Bowstring hemp (Dracaena angolensis)
Dracaena angolensis (Bowstring hemp) is a striking, low-maintenance succulent with unique cylindrical foliage, thriving in arid zones 10-11.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Dracaena angolensis, commonly known as Bowstring hemp, is a highly architectural and resilient succulent perennial celebrated for its unique, upright, cylindrical foliage. Native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, this plant provides dramatic vertical interest, making it a favorite for modern and minimalist landscape designs alike. Its robust nature and low cultural demands contribute greatly to its popularity among gardeners seeking architectural impact without significant labor.
As a Dracaena angolensis, it features striking grey-green leaves that are thick, rigid, and pointed, often showing irregular dark green striping. Mature specimens can reach impressive heights of up to six feet tall, slowly forming dense colonies through underground rhizomes. While it rarely blooms when kept as a houseplant, it sometimes sends up a tall flower spike bearing small white flowers when situated outdoors in its ideal warm climate.
The value of Bowstring hemp lies in its toughness and visual structure. It handles drought conditions well once established, preferring to dry out between waterings. Whether used outdoors in warm zones or as a spectacular container specimen indoors, Dracaena angolensis is prized for its architectural form and exceptional tolerance for neglect.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southern Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-6 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
When establishing Dracaena angolensis outdoors in Zones 10–11, plant during the spring or early summer to allow maximum time for root establishment before any potential cool weather. This plant thrives in well-draining soil; heavy, compacted clay must be amended extensively to ensure water moves away from the base of the plant quickly. It tolerates a wide range of cultural conditions but performs best in locations offering bright, indirect light or some morning sun, though excessive hot afternoon sun should be avoided.
Watering requirements are minimal, reflecting its drought-tolerant nature. Water semi-regularly during the active growing season, allowing the soil to dry out thoroughly between irrigation cycles. Significantly reduce watering from late fall through winter to prevent stagnation. When grown as a houseplant, use a well-draining potting mix, and consider using shallow, clay pots, as the roots are not deep, and the tall leaves can make containers top-heavy.
Maintenance for Bowstring hemp is generally low. No regular fertilization is typically required. If growing indoors, remember that leaves grown in shadier conditions will not achieve the same height or thickness as those receiving brighter light. Any plant grown outside in summer can be carefully moved to a protected, shaded spot to overwinter if temperatures dip too low for this tropical native. Propagation is easily achieved via division of the rhizomes.
Landscape Uses
The striking architectural shape of Dracaena angolensis makes it an outstanding focal point or specimen plant, especially in contemporary hardscape designs. Its vertical structure contrasts beautifully with billowing, mounding, or trailing plants, adding necessary height without excessive spread, typically only reaching a two-foot diameter. Use it sparingly as a bold accent in mixed borders or massed lower to the ground where hardy to create a contemporary ground cover effect in shady zones.
As an excellent low-maintenance indoor plant, Bowstring hemp serves well as an architectural accent on tabletops, shelves, or floors where bright, indirect light is available. For outdoor uses in Zones 10-11, it functions effectively as a sharp, structural border element against lighter colored walls or soft grasses. Since it tolerates dry conditions, pair it with other robust, water-wise succulents or drought-tolerant perennials that share similar sun requirements.
Standout Features
Noteworthy Characteristics
Sansevieria cylindrica, commonly called bowstring hemp, is a rhizomatous, succulent perennial native to tropical southern Africa. Mature clumps will reach up to 6’ tall and spread to fill a 2’ area, slowly forming dense colonies from underground rhizomes. The grey-green leaves are cylindrical, narrowing to a point, bearing variable, horizontal, dark green stripes as they emerge from a fan-shaped rosette. The common name bowstring hemp refers to the strong fibers that historically could be extracted from the foliage of some related Sansevieria species.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
The most significant threat to Dracaena angolensis is improper moisture management. Overwatering is a common mistake for new growers and frequently leads to fatal root rot, especially if the potting medium is too dense or drainage is poor. To prevent this, ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings, particularly during cooler months.
Pest concerns for this tough succulent are generally minor but should be monitored, especially when growing indoors. Watch carefully for small, cottony clusters indicating mealybugs, which can hide where the leaves meet the base of the plant. Spider mites can also occur, particularly in dry indoor environments; periodic wiping or spraying the foliage with water or insecticidal soap can help manage minor infestations of both pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bowstring hemp suitable for?
Dracaena angolensis is hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 11, requiring protection if exposed to temperatures approaching freezing.
How large does Dracaena angolensis grow?
This plant typically matures to a height of 4 to 6 feet, while its spread is relatively narrow, usually between 1 and 2 feet wide at the base.
What sun exposure does Bowstring hemp need?
It prefers bright, indirect light and can handle some full sun, but growers should protect the foliage from intense, hot afternoon sun to prevent scorching.
When does Dracaena angolensis bloom?
When grown as houseplants, blooms are rare; however, when grown seasonally outdoors where happy, an upright spike producing small, tubular white blooms may appear.
Conclusion
The Dracaena angolensis, or Bowstring hemp, offers gardeners an exceptionally architectural and drought-tolerant addition, defined by its unique cylindrical leaves and low maintenance needs. Its ability to thrive in bright light, coupled with its tolerance for dry soil, makes it a reliable performer both indoors and out in warm climates. Evaluate your local hardiness zone (10 or 11) and ensure you provide excellent drainage before planting this structural gem.
Companion Planting
When integrating Bowstring hemp into your garden or container design, select companions that appreciate similarly bright light and well-drained conditions. Consider pairing Dracaena angolensis with low-growing succulents like Echeveria or Sedum varieties that offer contrasting textures and colors at the base. For Xeriscape gardens in Zones 10-11, plants that handle dry spells well, such as Agave relatives or drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, will complement its vertical form visually and culturally.
Propagation Tips
One of the easiest ways to expand your collection of Dracaena angolensis is through division, a straightforward process perfectly suited for this rhizomatous perennial. When repotting established clumps or dividing plants that have become too large for their containers, gently separate sections of the root ball that feature healthy new rosettes. Allow the cut sections or offsets a day or two to callous slightly before planting them into fresh, well-draining potting media, and avoid heavy watering immediately after division to prevent rot.
