Bonsai, Lucky Bamboo & Money Trees
A Little Character for Your Home
A miniature tree with an interesting shape. A cluster of lucky bamboo on your desk. A money tree that makes an empty corner feel a little more finished.
These plants have personality, and choosing one is part of the fun. Explore bonsai, lucky bamboo and money trees at Thomas Greenhouse & Gardens in Mukwonago. Our plant experts can introduce you to the differences and help you choose one for the light and space in your home.
Serving Mukwonago, Waukesha and East Troy
Discover Your Favorite
Bonsai: A Small Tree With Plenty to Explore
Bonsai is the art of growing and shaping a tree in a container. The small leaves, branching patterns and carefully maintained shape give you something to appreciate up close.
If you enjoy tending plants, bonsai offers an opportunity to learn as you grow. Pruning and training gradually shape its appearance, while everyday care depends on the type of tree.
Some tropical bonsai can grow indoors with enough light. Others need outdoor conditions and a winter rest. When choosing yours, start with the tree itself—we’ll explain where it belongs and what it needs.
Lucky Bamboo: An Easygoing Accent
Lucky bamboo brings upright greenery and interesting shapes to desks, shelves and tabletops. Despite its name, it’s a dracaena rather than a true bamboo.
You’ll find it associated with good fortune and often given as a gift. Its simple shape also makes it easy to pair with a favorite container.
Lucky bamboo prefers bright, indirect light. It can grow in soil or water, depending on how it’s planted. For arrangements grown in water, keep the roots covered and refresh the water regularly.
Money Trees: Bold Leaves and Braided Trunks
With broad, hand-shaped leaves and often a braided trunk, a money tree makes an attractive addition to a bright room.
The braid is created by training young, flexible stems together. Above it, the leafy canopy gives the plant a full, relaxed appearance.
Money trees enjoy bright, indirect light and a container with drainage. Let the top few inches of soil dry before watering again, and empty any water left in the saucer.
A Plant to Keep—or Give
These plants make thoughtful gifts for a new home, an office or someone who enjoys growing things.
A container adds the finishing touch. Consider both how it looks and how it will handle watering, especially if the plant will sit on wood furniture.
Get to Know Your New Plant
The best care starts with knowing what you’re growing. These three plants may share a display, but they don’t share one watering routine.
Check the soil or water level regularly, notice how much light reaches the plant and keep it away from heating vents and cold drafts. For indoor plants, turning the pot occasionally helps different sides receive light.
Our greenhouse team can walk you through care for the plant you choose, including watering, placement and when it may need a larger container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all bonsai trees live indoors?
No. Bonsai describes how a tree is grown and shaped, rather than a single kind of plant. Tropical varieties may grow indoors with adequate light, while many temperate trees need to live outdoors and go through seasonal dormancy. Know which tree you’re buying before choosing its spot.
Is lucky bamboo really bamboo?
No—it’s a dracaena. Its upright, jointed stems resemble bamboo, which is where the common name comes from. It’s grown as a houseplant and needs protection from Wisconsin’s outdoor cold.
Is it better to grow lucky bamboo in water or soil?
It can grow either way. Water-grown arrangements need fresh water and clean containers, while soil-grown plants need drainage and evenly moist soil without becoming soggy. Start by caring for the arrangement as it was grown rather than switching it immediately.
Will a money tree’s trunk braid itself?
No. The braided appearance comes from young stems being gently trained together. As they grow thicker, the braid becomes more pronounced. You don’t need to keep braiding an established plant to enjoy its shape.
How often should I water these plants?
There isn’t one schedule that suits all three. Bonsai may need frequent checks because its container holds relatively little soil. Money trees should dry somewhat between waterings, while lucky bamboo care depends on whether it’s growing in water or soil. Check the plant’s conditions rather than choosing a fixed watering day.