Plants
African bowstring hemp care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Dracaena hyacinthoides · Common name: African bowstring hemp
African bowstring hemp care: filtered light or gentle shade, sparse watering and fragrant evening flower spikes. Botanical sources.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect to medium filtered light. Adaptable to low light, though bright light triggers sweet-smelling blooms.
Watering
Allow soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings; extremely drought-tolerant and rot-prone in soggy compost.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
How to identify it
Sturdy rhizomatous perennial with broad, stiff lanceolate leaves marked with faint crossbands and fragrant evening blooms.
Environment and placement
Warm and dry (16-26 °C / 61-79 °F). Unbothered by typical dry heated room atmospheres.
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Potting mix and feeding
Choose a draining houseplant mix and do not leave water in the outer pot. Check the root ball before moving to a larger container.
If it is growing well, feed moderately according to the label; do not treat dry tips with fertiliser before checking water quality.
Problems to check
Rhizome rot from poor drainage or overwatering during cool, low-light winter months.
Specialized diagnostic guide
How to assess overwatering
Cats and dogs
ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
ASPCACommon question
When does it flower?
Mature plants in bright spots produce erect panicles of night-blooming white starry blossoms that release a sweet scent.
Botanical source
Related species
