Bowstring hemp (Dracaena 'Fernwood Mikado')

Overview

The Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado is a highly desirable architectural plant, commonly known as Bowstring hemp, prized for its unique, upright, cylindrical foliage. This hybrid selection features dark green leaves sharply contrasted by lighter green striping, making it a superb focal point in modern and traditional settings alike. As an herbaceous perennial, it brings strong vertical interest to environments where other plants might struggle due to lower light or inconsistent watering.

Primarily grown as a robust, low-maintenance indoor houseplant in most climates, Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado naturally thrives outdoors year-round only in the warmest regions (USDA Zones 10-12). Its remarkable tolerance for dry conditions and minimal grooming requirements secure its reputation as an ideal choice for busy gardeners or those seeking reliable interior greenery.

Functionally, many plants historically grouped near this species were used for fiber production, lending to the common name Bowstring hemp. For the contemporary gardener, the aesthetic value of Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado—its clean lines and drought tolerance—outweighs its historical applications.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asparagaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
• Bloom Description: Rarely flowers indoors
• Sun Exposure: Part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal health, plant Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ where it receives bright, indirect light indoors. If grown outdoors in frost-free zones, ensure the location offers protection from intense afternoon sun, preferring a partly shaded spot. This plant does best when established in well-draining, sandy loam soils that prevent water retention around the roots.

Watering should be methodical yet cautious. During the active growing season, water regularly enough to keep the soil slightly moist, but critically, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially as winter approaches. Overwatering is the single greatest threat to this otherwise tough plant.

In cooler climates, treat this as a dependable indoor specimen. If relocating your Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado outdoors for the summer, place it in a shady area to prevent leaf scorch. Propagation is straightforward, typically achieved by dividing mature offsets or using leaf cuttings inserted into sterile media. This species requires very little fertilizer.

Landscape Uses

The vertical structure of Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ makes it an outstanding choice for contemporary design, providing strong lines where softer textures might otherwise dominate. It excels in modern container arrangements, either housed individually as a striking feature plant or grouped with contrasting, mounding foliage plants. Indoors, its tolerance for lower light levels means it can elevate darker corners or entryway spaces.

While it rarely flowers, its permanent architectural foliage serves as a year-round anchor in the garden beds of Zones 10-12. Consider pairing the tall, slender form of Bowstring hemp with broad-leafed, low-growing companions that enjoy similar part-shade conditions for textural contrast near entryways or patio borders.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Sansevieria is a genus of around 70 species of evergreen, succulent perennials native to seasonally dry regions of Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia. The cultivar ‘Fernwood Mikado’ is specifically recognized as a clump-forming hybrid selection of snake plant, showcasing upright to slightly arching, cylindrical leaves marked with dark green and striking light green stripes. Mature clumps are impressive, potentially reaching up to 4 feet tall and spreading slightly to fill a 3-foot area.

Tolerances

• Dry to medium water stress

Potential Problems

The most significant physiological issue affecting Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ is overwatering, which rapidly leads to root rot, a slow but certain killer of succulent foliage plants. Always adhere to the dry-out-completely watering schedule, especially in winter months when growth slows.

Pest monitoring should focus primarily on common indoor invaders like mealybugs and spider mites. If an infestation is detected, treatment often involves wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap, ensuring thorough coverage, particularly in the crevices between the upright leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bowstring hemp suitable for?

Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ is hardy outdoors only in USDA Zones 10 through 12. In all other regions, it should be cultivated as a protected houseplant.

How large does Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ grow?

This plant typically reaches a mature height between 3 and 4 feet tall, spreading consistently to occupy an area 2 to 3 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ need?

This plant prefers part shade; ensure it receives bright, indirect light indoors, or dappled shade outdoors, strictly avoiding harsh, direct afternoon sun exposure.

When does Bowstring hemp bloom?

Indoors, the Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ rarely flowers. Bloom time is generally noted as “Rarely flowers indoors.”

Conclusion

The Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado offers exceptional value through its architectural form and exceptionally low maintenance demands, making it a premier choice for sophisticated indoor decoration. Whether you know it as Bowstring hemp or by its hybrid name, this plant provides reliable vertical interest throughout the year. Before planting, confirm that your climate falls within USDA Zones 10-12 for permanent outdoor placement, or prepare to enjoy its structural beauty as a year-round container specimen.

Propagation Tips

Propagating Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ is a rewarding, straightforward process perfect for expanding your collection or sharing starts with friends. The primary method utilized for this clump-forming hybrid is the division of offsets, also known as ‘pups,’ which naturally emerge from the base of the mature plant. Wait until the offset has developed some of its own roots before carefully separating it from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife.

Alternatively, you can successfully propagate from leaf cuttings, though this method may take longer to yield a full, upright specimen. Ensure the cutting is taken cleanly near the base and placed in a warm, bright location, allowing the cut end to callous slightly before planting upright in well-draining soil to minimize moisture retention immediately after cutting.

Companion Planting

When siting Dracaena ‘Fernwood Mikado’ in containers or borders within its hardy zones, select companion plants with similar cultural needs concerning light and water to ensure balanced maintenance. Since it prefers well-draining, sandy soil and part shade, consider pairing it with other low-water, drought-tolerant species like certain ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), hardy varieties of Aglaonema, or low-growing Haworthia species suitable for rock gardens or containers. The contrasting textures—the smooth, cylindrical form of the Bowstring hemp against finer or broader leaves—will enhance landscape appeal.