangement, brings blessings.
  
  

Meaning in Other Contexts

• In the context of feng shui, lucky bamboo brings positive energy and chi into an area. With regard to relationships, lucky bamboo is said to invigorate your love life. It is said to bring a long and peaceful life in the context of health care. For people focusing on career and business, it symbolizes success and growth. In a Buddhist view, it symbolizes graciousness, honor and virtue.