Bow hemp (Latin 'Sansevieria') is one of the most popular houseplants for home and office. The striking plants have very different appearances, depending on the species and variety. However, all varieties are similar in one thing: the plant is considered extremely easy to care for.
Which types of bow hemp are particularly popular?
Popular arched hemp species include Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii', 'Golden Flame', 'Moonshine' and 'Robusta', Sansevieria cylindrica 'Patula', Sansevieria francisii, Sansevieria hyacinthoides as well as Sansevieria trifasciata 'Hahnii' and ' Craigii'. They vary in leaf color, height and growth habit.
Different growth forms and colors
Bow hemp is available in many different cultivated forms that can have single-colored or multicolored (“variegated”) leaves. These are usually outlined in white or yellow and have a more or less pronounced transverse banding. But the individual species and their varieties differ not only in their color, but also in their growth form and height. In addition to the strictly upright growing Sansevierias with broad leaves, there are also stem-forming variants or those that grow in rosettes and are quite small.
Popular species and their varieties
The table below offers you a quick overview of the most popular arched hemp species, of which the Sansevieria trifasciata variety 'Laurentii' is probably the best known. When choosing, keep in mind that the sansevierias not only look different, but also have very different needs. Some species need more light and warmth than others. The rule of thumb is: the brighter and more colorful the leaf color, the more sun it needs. The interesting coloring is only pronounced in a bright location.
| Art | Variety | Leaf coloring | Growth height | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Laurentii | light-dark green-marbled, surrounded by golden yellow | up to 100 cm | strictly upright growth habit, broad leaves |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Golden Flame | rich green, wide golden yellow stripes | up to 100 cm | strictly upright growth habit, broad leaves |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Moonshine | very light foliage | up to 100 cm | strictly upright growth habit, broad leaves |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Robusta | dark green | up to 150 cm | strictly upright growth habit, broad leaves |
| Sansevieria cylindrica | Patula | whitish-green, dark green cross bands | up to approx. 60 cm | round leaves |
| Sansevieria francisii | – | dark-light green-marbled | up to approx. 30 cm | grows upward like a trunk |
| Sansevieria hyacinthoides | – | matt green with many lighter cross bands | up to approx. 60 cm | very wide leaves |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Hahnii | various colorful colors | up to approx. 25 cm | rosette-shaped growth with broad leaves |
| Sansevieria trifasciata | Craigii | creamy yellow longitudinal bands on the edge of the leaf | up to approx. 80 cm | strictly upright growth habit, broad leaves |
Tip
No matter which of the above-mentioned varieties you choose, they all help to sustainably improve the indoor air.
