Lucky bamboo in a glass container

Where should it go?

Place it near a bright window without direct sunlight, away from hot glass and air conditioner drafts that dry out the leaves. On a balcony, choose bright shade and a spot sheltered from wind. Bring it indoors when it gets cold in winter to protect it from cold and rain that fills the container.

When should I water?

If you grow it in water, check that the roots are covered but most of the stem stays above the water. Top up as the level drops, and change the water when it turns cloudy or develops a smell. If it is in potting mix, check with your finger and water lightly when the top layer starts to dry, without leaving water at the bottom of a container with no drainage. Curling leaves may indicate a lack of water, and a soft, yellowing stem base may indicate rot.

What should I do first?

Place the container in a bright spot without direct sunlight, away from hot glass and air conditioner drafts. Check whether the roots are in water or a growing medium. For growing in water, choose clean rainwater or distilled water. In a growing medium, use your finger to check that the top layer is starting to dry before watering. Keep the plant in its current container at first, as long as it is growing in clean water or a growing medium with drainage.

When the plant puts out new leaves, you can add fertilizer suited to growing in water if it grows in water, or houseplant fertilizer if it is planted in a growing medium. During its first days at home, and when the plant turns yellow or is not growing, leave fertilizer aside and check the growing conditions first.