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How to Pollinate Fortune Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Updated: July 30, 2022

Fortune plant, also known as Dracaena braunii or lucky bamboo, is a popular indoor plant that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is a member of the Dracaena family and is native to Cameroon in Central Africa. Fortune plants are known for their attractive green foliage and unique stem structure. But did you know that you can increase your fortune plant’s yield by pollinating it? In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate fortune plant and increase your yield.

Why Pollinate Fortune Plant?

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male reproductive organ of a plant to the female reproductive organ. In the case of fortune plants, pollination results in the production of seeds. The seeds can be used to grow new fortune plants and increase your yield.

How to Pollinate Fortune Plant?

Pollinating fortune plant is easy and can be done manually. Here are the steps:

  1. Locate the male and female flowers: Fortune plants have two types of flowers – male and female. The male flowers are small and grow on long stalks, while the female flowers are larger and grow on short stalks.

  2. Collect pollen from the male flower: Use a small brush or cotton swab to collect pollen from the male flower. Gently touch the brush or swab to the anthers, which are the small structures in the center of the male flower that contain pollen.

  3. Transfer pollen to the female flower: Use the same brush or swab to transfer pollen to the stigma, which is the sticky structure in the center of the female flower. Gently rub the brush or swab against the stigma to ensure that the pollen sticks.

  4. Repeat for multiple flowers: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all the male and female flowers on your fortune plant.

  5. Wait for seeds to develop: After pollination, the female flowers will develop into small berries that contain seeds. Wait for the berries to mature before harvesting the seeds.

Tips for Successful Pollination

To increase your chances of successful pollination, follow these tips:

  • Pollinate in the morning when the flowers are most receptive.
  • Use a clean brush or cotton swab to avoid introducing bacteria or other contaminants.
  • Pollinate multiple flowers to increase your yield.
  • Keep the plant in a warm and humid environment to promote seed development.

FAQ

How long does it take for fortune plant seeds to germinate?

Fortune plant seeds can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to germinate. Make sure to keep the soil moist and warm during this time.

Can I pollinate my fortune plant with another fortune plant?

Yes, you can use pollen from another fortune plant to pollinate your own. This is called cross-pollination and can result in unique characteristics in the offspring.

How many seeds can I expect from one fortune plant?

The number of seeds produced by a fortune plant varies, but you can expect anywhere from a few to several dozen per plant.

Can I propagate my fortune plant without pollination?

Yes, fortune plants can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply cut off a stem with at least two nodes and place it in water or soil until it roots.

In conclusion, pollinating your fortune plant is an easy way to increase your yield and grow more plants. Follow the steps outlined in this article and remember to be patient. With a little bit of effort, you can have a thriving collection of lucky bamboo in no time!