Bow hemp (bot. Sansevieria), also known as mother-in-law's tongue because of its pointed leaves, which can be up to one meter high, is one of the most popular indoor plants in German living rooms. Established on the windowsills for decades, the plant has regained its popularity due to its many positive properties: not only are the different varieties extremely easy to care for and have few requirements, but bow hemp is also considered a biological air purifier. In fact, it is recommended that the plants should preferably be placed in the bedroom or living room, as they filter toxic substances from the ambient air and instead give off more oxygen.

The bow hemp originally comes from Africa

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowers and fruits
  6. toxicity
  7. Which location is suitable?
  8. substrate
  9. Plant bow hemp correctly
  10. repot
  11. Water bow hemp
  12. Fertilize bow hemp properly
  13. Cut bow hemp correctly
  14. Propagate bow hemp
  15. hibernate
  16. diseases and pests
  17. species and varieties

    18. origin and distribution

    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 nobleman and patron of science Pietro Antonio Sanseverino (1724-1772), who cultivated the exotic plants in his garden as early as the 18th century. Bow hemp is still widespread today in many gardens in southern Europe and on the Mediterranean islands, but it also occurs in a wild form.

    Originally, the plant, jokingly referred to as "mother-in-law's tongue" because of its pointed leaves, comes from the dry, warm climate of the tropical regions of Central and East Africa, where numerous species of it are at home, especially in the deserts of Kenya and Tanzania. A few of the 67 species are also found in tropical Asia, especially in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Many Sansevieria species have fibrous leaves, which have long been an important raw material for making baskets, mats, and other wickerwork, as well as rope, bowstrings, and clothing. The German name "Bogenhanf" refers to this purpose, although the importance of the plant has decreased significantly since the triumph of various synthetic fibers.

    Today, from a botanical point of view, the genus Sansevieria is classified in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is closely related to the Dracaena (dragon tree), but does not belong to it. Bow hemp used to be considered a member of the agave family (Agavoideae) because of the superficial visual 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 a houseplant. However, in climatically more favorable regions, for example in the Mediterranean countries and in the south of the USA, the plant is also very popular in the garden. Here, for example, use as a kind of property boundary is widespread.

    In Africa, the fibrous leaves of some species of bow hemp are used to make baskets, mats, bowstrings, rope, and even clothing. This is also referred to by the alternative designation "African Sisal", which is still used today to advertise certain handicraft products. Other species such as Sansevieria ehrenbergii were and are used in folk medicine in some regions and countries of Africa because of their antiseptic ingredients, for example to treat ulcers and skin rashes.

    appearance and growth

    The Sansevieria species cultivated by us as indoor plants - Sansevieria trifasciata and Sansevieria cylindrica - do not form a stem. Instead, they are perennial, evergreen succulents whose fleshy leaves spring directly from the underground rhizomes. Over time, the plants form clumps that become more and more extensive, which, if not repotted regularly, can even burst the planter. Also typical are the above-ground foothills, through which the bow tie practically reproduces itself.

    leaves

    Typical of the leaves of the species Sansevieria trifasciata are, depending on the species, more or less broad, pointed and thick fleshy leaves. These are either arranged like a rosette or grow tightly upright. The different varieties of Sansevieria cylindrica, on the other hand, form round leaves that are up to 150 centimeters long. With regard to the numerous variations in leaf markings, the around 70 varieties are very diverse: in addition to varieties with single-colored dark green leaves, there are numerous forms with yellow, light or dark green transverse bands and those with speckles in different shades of green.

    flowers and fruits

    If the bow tie is well cared for according to its needs, it sometimes develops a flower after a few years. The sweetly scented, greenish-white flowers are arranged in panicles on a short stem and only open at night. In nature, pollination is done by moths, which of course do not perish in this country. Because of this, seeds typically do not develop, which would otherwise form in the orange to red berries of Sansevieria. After flowering, the flower-bearing shoot dies, but not the plant. Blossoms on bow hemp are very rare in indoor culture and are therefore always a special feature.

    toxicity

    In particular, Sansevieria cylindrica, which has become increasingly popular as a houseplant in recent years, contains toxic saponins and should therefore be kept away from small children and pets - especially cats, dogs and rodents such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Poisoning, triggered 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 to drink (non-carbonated and never milk!) and consult a doctor or veterinarian immediately.

