From nature’s world of cactus, we have sisal. It is part of the cactus family of agave (Agave sisalana).
It’s not only used to make sisal rugs, but also other products such as hats, bags, cat scratch post, and much more.
The leaves have very pointy looking tips. They also produce flowers too. Photo from Wikipedia.
The plants are grown in large plantations in such places as Brazil. Sisal prefer tropical warm climate and is drought tolerate. They are propagated from bulbils or rhizomes from mature plants. They take about 3 to 5 years to mature and can produced leaves for up to 8 years. And like hemp, chemical fertilizer is not used in growing sisal. So that is a plus for sisal farmers.
The top 3 sisal producing countries are Brazil, Tanzania, and China. Other countries that produce and export sisal include South Africa and Kenya.
In sisal production, the leaves are dried, then brushed with a machine, and finally pressed into bales to be exported. Pretty simple but I’m sure is hard work!
Sisal hat by Louise Green Millinery. It’s the “Emily cloche hat in raspberry sisal, trimmed with a raspberry flower and ribbon.” I don’t wear hats, but still think it’s cute!
These sisal rugs are from Pottery Barn. “Made of naturally tough and durable sisal, this rug is finished with a stain-resistant border.”
Sisal rugs bring a bit of nature into your living area. Popular as outdoor rugs, but can also be used indoor too.
We have one sisal rug for almost 10 years now. Sisal rugs are nice as they are static free and do not attract dust. But regular vacuuming is recommended. With proper care you can make sure your sisal rug continue to look great.
Here is some cleaning tips I’ve collected from The World of Sisal (Brazil):
“Remember that sisal is a very absorbent fiber. Liquid spills will cause any dirt particles to rise to the surface and stain the rug and may cause dramatic shrinkage. When a spill occurs, even if it is clean water, it is very important that it is promptly removed, always by blotting with a clean cloth or absorbent paper. Rubbing will only contribute to spread the liquid spill onto a larger area.
To remove solid substances, first remove by scraping with a spoon or the dull side of a knife. Be sure to work from the outside of the spot to the center.”
Cat scratch post with sisal rope in the center pole. I just had to add this photo since the kitten is too cute and fuzzy looking. I like the green carpet trimming too. Any cat would love this stuff. Photo from Spoil Your Pet.
10:27 pm on August 9th, 2010
This would make a great border plants to keep my neighbors away.
The area rug looks real nice, my dad has something similar to this in his living room. The last photo of the cat is too cute, I bet my sister’s cats would love it.
10:33 pm on August 10th, 2010
Do you have noisy neighbors? JK. The pointy leaves would definitely keep them away.
12:15 am on January 12th, 2011
Well I am pleasing to join this conversation Here seriously I got a good to read. I really enjoyed the reading very well. Natural materials are used for some rug or floor coverings ranging from bamboo, coir, hemp, jute, mountain grass, sisal, sea grass, and paper to wool. Sisal is a completely natural product and has been used throughout the ages to make rugs. The origins are visible in the ancient Egyptian culture. They took bulrushes from the Nile and wove them into mats.