Bow hemp ∗ The 10 best care tips for houseplant

Origin and Distribution

Of the Bow hemp has been a popular and easy-care houseplant in German living rooms for decades. Its botanical name, Sansevieria, is a reference to the famous Italian nobles and Patron of the sciences Pietro Antonio Sanseverino (1724-1772) who already knew the exotic plants in the 18th Century cultivated in his garden. Even today, bow hemp is widespread in many gardens in southern Europe and on the Mediterranean islands, but it also occurs in wild form.

The plant, which is also jokingly referred to as the "mother-in-law's tongue" because of its pointed leaves, originally comes from the dry, warm climate of the tropical regions of Central and East Africa, where it is found in numerous species especially in the deserts of Kenya and Tanzania Home is. A few of the total of 67 species are also found in tropical Asia, especially in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Many Sansevieria species have fiber-rich leaves, which are an important raw material for the long term Manufacture of baskets, mats and other wickerwork as well as ropes, bowstrings and clothing represented. The German name "Bogenhanf" refers to this purpose, although the importance of the plant has declined considerably since the triumphant advance of various synthetic fibers.

Today, from a botanical point of view, the genus Sansevieria is part of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is closely related to the Dracaena (dragon tree), but does not belong to this. In the past, bow hemp was considered a member of the agave family (Agavoideae) because of its superficial optical similarity, but this has not been scientifically confirmed.

use

As a tropical desert plant, Sansevieria is not frost-hardy in this country and can therefore only be cultivated as an indoor plant. In climatically more favorable regions, however, for example in the Mediterranean region and in the south of the USA, the plant is also very popular in the garden. Use as a kind of property delimitation is widespread here.

In Africa, the fibrous leaves of some types of bow hemp are used to make baskets, mats, bowstrings, ropes and even clothing. This is also referred to by the alternative name “African sisal”, which is still used today to advertise certain handicraft products. Other species, such as Sansevieria ehrenbergii, have been found because of their antiseptic ingredients Use in folk medicine in some regions and countries in Africa, for example for the treatment of ulcers and Rashes.

Appearance and stature

The Sansevieria species cultivated as house plants - Sansevieria trifasciata and Sansevieria cylindrica - do not form a stem. Instead, they are perennial, evergreen succulents whose fleshy leaves arise directly from the underground rhizomes. Over time, the plants form increasingly extensive clumps which, if not repotted regularly, can even blow up the planter. The aboveground runners, over which the bow hemp practically reproduces by itself, are also typical.

leaves

Typical of the leaves of the species Sansevieria trifasciata are the broad, pointed and thick-fleshed leaves, depending on the species. These are either arranged like a rosette or grow straight upright. The different varieties of Sansevieria cylindrica, on the other hand, have round leaves that can be up to 150 centimeters long. With regard to the numerous variants in the leaf pattern, the around 70 varieties are very diverse: In addition to varieties with a single-colored dark green There are numerous forms of leaves with yellow, light or dark green transverse bands, as well as those with different shades of green Mottling.

Flowers and fruits

If the bow hemp is well cared for according to its needs, it sometimes develops a flower after a few years. The sweet-smelling, greenish-white flowers are arranged like panicles on a short shaft and only open at night. In nature, pollination takes place by moths, which of course do not degenerate in this country. For this reason, seeds usually do not develop that would otherwise develop in the orange to red berries of the Sansevieria. After flowering, the flower-bearing shoot dies, but not the plant. Blossoms on bow hemp are very rare in indoor culture and therefore always a specialty.

Toxicity

In particular, Sansevieria cylindrica, which has become increasingly popular as a houseplant in recent years, contains poisonous saponins and should therefore be kept away from small children and pets, especially cats, dogs and rodents such as guinea pigs and rabbits will. Poisoning, for example caused by eating the thick leaves, typically manifests itself as nausea, combined with cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In the event of poisoning, give the person concerned plenty of water (non-carbonated and under no circumstances milk!) To drink and seek medical advice immediately. Vet up.

Which location is suitable?

The bow hemp thrives best in sunny and warm locations, for example right next to a south-facing window. The distinctive leaf patterns of many varieties only develop when there is sufficient light, while the leaves quickly turn dark green in dark locations. Make sure, however, that you slowly get the plant used to direct sun - especially if it is midday sun - otherwise there is a risk of leaf burns. The frugal Sansevieria also thrives in shadier and cooler places, but then grows much more slowly.

