African Bowstring Hemp (Dracaena hyacinthoides, formerly Sansevieria hyacinthoides) is a popular ornamental plant. Also known as Snake Plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue, this resilient succulent is a favored addition to indoor plant collections due to its striking appearance and low-maintenance nature.
Identifying African Bowstring Hemp
African Bowstring Hemp plants are characterized by upright, sword-like leaves that grow directly from an underground rhizome. These stiff leaves often display patterns of dark and lighter green, sometimes bordered by reddish margins, creating a mottled or variegated effect. The leaves are typically lanceolate to ovate and can reach a height of up to 60 cm (2 feet) as a houseplant.
The plant’s growth habit is clumping, forming a rosette of erect leaves that can eventually create a vase-like structure. Mature plants can produce white or pale yellow flowers on long stalks, which may be fragrant at night. Following flowering, small, bright orange berries can form.
Cultivating African Bowstring Hemp
African Bowstring Hemp thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions. While it tolerates bright light, direct, harsh sunlight can cause leaf burn. Its adaptability to varying light levels makes it a versatile houseplant.
When it comes to watering, less is generally more for this drought-tolerant plant. The succulent leaves store water, making it forgiving of occasional neglect. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During winter months, watering frequency should be reduced as the plant enters a dormant state.
A well-draining soil mix is important for African Bowstring Hemp, ideally a blend formulated for succulents or cacti. This prevents water from pooling around the roots, minimizing the risk of root rot. The plant adapts well to average room temperatures, thriving between 18-29°C (65-85°F). It is also adaptable to typical household humidity levels, though very dry indoor environments might benefit from a pebble tray to increase localized humidity.
African Bowstring Hemp requires minimal fertilization. Fertilizing once or twice during the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer is generally sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to rapid, weak growth that may cause leaves to fall over.
Propagating and Maintaining Your Plant
Propagating African Bowstring Hemp can be achieved through two primary methods: division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings. Division involves gently separating the rhizomes and planting them into separate pots, often done during repotting.
Leaf cuttings also offer a way to propagate, by cutting a healthy leaf into sections and allowing the cut ends to callus for a day or two before planting them in well-draining soil. Maintain the correct orientation of the leaf segments when planting. However, variegated forms propagated by leaf cuttings may lose their variegation and produce solid green plants.
Repotting is generally infrequent, only becoming necessary when the plant is root-bound, typically every two to five years. When repotting, choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has drainage holes. Maintenance tasks include wiping dust off the leaves with a damp cloth, which helps improve photosynthesis.
Potential Problems and Safety
African Bowstring Hemp is generally resistant to pests, but occasional issues can arise. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems, leading to root rot and yellowing leaves. If leaves turn crispy, it might indicate underwatering.
While largely pest-resistant, this plant can sometimes be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or fungus gnats. Regular inspection and prompt action, such as wiping leaves or using insecticidal soap, can help manage these issues. Fungus gnats often indicate overwatering, as they thrive in moist soil.
African Bowstring Hemp contains saponins, which make it mildly toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Symptoms of ingestion can include oral irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep the plant out of reach of curious children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.