The arch hemp is an exotic houseplant. It has extremely impressive foliage. It is also very easy to care for.
The arch hemp (Sansevieria) is a distinctive plant that proves to be vigorous and easy to care for. In order for the plant to feel comfortable in our latitudes, the individual needs of the decorative exotic must be taken into account. The green plant, also known as "mother-in-law's tongue", thanks good care with bizarre fragrant flowers.
Origin of Bow Hemp
The hemp plant belongs to the asparagus family and is closely related to the dragon tree. It is represented by 67 species and originally comes from the deserts of Africa. A few species also occur in the tropical parts of Asia. Today it can also be found in Florida, southern Europe and the Canary Islands, where it is partly cultivated as a crop because of its hemp-like fibers. For example, the fibers are used as raw material for bowstrings. Hence the bow hemp also got its name. In the meantime, the desert plant has also adapted excellently to cultivation as a houseplant.
| Sansevieria | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright |
| Growth: | 20 - 150 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 50 cm |
| Flower: | May - June |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | sandy, moderately moist, poor in nutrients |
Find the right location
As already mentioned, the popular houseplant mostly comes from Africa. The ideal location for the exotic desert dweller is therefore bright and sunny. Bow hemp can thrive well at room temperature. Temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees are ideal.
Tip: The Sansevieria does not tolerate draughts, nor strong temperature fluctuations.
In winter, the plant can be moved to a bright and cooler location. The temperatures should not drop below 15 degrees, otherwise there is a risk of damage from hypothermia.
Find the ideal substrate
The arch hemp makes some demands on the substrate. So that the succulentcan develop optimally, a permeable and rather nutrient-poor soil is preferred. Conventional potting soil is less suitable. Instead, choose a special substrate for succulents and cacti. These soils have a low humus content and are therefore rich in minerals.
Tip: If you prefer to make your own substrate, mix a third of coarse sand and clay granules into conventional houseplant soil.
A drainage in the bottom of the planter helps against waterlogging. A layer of expanded clay is placed over the drainage holes. A piece of fleece is spread over it. Then fill up the substrate as usual.
Alternatively, the arch hemp can also be cultivated in hydroponics.
Planting and repotting bow hemp
The bow hemp is one of the few plants that feel quite comfortable in a smaller planter. Therefore, less frequent repotting is required. Plant lovers can tell whether it's time to repot by the strong rhizomes that displace the soil and can even literally burst through simple plastic pots.
If the roots are clearly visible and protrude from the top or bottom of the plant pot, a new plant pot should be provided. Repot before the growth phase begins, in March or April.
Repotting Bow Hemp Step by Step
1. Prepare a new planter
2. Prepare the substrate
3. Remove the old planter
4. Check the roots
5. Remove damaged rhizomes
6 Divide and propagate hemp if necessary
7. Insert drainage into the bottom of the new planter
8. Fill in the substrate
9. Insert hemp hemp
10. Fill up the substrate completely
11. Press the soil well
The bow hemp should not be lower in the new planter than in the previous container. So that the plant can recover from the stressful move, place it in partial shade for a few days and avoid watering.
Watering bow hemp correctly
The indoor gardener should hold back when watering the scrunchie. The plant can store water in its leaves and is therefore well supplied even during prolonged drought. The snake plant is less able to protect itself against too much moisture and the roots begin to rot.
The watering can should only be used when the surface of the substrate has dried well. In winter, the plants can survive for up to two months without watering.
Tip: The water should not be inthe leaf rosettes, but directly on the ground. Wet leaves can rot quickly.
Fertilize bow hemp correctly
The plant lover should also hold back when it comes to fertilization. Fertilizer doses can be given between March and October. Then the plant is growing. The bow hemp can be supplied with green plant or cactus fertilizer. A weak application of fertilizer every three to four weeks is perfectly sufficient.
Tip: Liquid fertilizer is best dosed and can easily be administered over the irrigation water.
Pretty varieties at a glance
The variety of varieties opens up a wide range of decoration and combination options for the indoor gardener.
» Sansevieria trifasciata
This genus is the most common in stores. The leaves are about half a meter long. Special cultivated forms show a striking leaf decoration. The yellow stripes of “Golden Flame” are very attractive. "Hahnii" impresses with its colorful foliage.
» Sansevieria cylindrica
This species is native to the tropics of Africa and has long leaves that rise up like small columns. The leaf color ranges from green to grey. The leaves are often offered braided into braids.
» Sansevieria hyacinthoides
In its original habitat, the African bow-tie occurs in dense groups. The leaves can reach a length of more than a meter and have numerous light cross bands. The leaves are very broad and the plants appear upright and compact.
Cutting Bow Hemp
The scalloped plant cannot be pruned. If the leaves are pruned, the plant will stop growing. If you are bothered by the height of the plant, you can cut off the longest leaves right at the bottom.
Propagating Bow Hemp
The propagation of the bow tie is easy to manage, even for inexperienced plant lovers.
Propagation can be done by:
- Leaf cuttings
- Offshoot
» Propagation by leaf cuttings
If you want to get cuttings from the scrunchie, cut off the leaves just above the ground. This propagation method can be carried out all year round. The leaves are cut into several sections. Each section should be at least two inches long.
The interfaces should dry for several days. Then the leaves are about three centimeters deeppotting soil inserted. The planter is placed bright but not sunny. The temperature should be between 20 and 25 degrees. It can take weeks to months for roots to form. Casting is only sporadic. Allow the floor to dry out well in the meantime.
For a better understanding we have a video for you to illustrate:
By loading the video, you accept YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more
Load video
Always Unblock YouTube
Tip: Only green varieties can be propagated with this method. Plants with yellow leaf edges lose their pretty markings.
» Propagation by offshoots
If the arch hemp threatens to burst the planter, propagation through offshoots is a good idea. This can be combined with repotting the plant.
The plant is removed from the old planter. The earth should be largely shaken off. Then the roots can be better checked for their condition. A sharp and sterile knife is used for the division.
The sections are replanted as described under "Repotting".
The following video shows you very clearly how it all works in practice:
By loading the video, you accept YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more
Load video
Always Unblock YouTube
Diseases and pests on bow vine
Diseases and pests hardly ever occur on bow-tie plants. If mealybugs or aphids attack the flower window, the Sansevieria will probably not be spared either. The compact leaves are insensitive and a hard jet of water is the best weapon against the pests mentioned.
Overwintering Bow Hemp
The plants can stay where they are even in winter. The fertilization is stopped during the cold season. Casting is also rarer than before. The plants should not be cultivated at temperatures below 15 degrees, even in winter.
Is bow tie poisonous?
The bow hemp is a slightly poisonous houseplant. Therefore, the plants should not be made easily accessible to children and pets. Consuming the leaves can cause gastrointestinal problems.