As a desert dweller, the Bogenhaft tolerates drought and cooler temperatures very well, although these must not fall below 12 ° C. However, the plant feels most comfortable in a warm and humid environment, which is why many people like to put the bow hemp in the bathroom or kitchen. During the warm summer months, you can, of course, slowly get used to the new location Cultivating the balcony or terrace should, however, be done in good time in early autumn and in cold and rainy weather conditions bring in.
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Substrate

As a desert plant, the bow hemp prefers a rather dry, well-drained and mineral substrate. Cactus soil is very suitable, as is an unmixed mix Compost soil and a third of sand or Gravel. If possible, add to this mixture for better permeability Perlite,(€ 35.50 at Amazon *) Flatulence or another Clay granules u. ä. added. On the other hand, commercially available flowers or flowers are less suitable. Green plant soil, even if the bow hemp - adaptable as it is - will grow in it. Garden soil is also not suitable. For that, however, Sansevieria are grateful candidates for one Hydroponics, for which you should choose a small to medium-sized grain.

Plant bow hemp correctly

Since the leaves of the Sansevieria can reach heights of between 100 and 150 centimeters, they often reach a corresponding weight. These tall-growing varieties become quite top-heavy over the years, which is why you use them as protection against tipping over in planters made of heavy materials such as clay or ceramics should. In addition, the pots should have the largest possible diameter, since the thick rhizomes of the Sansevieria spread out just below the substrate surface. For this, the vessel can also be rather flat.

When planting the bow hemp it is essential to ensure good drainage in the pot, as the desert dweller can only tolerate permanent moisture and especially waterlogging with difficulty. The planter must have a sufficiently large drainage hole on the floor and it must also be on a saucer or in a planter. Excess irrigation water can flow into it, from which you can quickly remove it after watering. In turn, cover the drainage hole with a few pieces of pottery to avoid clogging due to silting up. a layer of clay granules. Only above do you fill in the substrate.

Repot

With Sansevierias you can tell when the time is right for repotting not only by the roots growing out of the pot, but also an occasional kinking leaf - these break because their rhizome is no longer sufficiently anchored in the substrate for a firm hold is. Does the plant not need a larger container yet? is already in a large pot, but you should still replace the top substrate layer every year. The best time to repot is in spring between March and April.
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Pour bow hemp

Sansevieria have thick, fleshy leaves that store a lot of water and thus arm the succulent plant perfectly for longer periods of drought. For this reason, the bow hemp tolerates drought excellently, persistent moisture or even waterlogging, on the other hand, only with difficulty or not at all. Therefore, the plants should only be watered a little and dried thoroughly in between. Water during the growing season so that the substrate is well moistened. The root ball can then dry out once, this does not harm the plant at all. In the winter months, on the other hand, water is only poured in sips. In every season of the year you measure the right time for watering with the help of your index finger: stick it into the substrate and feel its moisture. If the soil has already dried well at a depth of a few centimeters, water can be given again.

When watering, be careful not to wet the leaves. In particular, if the water collects in the leaf rosettes, rot quickly develops. Incidentally, overwatering can quickly be seen in soft leaves and / or rotten areas. A moldy smell from the pot indicates that root rot has already occurred.
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Fertilize bow hemp properly

Not only when pouring, also when Fertilize restraint is required. Too much fertilizer also causes soft leaves, which then snap off and / or break off quickly. Yellowish to brownish discolorations are also not uncommon in this case. Fertilize the bow hemp between April and August no more than once a month, for which you use a low-dose cactus fertilizer at best. Halve the amount specified in the manufacturer's application description, because Sansevieria do not have a high nutritional requirement and get by with significantly less. Use a liquid fertilizer that you give along with the irrigation water. Never fertilize on dry substrate as this can cause root damage. In the other months between September and March, however, there is no fertilization, only little watering.

Cut bow hemp correctly

Some types and varieties of bow hemp can get quite high leaves with 100 to 150 centimeters and thus become too big for the windowsill. However, the plants grow very slowly, so it can take a few years to reach a suitable size. If you still want to be on the safe side, choose a variety that stays low, such as Sansevieria trifasciata Hahnium.

