Traditional Feng Shui practitioners believe that the number of lucky bamboo stalks has meaning when put together in an arrangement, especially when given as gift. Luckily for us, almost any number of stalks in a lucky bamboo arrangement imparts luck or fortune in some way. Below are some common interpretations.

2 lucky bamboo - represents love
3 lucky bamboo - represents happiness
5 lucky bamboo - conveys good health
6 lucky bamboo - more happiness
7 lucky bamboo - seven is always thought of a lucky number
8 lucky bamboo - In Asian culture, the number 8 is viewed similarly to the number 7, in that it conveys luck of wealth.
9 lucky bamboo - conveys good fortune
21 lucky bamboo - encompasses all (health, happiness, wealth, and fortune)

But it never hurts to have a little more luck or lucky bamboo. Good luck.

Bugs, for most of us they are to be squished upon contact, for some a scream and “get away from me!” reaction, and for the few as pets. But no matter how you look at it, we all have to live with them on this planet which we, and them, consider as home. Did you know that more than a million species have been classified while an estimated 20+ millions are unclassified? That potentially makes up over 80% of all various life forms on this planet!

For some of you out there, it is hard to believe that there are actually good bugs but following are some good samples. Lady bugs are welcomed by gardeners and are even sold at local gardening stores to help keep plants from being attacked by aphids since these are their favorite food. For the bad such as a bald-faced hornet which can leave you a painful sting, they help to rid of flies, yellow jackets, and can pollinate some plants. Even for the ugly such as the Assassin bug, they help to feed on mosquitoes, flies, and caterpillars.

So the next time you are picking up a newspaper or spray can to take out that bug, perhaps it would be better to reconsider what other types of pests it can possibly rid of for you and save yourself the trouble.

Many people have probably told you that money doesn’t grow on trees, but they do! Sort of…

The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is a plant that has many legends and beliefs originating from China. Although there are many tales and stories as to its beginnings, the most common story is that a truck driver in Taiwan had decided to braid the trunks of five small trees in a single pot. A more legendary tale floats around of a very poor farmer who was very down on his luck and spirit. One day, he found a very curious looking plant with braided trunks. Upon inspecting the plant, he found the plant to be very hardy and resilient, and took this as a lesson that he as well should learn to be resilient and strong. From the seed of this miraculous plant, he grew more of them and sold them.

Today, money tree plants are very commonly found in homes and offices because of their ability to survive with minimal care. The money tree plant is also highly idolized by those who practice feng shui because they commonly sprout five leaves on a stem. Five is an important number in feng shui because it is believed that everything within the universe is made up of five distinct elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. It is believed that if you place a money tree plant in an area that is exposed to areas concerning money, the money tree plant will bring the owner good luck and fortune. Often adorned with red ribbons and symbols, the money tree plant is perfect as an office/business gift because of its ability to grow in low light, minimal watering and care, and the wealth and good fortune it brings.

Care information on the money tree plant can be found here.

Summer is a tough time for many plants (especially with some areas across the nation forecasted to experience waves of extreme heat), so be sure to water your bonsai trees and lucky bamboo very often, maybe even twice a day, to ensure they won’t dry out. Be especially aware if you keep your plants outside that they are not being exposed to too much sunlight. Nevertheless, a good choice this summer would be the Sago Palm or Ponytail Palm bonsai tree. We here at Eastern Leaf recommend these palm bonsai trees because of their tendency to enjoy filtered sunlight. In fact, keep your palm bonsai tree in the shade for too long and it will refuse to grow! If your palm bonsai is indoors, be sure to place it somewhere near a window to ensure it gets ample sunlight. Sit back with a large glass of your favorite iced tea, open up a window, let that warm summer breeze flow, close your eyes and enjoy your summer!

What have your floors done for the Earth today?

A popular choice among modern homes today is the use of bamboo floors. Revered by bamboo floor manufacturers to be extremely strong and durable, as bamboo is known for, it is also recognized by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as a green material. Since bamboo is technically grass, especially the Moso species typically used in American homes, bamboo flooring seems to be the new way to go green. It’s a renewable source that regenerates itself and is getting positive reviews from the eco-friendly and the homeowners; although we don’t recommend trying to flatten our bamboo arrangements to replace your wood floors.

• The Chinese Elm bonsai tree enjoys partial filtered natural sunlight. Prolonged direct exposure to intense sun may burn the plant and yellow the leaves.
• The Chinese Elm bonsai tree constantly rotates leaves and sprouts new buds as old ones fall. This occurs most frequently when acclimating to new temperatures.
• Although the Chinese Elm bonsai tree is quite hardy, avoid cold weather. Prune after the growth period in early spring.
• Water daily, keeping the bonsai tree and soil moist at all times.
• You can repot in early spring, every 1-3 years, but plan to repot the bonsai tree either a month before or after pruning to ensure that the bonsai tree sustains the least shock possible.

• The Juniper bonsai tree does best in filtered or shaded sunlight.
• Juniper bonsai trees can survive in cold weather and are extremely hardy but provide protection from freezing conditions in winter.
• To avoid browning of needles, prune by pinching off unwanted stems using fingers or shears. Foliage should be thinned to let in light.
• Water moderately, keeping the bonsai tree moist at all times.
• Fertilize your juniper bonsai tree once every two weeks. We recommend using a bonsai fertilizer.
• Juniper bonsai trees may be repotted throughout most of the year, although, the best times for repotting are in the spring and fall. After repotting, water thoroughly and keep the bonsai tree in a shady location for several weeks so that new roots may grow.

• Ficus will grow decently in low light, but thrive in high light conditions.
• Prune back to 2-4 leaves after 6-10 leaves have grown. We recommend using a dull pruning tool on Ficus, as a clean cut made by a sharp tool tends to bleed more than a dull cut.
• Water moderately, increasing in summer and decreasing in winter. Many Ficus are very tolerant of being over or under watered, which makes them ideal for beginners. The Ficus also enjoys a daily misting to maintain humidity.
• Repot every 2-3 years, although some will grow rapidly enough that yearly repotting may be necessary. The best time is before a new growth spurt, especially in spring, but Ficus can literally be repotted any time of year if reasonable after-care is given. Roots can easily be pruned by half. Basic bonsai soil is recommended, although Ficus tolerates many soil conditions.
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• The Schefflera does best in filtered or shaded sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Prune by pinching off unwanted stems using fingers or shears.
• Water moderately, do not let the soil dry out. Water whenever the soil looks dry. Over-watering will result in trunk rot.
• Fertilize your bonsai once every two weeks. We recommend using a bonsai fertilizer.
• Leaves can be cleaned with damp cloth to avoid parasites.
• Since the Schefflera is a tropical plant, it does best when paired with a humidity tray.

• The Ponytail Palm does best in filtered or shaded sunlight but can also tolerate direct sun.
• Leaves can be pruned back regularly as the leaves grow rather quickly.
• The Ponytail Palm does not require frequent watering. Once a week is sufficient.