Photo: Oleg KosterinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
False Hemp Plant Care
Datisca cannabina L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its strikingly long, feathery foliage resembling hemp leaves, this plant hails from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Datisca cannabina for its unique appearance that adds a touch of exoticism to any garden or landscape.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for False Hemp?
Water False Hemp every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the False Hemp Native To?
What Is the False Hemp?
False Hemp (Datisca cannabina) belongs to the Datiscaceae family within the Datisca genus. False Hemp is native to the Aegean Islands, Crete, Cyprus, Anatolia, the Levant, the Transcaucasus, Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalayas and Nepal. False Hemp is also known as Himalayan False Hemp.
False Hemp displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. False Hemp produces small greenish flowers in dense spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a False Hemp?
Datisca cannabina requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the False Hemp Need?
False Hemp thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the False Hemp Prefer?
Datisca cannabina grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. False Hemp prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Hemp?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for False Hemp to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a False Hemp?
Feed False Hemp every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a False Hemp?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a False Hemp?
False Hemp can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to datisca glomerata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the False Hemp Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Hemp, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the False Hemp?
False Hemp is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the False Hemp Need?
False Hemp grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. False Hemp is native to the Aegean Islands, Crete, Cyprus, Anatolia, the Levant, the Transcaucasus, Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalayas and Nepal.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
False Hemp is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Datisca genus — compare its care with other Datisca species on PlantoScan.
Datisca is part of the Datiscaceae plant family — browse all Datiscaceae genera and species.
False Hemp thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Datisca cannabina L., family Datiscaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1037 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Hemp, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Oleg Kosterin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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