    Which location is suitable?

    Bow hemp thrives best in locations that are as sunny and warm as possible, for example directly on a south-facing window. The distinctive leaf patterns of many varieties only develop when there is sufficient light, while the leaves in dark locations quickly turn dark green. However, make sure that the plant gets used to direct sun - especially if it is midday sun - slowly, otherwise there is a risk of leaf burns. However, 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 scrunchie in the bathroom or in the kitchen. During the warm summer months you can cultivate the plant on the balcony or terrace - of course with a corresponding, slow habituation to the new location - but you should bring it in in good time in early autumn and in cold and rainy weather conditions.
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    substrate

    As a desert plant, the arch hemp prefers a rather dry, well-drained and mineral substrate. Cactus soil is very suitable, as is a mix of compost soil and a third of sand or gravel that you have not mixed yourself. If possible, add perlite, (37.51€) bloat or another clay granulate, etc., to this mixture for better permeability. On the other hand, commercially available flower or green plant soil is less suitable, even if the arch hemp - adaptable as it is - will grow in it. Garden soil is not suitable either. However, Sansevieria are good candidates for hydroponics, for which you should choose a small to medium size.

    Plant bow hemp correctly

    Since the leaves of the Sansevieria can reach a height of between 100 and 150 centimetres, they often reach a corresponding weight. These tall varieties become quite top-heavy over the years, so plant them in planters made of heavy materials, such as clay or ceramic, to prevent them from tipping over. In addition, the pots should have the widest possible diameter, as the thick rhizomes of the Sansevieria spread just below the substrate surface. The vessel can also be rather flat.

    When planting the arch hemp, it is essential to ensure good drainage in the pot, as the desert dweller has difficulty tolerating permanent moisture and especially waterlogging. The planter must have a sufficiently large drainage hole in the bottom and also be on a saucer or in a planter. Excess irrigation water can drain into this, from which you can quickly remove it again after watering. In turn, cover the drainage hole with a few broken pieces of clay to prevent clogging from silting up and also insert a thin layer of gravel or a layer of clay granules. Only then do you fill in the substrate.

    repot

    You can tell the right time to repot Sansevierias not only by the roots growing out of the pot, but also by the occasional snapping of the leaves - these break because their rhizome is no longer anchored sufficiently in the substrate for a firm hold. If the plant does not yet need a larger container or is already in a large pot, replace the top layer of substrate every year. The best time for repotting is spring between March and April.
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    Water bow hemp

    Sansevierias have thick, fleshy leaves that store a lot of water, making the succulent plant perfect for longer periods of drought. For this reason, the bow hemp tolerates drought very well, but persistent moisture or even waterlogging is difficult 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, which does not harm the plant at all. In the winter months, on the other hand, water is only poured in sips. Measure the right time for watering at any time of the year with the help of your index finger: put it in the substrate and feel its moisture. If the soil is already dry a few centimeters deep, water can be given again.

    When watering, be careful not to wet the leaves. In particular, when the water collects in the leaf rosettes, rot quickly occurs. Incidentally, overwatering is quickly indicated by softening leaves and/or rotten spots. A moldy smell coming from the pot indicates root rot that has already occurred.
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    Fertilize bow hemp properly

    Restraint is required not only when watering, but also when fertilizing. Too much fertilizer also causes soft leaves, which then quickly snap and/or break off. Yellowish to brownish discolorations are also not uncommon in this case. Fertilize the arch hemp between April and August at most once a month, for which you should 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 nutrient requirement and can 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, on the other hand, there is no fertilization, only little watering.

