Bow Hemp, Sansevieria - 6 species of indoor plant + care tips
- Bow hemp - care
- Sansevieria trifasciata
- Sansevieria cylindrica
- Sansevieria hyacinthoides
- Sansevieria parva
- Sansevieria bacularis
- Sansevieria zeylanica
From the Bogenhanf as a houseplant, there are numerous genera, which sometimes differ greatly in their appearance. Depending on the species varies their growth form as well as the coloring and patterning of the leaves. We inform you in this overview about the proper care of six different types of Sansevieria.
The Bogenhanf, also known as the mother-in-law's tongue, is considered one of the most popular indoor plants. From the decorative plant about 70 different species are known, some of which are divided into different breeding forms. Although the appearance of each species may vary widely, they still share the low-maintenance cultivation.
Bow hemp - care
Sansevieria trifasciata
The Sansevieria trifasciata is probably the best-known Bogenhanfgattung and is cultivated most often. This genus has grass green leaves, which can reach a length of about 40 to 60 centimeters. The leaves are also traversed with whitish to light green transverse bands, which may be depending on the breed form, however, also deep green to black green. From the Sansevieria trifasciata there are also special breeding forms whose leaves are particularly striking. The bow hemp "Hahnii", for example, has brightly colored leaves and the leaves of the "Golden Flame" have golden yellow stripes. Other popular breeding forms of this genus are:
- Laurentii
- Moonshine
- Robusta
- craigii
If you want to cultivate a Sansevieria trifasciata, you prefer to place it in cactus soil or in a mixture of potting soil, sand and clay granules. When siting this species is not picky, but the variegated varieties need a little more sun. The houseplant feels well in both a sunny and a partially shaded spot. However, it should be noted here that the plant grows the slower, the darker it stands. In addition, this genus prefers all year round room temperature, which is why the temperatures should not be permanently below 10 degrees, especially in winter. The care required for the houseplant is manageable and is as follows:
- Pour vigorously from spring to fall
- the earth should be soaked
- Avoid waterlogging
- Allow substrate to dry before pouring
- pour in sips in winter
- fertilize from April to September
- or use a chopstick in spring
- multiply by seeds, leaf cuttings or daughter rosettes possible
Sansevieria cylindrica
The Sansevieria cylindrica is native to tropical Africa and captivates with its columnar long leaves. These are green or gray in color and can be over one meter long in some breeding forms. The special feature of this genus is that the slender leaves can braid into a braid and it is therefore extremely compact. From this highly decorative genus, there are numerous breeding forms, with the following being among the best known:
- patula
- skyline
- spaghetti
- Wild
- Dragon Fingers
- mikado
The maintenance effort of this genus is moderate, only the regular watering is important to this Bogenhanf. He wants to be watered evenly from March to September, but he also tolerates periods of drought. In contrast, the breeding form "Dragon Fingers" prefers a weekly water release. In summer, the plant can take a seat on the balcony, but it should be slowly getting used to the sun. Since the plant is not frost hardy, it must be brought in winter in any case to the interior. To optimally support the growth of this bow hemp, the following requirements should be met:
- bright, sunny location
- Temperatures around 20 degrees
- Humidity over 60%
- does not tolerate waterlogging
- do not cut
- Fertilize from April to September
- with cactus fertilizer or fertilizer for succulents
Sansevieria hyacinthoides
The well-known as African bow hemp Sansevieria hyacinthoides is also native to Africa and forms in the wild mostly dense groups. Its up to 1.2 meters long leaves are leaf green and colored with many lighter transverse bands. The very broad leaves sit on a short stalk and ensure an upright growth of this genus. With a stature height of up to 60 centimeters, this bow hemp is ideal for the culture in the pot and decorates the interior, provided that the following conditions are met:
- needs more sunlight than other species
- at least 3 hours of sun per day
- that's why bright, sunny place ideal
- Temperature between 20-30 degrees
- also tolerates 15-36 degrees
- permeable substrate
- optimum pH: 6.5-7.5
- tolerates pH: 6-8
- drought tolerant
Sansevieria parva
The natural range of the Sansevieria parva is located in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. This genus has a rosettige growth form and forms linealisch to lanzettliche sheets. The foliage of this bow hemp species is dark green in color and has dark and light transverse bands. In addition to the patterned leaves and their white and pink flowers are an eye-catcher. This bow hemp is ideal for beginners, as it is considered to be extremely easy to clean and easily tolerate one or the other care mistake. The plants of this genus thrive best in the following circumstances:
- bright to sunny location
- but also tolerates shadows
- Temperatures between 20-30 degrees
- permeable, granular substrate
- pour occasionally
Sansevieria bacularis
A particularly decorative genus is the Sansevieria bacularis, because it forms white flowers, which are crossed with purple stripes. This sheet hemp reaches a stature height of up to 100 centimeters, whereby its sheets can become up to 1.7 meters long. The foliage is dark green in color and has bright transverse bands as well as soft spear tips. If you want to enjoy the colorful flowers of this bow hemp, you should note the following:
- warm, bright location
- can be outside in summer
- before getting used to the sun slowly
- also copes with unfavorable lighting conditions
- do not water too much
- also tolerates dry periods
- pour less in the winter
- is not frost hardy
Sansevieria zeylanica
The Sansevieria zeylanica comes from Sri Lanka, where the historical name of their place of origin is Ceylon. In the wild it is found mainly in rocky and sandy dry regions. This genus grows upright and reaches a stature height of 60 to 70 centimeters. The leathery leaves are dyed green and patterned with wavy green lines. This genus has a shallow root system and should only be repotted when the planter is completely rooted. This is also the perfect time to increase the bow hemp by dividing. In addition, this plantlet has the following requirements:
- can be both sunny and shady
- tolerates low humidity
- water only a little
- the darker she stands, the less watering
- only water once a month in winter
- before that let the soil dry out completely
- fertilize once a month
- For this purpose, a liquid fertilizer is suitable
