Ask the Expert: CAN I USE BAMBOO PLANTS WITH BETA FISH?
FOR MY DAUGHTER’S WEDDING, WE WANT TO HAVE OUR CENTERPIECES WITH BETA FISH SWIMMING IN THE BOWL.  WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF GREEN PLANT FLOATING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE PLANTER.  I KNOW SOME USE PEACE LILIES, BUT WE LIKE LUCKY BAMBOO AND WONDER IF THAT WOULD WORK.   I DON’T WANT TO HURT THE FISH, JUST HAVE THE CENTERPIECE LOOK NICE AND BE DIFFERENT.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.  THANKS DEBBIE

Plant Expert Reply:

As far as I know lucky bamboo is not harmful to fish.  However, a long-term relationship between the two is probably not a good idea.  Although lucky bamboo will live in water, most fish forums do not recommend it for use in an aquarium.  I’m not sure why. It maybe an oxygen issue or something else.  (This might make a good science experiment for a high school student.) My suspicion is that the roots of the lucky bamboo will rapidly take over the bowl which is something the fish do not like.

As for the wedding, I see nothing wrong with using the lucky bamboo in the centerpieces.  I would use 3 or 6 stalks of lucky bamboo per centerpiece (which represents happiness) .  At the head table, I would create a larger centerpiece with 21 stalks (blessings).

Red or gold ribbon is often tied around lucky bamboo for extra lucky or good fortune. You may want to tie ribbon the same color of the bridesmaids dresses or wedding bouquets around your stalks instead.

Good luck and keep me posted.  When you create the wedding centerpieces, you should submit a photo of them to WeddingandPartyNetwork.com. They have an awesome wedding flower photo gallery.  Just think, you might start a new wedding trend.