    Cut bow hemp correctly

    Some types and varieties of bow hemp can get quite high leaves of 100 to 150 centimeters and are therefore too big for the windowsill. However, the plants grow very slowly, so it can take a few years to reach an appropriate size. If you still want to be on the safe side, choose a low-growing variety 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 is also a gateway for fungi and other pathogens, so that the plant not only loses its attractiveness visually. However, instead of leaf pieces, whole leaves can be cut off close to the substrate, for example to remove brown and dried leaves or to obtain cuttings.

    Propagate bow hemp

    Sansevierias can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings and, in the case of large plants, by division.

    Propagation by cuttings

    You need patience when propagating the scrunchie by cuttings, because due to the slow growth of the plant, it takes a few years for a handsome growth to develop. However, it is also a lot of fun to raise the little one yourself right from the start. And that's how it works:

    • Cut off a whole leaf just above the ground.
    • Divide this evenly into pieces of about ten centimeters.
    • Make a mark for "top" or "bottom" with a pen.
    • Dip the lower cut edge in a rooting powder.
    • Place the cuttings with the lower edge several centimeters deep in a growing medium.
    • Place the seed pot in a light and warm location, but not in direct sunlight.
    • Keep the substrate evenly moist but not wet.
    • "Tense air", i. H. a film cover or similar is not necessary.

    After a few weeks, the cuttings develop the first roots, and a little later the first offshoots appear. Now you can remove the piece of leaf, since the actual plant will grow out of the resulting rhizome. Incidentally, you should always propagate variegated varieties by dividing them, since their cuttings usually develop monochromatic green leaves.

    propagation by division

    Specimens that have become too large can be divided without hesitation, which is best done in connection with a repotting that is due anyway. Have a separate pot with suitable substrate ready for each new individual plant. 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 secondary rosettes, which should preferably be divided off.
    • If necessary, cut them off the mother plant using a sharp and disinfected knife.
    • If the plant is still too big, you can divide it whole.
    • Each piece of rhizome should have at least one shoot, preferably more than two.
    • Plant the sections separately immediately after dividing.
    • You can use cactus soil or a soil-sand mixture for this.

    A rooting powder is not necessary in this case, after all, the sections are already rooted. Otherwise, take care of the new Sansevieria like the adult bow tie.
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    hibernate

    Since the arch hemp is not hardy, it must overwinter frost-free. He does this at around 13 to 16 °C and very sparingly watering. Of course, you can continue to cultivate the succulent in the warm living room, but the plant survives the dark period best in a cooler room. During this time, the sheet hemp stops growing. As soon as the days get longer again in spring and the hours of sunshine increase, gradually increase the temperature and watering.

    diseases and pests

    Sansevierias are very robust plants that only become ill through gross care mistakes. Insect infestation, on the other hand, is rare but can occur. Mealybugs and spider mites in particular occur occasionally, although you should avoid showering affected plants if possible.

    • Brown discolored / soft leaves: root rot due to waterlogging, but also temperatures that are too low
    • yellow discolored / limp leaves: over-watering or over-fertilization
    • brown spots on the leaves: dryness
    • moist, soft spots on the leaves: fungal attack

    If the arch 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.

    tips

    As a gift, the sheet hemp has a rather bad reputation in this country, which is not least due to its nickname "mother-in-law's tongue". In fact, however, it is an easy-care plant, which also improves the room air and is therefore a great souvenir.In this case, point out the numerous advantages of the houseplant and mention in particular to your mother-in-law that this is by no means a nasty allusion.

    species and varieties

    The species Sansevieria trifasciata has been cultivated as a houseplant for many decades, and there are numerous ornamental forms of different growth heights, growth types and leaf colors. In addition to the green-leaved forms, the subspecies laurentii, which has broad, light yellow-edged leaves, is particularly popular. This species can grow quite tall with a growth height of more than one meter, while the varieties of the subspecies Sansevieria trifasciata hahnii remain comparatively small with an average height of up to 20 centimeters. Hahnii forms are also available in very different colours.

    Sansevieria cylindrica, on the other hand, 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 windowsill at home. The leaves of this species are often offered in a braided form, but this 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.

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Vegetable garden