I am a perennial, clump-forming grass that thrives in shallow water or very wet soil.

My most distinctive feature is my tall, slender, and segmented culms (stems) that resemble bamboo but belong to a different plant family.

I have narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow along the upper parts of the stems.

I am a fast grower and can form dense, vertical thickets that provide excellent habitat for wildlife.

I am native to various regions across Asia, Africa, and Australia, commonly found in marshes, stream banks, and other wetland habitats.

My name says it all! I am an aquatic plant that requires constant access to water.

I thrive with my crown and roots submerged in 2 to 10 cm of water or in permanently boggy, saturated soil.

I cannot tolerate drought and will quickly decline if the soil dries out.

I am adaptable but perform best in full sun to partial shade.

I require at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong, upright growth.

In too much shade, I may become leggy and weak.

I thrive in warm, temperate to tropical climates and am best suited to USDA zones 6-11, depending on the species.

I prefer temperatures between 18°C and 30°C.

I am cold-tolerant to a degree, with top growth dying back after frost, but roots can survive in milder zones if not frozen solid.

I am perfect for the edges of ponds, water gardens, rain gardens, and bog filters.

Plant me in heavy loam soil or a specialty aquatic planting medium within a planting basket to contain my spread.

Ensure my crown is at or just below the water surface.

I am excellent for erosion control on wet banks.

I am a moderate feeder, benefiting from nutrient-rich water.

Use a slow-release aquatic plant fertilizer tab inserted into the soil at the start of the growing season.

In established, naturalized ponds, I often require little additional feeding.

Scientific Name: Common species include Dracaena sanderiana (often sold as "Lucky Bamboo"), and true aquatic reeds like Phragmites or Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail) are sometimes colloquially called water bamboo.

Common Names: Water Bamboo, Lucky Bamboo (for Dracaena), Reed, Canebreak

Plant Family: Asparagaceae (for Dracaena) or Poaceae/Polygonaceae (for true reeds/rushes)

Plant Type: Perennial aquatic grass or reed

True aquatic reeds (e.g., Phragmites) are generally non-toxic. However, Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo) is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting, drooling, and dilated pupils. Always confirm the exact species.

As a fast-growing plant, I am effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In water, I also help absorb excess nutrients, improving water quality.