Which bamboo is not a "true bamboo"?

Although the word bamboo occurs in several of the plant’s common names, "Dracaena sanderiana", dracaena, or Lucky Bamboo belongs to an entirely different taxonomic order than true bamboo.

Because the plants are not related there are several major differences between them.

Appearance-wise, the stem of Lucky Bamboo is fleshy, which distinguishes it from bamboo.

Growth rate – real bamboos are some of the fastest-growing plants in the world, while Lucky Bamboo has a growth rate of an average houseplant.

Growing conditions for bamboo species can vary a lot but one thing that is common for all bamboo – they need soil to grow. Lucky Bamboo, on the other hand, can grow in water alone.

Safety for pets – Lucky Bamboo can be toxic to dogs and cats if it is ingested. True bamboo species are harmless to them.