You probably think of asparagus when you hear the Asparagaceae family name.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is related to this plant so it’s worth knowing about it.
Ehrenbergii is a common name for Sansevieria samurai or Japanese dwarf, and it is one of around 70 Sansevieria species.
Other well-known houseplant relatives include:
- S. Cylindrica (cigar sansevieria)
- S. laurentii (mother-in-law’s tongue)
- S. Parva (Kenya hyacinth)
- S. trifasciata (viper’s bowstring hemp)
- S. Zeylanica (Ceylon bowstring hemp)
- S. hahnii (bird nest snake plant)
Sansevierias that used to be scarce have become quite popular with their short stature.
The Sansevieria ehrenbergii Samurai Dwarf
Size & Growth
Sansevieria samurai dwarfs are hardly larger than a twig of water. They average only 4” to 6” in height and are over as wide.
V-shaped evergreen leaves take on a slight red tint along the margins and tips of the dark green leaves.
From above, the plant takes on a spiral appearance as a result of the alternating leaf growth pattern.
It’s not unusual to see some browning in the tips of leaflets when new growth is coming up from the base, rather than the top.
Plants sucker, which means new leaves pop up from the bottom of the plant as they grow.
Flowering
Samurai dwarfs bloom differently than regular samurai.
Many plants like Sansevieria ehrenbergii samurai stop developing new leaves once the flower has bloomed.
The tiny blooms are only about 1” wide and their bloom times vary widely from plant to plant.
New plantlets grow out of rhizomes and stolons after the central plant has flowered.
Light & Temperature
You should grow dwarf snake plants in indirect light to get the best results.
While the leaves tolerate partial shade, coloration will not be as vibrant in low light environments. Full sun may damage more sensitive leaves.
Because of its high frost sensitivity, Sansevieria ehrenbergii can only be grown outdoors, not in full sun.
Room temperature should remain over 50 degrees Fahrenheit when inside, so keep it away from drafts.
The ideal temperature range is between 60° and 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
This plant has less water requirements than other houseplants due to its succulent nature.
During the spring and fall, water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Cut back to monthly watering during the winter.
Watering the snake plant too much can lead to rot.
It is preferable for the plant’s humidity level to be 50% percent, but it can handle normal house humidity levels.
For indoor growth, dilute any liquid house plant fertilizer (10-10-10) to 1/2 strength when growing your dwarf Sansevieria.
For the entire growing season, feed once a month.
Soil & Transplanting
Plants of the Samurai dwarf are easy to please as long as you plant them in a well-drained, acidic potting mix with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5.
Also, regular potting soil can be enhanced by adding some peat and perlite.
Do not transplant this plant unless absolutely necessary.
You can tell when to repot your snake plant from your plant’s little friend.
The plant will outgrow its container when the pot cracks.
Grooming And Maintenance
This little plant does not require pruning or extra care.
How To Propagate Samurai Dwarf
SAMURAI can also be propagated by leaf and rhizome cuttings, but division is the easiest method for doing so.
Sansevieria Snake Plant Pest and Diseases
There are no disease or pest problems with Ehrenbergii samurai dwarf. It is drought tolerant.
When roots rot due to overwatering, they die.
A substance which might cause harm to pets is saponins, in all members of the snake plant genus Sansevieria.
Sansevieria ingestion causes the following symptoms:
- Depression
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Recommended Sansevieria ehrenbergii uses
Sansevieria snake plants are perfect for beginners due to their ease of cultivation and low water requirements.
A perfect “children’s plant”, it can help teach children how to take care of plants.
Many people keep dwarf samurai for good luck, and they make wonderful decorations.
Please note that the 2009 APG III classification system merged the genus Sansevieria with Dracaena, so Samurai’s botanical name may vary depending on your local supplier.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
There are still many recent and interesting articles about Jade Plants..
..as well as other unique information from All Things Gardener..
For further information and other inquiries..
..you can contact us here