Bow hemp (Sansevieria, also known as 'African sisal') is widespread in the warm and dry regions of Africa, southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula and large parts of Asia. The interesting succulent with its decorative leaves and different appearances is considered a very easy-care houseplant. Nevertheless, you should heed a few care tips so that the exotic plant can develop in its full splendor.
How do you properly care for a bow hemp?
In order to optimally care for bow hemp, the plant needs a partially shaded to bright location, succulent or cactus soil, sparing watering only when the substrate is dry, rare fertilization with cactus fertilizer and occasional repotting if there is a lack of space.
Which location does bow hemp prefer?
Sansevieria prefers a partially shaded to bright location with the highest possible humidity. A place in a bright, daylight bathroom would be perfect, but the plant would also feel at home on any other window sill. In summer you can also put the succulent on the balcony or in the garden, as long as it is warm and sunny enough - the temperatures should not be less than 12 °C. In principle, darker locations are also possible, but then the plant grows much more slowly.
Which substrate is suitable for the exotic plant?
As a typical succulent, bow hemp feels comfortable in commercially available succulent or cactus soil. Hydroponics is also very useful, as it protects the fine roots of the plant.
How often do you have to water bow hemp?
Because Sansevieria stores moisture in its thick, fleshy leaves, it rarely needs watering. Before watering, check the dryness of the substrate: only when it feels dry at a depth of about one centimeter is it time to water. Watering should be even less frequent in winter. Bow hemp does not tolerate waterlogging or moistening or spraying the leaves.
When and with what should you fertilize bow hemp?
The plant also stores nutrients in its thick leaves, which is why fertilizing should only be done very sparingly and rarely. Use commercially available cactus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) no more than once a month.
What is the best way to repot bow hemp?
Basically, Sansevieria should be in a pot that is narrow and not too high. The plant only produces a few but very fine roots and rhizomes. The latter are capable of blowing up pots if their size is not sufficient. So always repot bow hemp when the rhizomes seem to grow beyond the planter. Choose pots that are as heavy as possible, as the plant is very top-heavy and otherwise risks tipping over quickly.
Can you propagate bow hemp yourself?
The plant can be propagated very well by leaf cuttings or, if the size is sufficient, by division.
Which diseases often occur in arched hemp?
The robust bow hemp is rarely attacked by pests. When the air is very dry, mealybugs like to colonize the fleshy leaves. Otherwise, a lot of damage is caused by over-watering and over-fertilization, in which case the leaves appear yellowed and without strength. Brown spots, on the other hand, indicate a lack of water or a fungal infection. Fungal and bacterial infections are not uncommon, especially if care is not taken correctly.
Can bow hemp overwinter in the warm living room?
The plant can be cultivated indoors all year round, with temperatures in the low-light period ideally being a maximum of 18 to 20 °C. However, if it is brighter in your area, the missing sunlight should be imitated by artificial light.
Tip
Bow hemp is not compatible with pruning and should therefore not be pruned if the plant is at risk of becoming too large. If you don't have enough space, choose a smaller variety.