Cutting back the leaves is definitely not recommended for bow hemp, because the corresponding shoots do not sprout again. Instead, an unsightly edge remains that turns brown. Such a cut also represents a gateway for fungi and other pathogens, so that the plant does not only lose its visual appeal. However, instead of pieces of leaf, whole leaves can be cut off just above the substrate, for example to remove brown and dried leaves or to obtain cuttings.

Propagate bow hemp

Sansevieria can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings and, in the case of large plants, by dividing them.

Propagation by cuttings

When propagating bow hemp cuttings, you need patience, because the slow growth of the plant means that it takes a few years before a sizable plant has emerged. However, it is also a lot of fun to raise the tiny one yourself right from the start. And that is how it works:

• Cut off a whole sheet just above the ground.
• Divide this evenly into approx. ten centimeter pieces.
• Make a mark for "top" or "bottom" with a pen.
• Dip the lower cutting edge into Rooting powder.
• Insert the cuttings with the lower edge several inches deep Growing substrate.(€ 12.99 at Amazon *)
• Place the nursery pot in a light and warm, but not directly sunny location.
• Keep the substrate evenly moist, but not wet.
• "Tense air", d. H. a foil cover or similar ä. is not necessary.

After a few weeks, the cuttings develop the first roots, and the first offshoots appear a little later. You can now remove the piece of leaf, as the actual plant grows out of the rhizome that has emerged. By the way, variegated varieties should always be propagated by division, as their cuttings usually develop green leaves of a single color.

Multiplication by division

Specimens that have become too large can be shared without hesitation, which is best done in connection with a repotting that is due anyway. Have a separate pot with a suitable substrate ready for each new individual plant. This is how sharing works:

• Lift the bow hemp out of the planter.
• Carefully remove the substrate from the roots.
• Look for small side shoots or Offshoots or side rosettes that should preferably be divided off.
• If necessary, cut this off from the mother plant with the help of a sharp and disinfected knife.
• If the plant is still too big, you can divide it all up.
• Each piece of rhizome should have at least one shoot, preferably more than two.
• Plant the pieces separately immediately after dividing them.
• You can use cactus soil or a mixture of soil and sand for this.

A rooting powder is not necessary in this case, after all, the pieces are already rooted. Otherwise care for the new Sansevieria as well as the adult bow hemp.
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Overwinter

Since the bow hemp is not hardy, it has to overwinter frost-free. If possible, he does this at around 13 to 16 ° C and very sparingly watering. Of course, you can continue to cultivate the succulent plant in a warm living room, but the plant is best able to survive the low-light period in a cooler room. During this time, the bow hemp stops growing. As soon as the days in spring get longer and the hours of sunshine increase, gradually increase the temperature and the watering.

Diseases and pests

Sansevieria are very robust plants that only become ill due to major care mistakes. Pest infestation, on the other hand, is rare, but can occur. Especially mealybugs and Spider mites occur occasionally, but you should try not to shower off affected plants.

• brown discolored / soft leaves: root rot due to waterlogging, but also too low temperatures
• yellow discolored / flaccid leaves: overwatering resp. Overfertilization
• brown spots on the leaves: dryness
• moist, soft spots on the leaves: fungal attack

If the bow hemp is attacked by a fungus and its leaves become soft as a result, the plant can usually no longer be saved. However, you can cut off the tips of the leaves and use them as cuttings for new plants.

Species and varieties

The species Sansevieria trifasciata has been cultivated as a houseplant for many decades; there are numerous ornamental forms of it in different heights, types of growth and leaf colors. In addition to the green-leafy forms, the subspecies laurentii is particularly popular, with leaves with wide, light yellow borders. This species can become quite tall with stature heights of more than a meter, while the varieties of the subspecies Sansevieria trifasciata hahnii is comparatively small with an average height of up to 20 centimeters stay. Hahnii shapes are also available in very different colors.

On the other hand, Sansevieria cylindrica is still relatively new as a houseplant with its rounded, columnar, upright leaves. This cultivated form also remains quite compact and is therefore ideal for the window sill at home. The leaves of this species are often offered in braided form, which, however, does not correspond to the natural growth habit. There are also some interesting ornamental forms of the rare Sansevieria kirkii, which has very narrow and rather short leaves.