An African succulent, the Cylindrical Snake Plant makes an excellent houseplant.
An eye-catching succulent with dark stripes on its leaves, this succulent is commonly called the Dark Striped Succulent. African Spear gets its name from its pointed leaves. (Watch out for those points – they are sharp!) The gray-green tubular leaves form a rosette and are about an inch thick. Leaves should be kept dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth.
The plants may develop large, soft white spikes of flower when they are fully grown. The blooms have a beautiful fragrance that you will love.
Almost as easy to grow as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, but with a more distinct appearance. In addition to making a striking accent among your indoor plant collection, it is also tolerant of dry air and soil, making it a good office plant as well.
Watering Sansevierias is usually the cause of problems. Let the soil dry out in between waterings. Keep it dry if in doubt. The only things that will kill this plant are soggy soil and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
Keep the rosette of leaves at ground level to keep the plant from toppling. Use a very wide, heavy container to prevent the plant from top-heavy — it can get top-heavy with this tall plant.
All About African Spear
Cylindrica is an indomitable succulent native to Angola that spreads horizontally on an underground rhizome (a stem that is modified to act as a root). It is a tough plant, and it can manage even the most extreme neglect.
It is perennial and evergreen, so you can expect it to be around for a long time. Cylindrica have impressive leaves that can grow up to six feet tall. Tuberous leaves can be several inches thick when mature, which allows them to support such height.
The braiding of stalks between the more involved gardeners and fixation at the top with ropes or bands is a common practice among experienced gardeners. Such controlled growth allows a normally rowdy plant to take on a graceful form.
You will have problem convincing mature leaves to contort themselves that way; using this method while the stalks are still short and young will work best.
Best Climate Conditions
Generally, African spear plants prefer temperatures that are comfortable and mild. They should not be grown outdoors in extreme heat or cold, and should instead be grown in greenhouses or indoors in these locations in order to ensure survival.
The perfect temperature for these plants is between 50 and 85 °F (10-29 °C). Pair these temperatures with optimal indirect sunlight, and your plant will thrive and flower.
Optimal Watering
You should water succulents only when the soil is dry. Following a watering schedule is not recommended for these plants as you need to be dynamic and adjust the care to the plant’s needs.
Optimal Light
For these plants, bright indirect sunlight is perfect. Inspect the plants leaves every now and then if they have been in direct sunlight for very long periods of time to check for signs of sunburn, discoloration, and damage.
Most Common Problems
It is important to note that the tips of the leaves are protected by a tough point, hence the name “spear”. Take care not to break the spear tip! If broken, it will effectively stop the growth of that spear.
In addition to being mildly toxic, Cylindrica should be kept away from infants and pets. Although the flowers aren’t particularly impressive, they have a pleasing aroma. On the bright side, a healthy cylindrica will bloom sporadic even while young.
Sansevieria Cylindrica Care
Soil
SIt is imperative that the pot does not hold water, and the soil must drain quickly. oil drainage is the most important aspect of succulent care, as it is with all succulents! It is imperative that the soil drains quickly and the pot does not hold water. Use soil specifically for succulents.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize your plant sparingly so that it doesn’t die. Don’t plant sansevieria cylindrica into pre-fertilized soil.
Water and Humidity
One of the cylindric’s weaknesses is overwatering. During the growing season, water it about once every two weeks. Make sure not to water the leaves but the soil.
A yellow base on a stalk suggests you have overwatered it. Soak the soil until all the roots are moist, but let it dry completely between waterings.
Sansevieria cylindrica doesn’t tolerate humidity very well. If you live in an area with excess humidity, you’ll likely have to bring your plant indoors in humid weather.
Light and Temperature
This leads to taller, straighter leaves on Cylindrica, and they are also drought-resistant.
These characteristics mean that cylindrica is an excellent outdoor plant, but can survive indoors if it is exposed to enough light. Without adequate light, its growth will stagnate (though it likely will survive).
African spear Propagation
as with many plants, the runners of many rhizomatous plants can be shortened by untangling them and separating mature plants from each other with a sharp blade.
When your cylindrica is about 6 inches tall, wait to separate the stalks. This plant tolerates crowded, tangled conditions just fine. Separate only if you intend to propagate the plant or move it to a larger pot.
Cuttings
Africa spears are also propagated by the method of leaf cuttings, albeit slowly. Cut a stalk into 3 inch wide sections and leave them out to callus. After that, plant them with the right side up in the soil.
It’s important that the plants remain oriented the same way they were before they were cut. Plants can’t grow upside down very well.
New roots will sprout eventually. If you are not having success, try a rooting hormone.
Pests
Sansevieria cylindrica is usually infested by aphids, vine weevils, and mealybugs. The signs of a pest infestation are much less likely to be apparent on spear plants growing inside than on succulents growing outdoors. Check your plants regularly for insects and remove them when you see them.
Diseases
Although snake spears are a generally pest resistant plant, they will become discolored and rot if they are overwatered. Make sure you check your plant regularly for signs of pests and diseases and act quickly to keep your plant healthy.
FAQ:
How tall are spear sansevierias?
A: These plants can reach up to six feet in height. Keep their spears tame by braiding them when they are young.
Is it okay to cut the snake plants, sansevieria cylindrica?
Generally, these plants do not need to be pruned regularly, but you can still do cosmetic pruning.
Is it necessary to plant the African spear in direct sunlight?
Your African spear can be grown in the shade or in full sunlight, with moderate to bright light conditions. This plant can be grown both indoors and out.
Is it okay to cut off the brown tips of a Cylindrica snake plant?
In order to keep succulents healthy and attractive, the damaged parts should be trimmed. You might also want to snip the brown tips if your succulent has become sunburnt.
Is it okay to grow snake plants in small pots?
A: Snake plants tend to grow better in pots that are a little too small for them. If you want your plant to reach its full potential, you may want to move it to a larger pot once it has outgrown its current one.
Do I need to mist my succulent?
A: No, you shouldn’t mist your succulent plant. Misting your succulent may cause it to soak up too much water, resulting in soggy leaves and in some cases root rot.
Do snake plants grow indoors?
As long as your snake plant is getting sufficient sunlight, you can grow it indoors.
What happens if I don’t get sunlight for a while?
You will be unable to grow succulents for more than a week if they are not exposed to sufficient light. Sunlight is the most important factor for succulents, so if you want your plant to grow to its full potential, you should give it as much sunlight as you can.
When should I water my sansevieria cylindrica?
Depending on the time of year, your African spear plant could survive for up to three months without watering.
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