Sansevieria zeylanica
Ceylon bowstring hemp
An upright perennial to 80cm, forming a clump of stiff, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves, each bearing irregular bands of dark and pale green. Mature plants may occasionally produce spikes of spidery, greenish flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Sansevieria are stemless, erect, rhizomatous, succulent perennials with evergreen, ovate or strap-shaped, leathery leaves often attractively marbled, and short spikes of small fragrant tubular greenish-white flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in 2 parts loam-based potting compost and 1 part grit. Although tolerant of shade, growth is best in bright indirect light. In growth, water moderately and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Pot on only when pot bound. Leaf growth may stop if leaf tips are damaged. See Sansevieria and houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by removing suckers or dividing in spring. Root leaf sections with bottom heat from spring to autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.