Spiral bamboo is not bamboo at all. Spiral bamboo is a specially grown version of what is commonly called lucky bamboo. Dracaena does not grow naturally in a spiral shape. Achieving the spiral shape is a time-consuming process. The plant is placed in a three-sided box, allowing only one side at a time to be exposed to the light. The plant naturally grows toward the light, and once a spiral is achieved (sometimes in as long as six months), the plant is turned and the box modified so another portion of the plant has access to light. This process continues until the desired twists are achieved. This extremely easy-to-grow plant is often given as a gift for luck or for money.