Sansevieria Aethiopica grows naturally in tropical Africa as an evergreen, flowering plant. Hardy and versatile, this plant can thrive almost anywhere. Southern Africa has used the plant to treat various ailments. The leaves, rhizomes, and roots of this plant are used as herbal medicines for treating ear infections, diarrhea, intestinal parasites, toothaches, etc.A study revealed that the plant extract has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. Foliage of the thick leaves is fibrous and produces good quality fiber that can be used for ropes and bowstrings.
Aethiopia comes from Ethiopia, which was once known as Central Africa or southern Africa (Sudan). Ethiopians do not grow it today.
Sansevieria aethiopica dwarf is a miniature cultivar of this species. Additionally, a cultivar called “Blue Aethiopica” exists. Dracaena is a genus of plant in the family Asparagaceae that includes Sansevieria Aethiopica.
Also known as:
- Sansevieria Caespitosa Dinter
- Sansevieria Glauca Haw
- Pile’s Root
- Sansevieria Scabrifolia Dinter
- Sansevieria Thunbergii Mattei
- Bowstring Hemp
- Sansevieria Zeylanica Sensu Baker
- Sansevieria Aethiopica Thunb
Sansevieria Aethiopica Features
Origin
African Sansevieria Aethiopica plant is indigenous to the continent. It is found in the dry open areas of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Foliage
The leaves of this Sansevieria variety are ascending, recurved, and loosely clustered. An average rosette consists of three to fifteen leaves that form a fountain shape. The leaves are green and mottled with pale green irregular bands. Half of each leaf is folded, making a c-shape. Leaves have white and red margins and pointy tips.
Size
It is an annual or perennial plant that can grow to a height of 2.5 feet (75 cm). Around 1.5 feet is the maximum spread of the plant. Up to two feet tall, the flower stalks stand upright.
Flower
About once a year, mature plants may produce beautiful flowers. A vertical flower spike has numerous flowers that are arranged in small clusters at the top. The petals are creamy white with pinkish-purple margins. Flowers are densely packed on the stalks. After blossoming, the plant produces small reddish berries.
Toxicity
Sansevieria Aethiopica is a mildly toxic plant that has medicinal uses. It is recommended to keep it away from pets and children. Any part of the plant consumed in large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, stomach ache, or mouth irritation.
Pests
In general, this variety does not suffer from pest infestations. Plants may be attacked by spider mites or mealybugs in rare cases. Wipe off your plant’s bugs using cotton balls dipped in alcohol or insecticides. Don’t let water sit in the grooves of the leaves of the plant to prevent fungal infestations.
Propagation
It is possible to propagate Sansevieria Aethiopica in a few ways. Creating new plants by dividing their roots is a simple and efficient method. Divide the plant into sections with leaves and rhizomes on each. They can then be planted independently. Alternatively, you can use leaf cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf into 3-4 inch long sections and plant them in soil until they develop tiny roots.
Growth Season
During warmer climates, such as the spring and summer, this evergreen plant actively grows. The plant grows extremely slowly during the winter. In the spring, flowers usually bloom.
Growing Sansevieria Aethiopica
Soil
Overwatering is a common problem with snake plants. To prevent sogginess, the potting soil must be porous and well-draining. Combining organic and inorganic ingredients is possible. To improve drainage, add coconut coir, gravel, perlite, or pumice to a regular soil (max 40-50%). Whatever mix you choose, make sure that water can drain freely.
Water
This Sansevieria variety is drought-tolerant and doesn’t need frequent watering. You should wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it. During the growth season, watering can be done every 1-2 weeks. During the winter, it requires much less water. Don’t let your plant sit in wet and soggy soil because root rot can develop.
Light
The Sansevieria Aethiopica is tolerant of full sun and low light conditions. The growth of plants requires bright, filtered sunlight. Where the sunlight is too harsh in tropical regions, outdoor plants prefer shade or semi-shade. This plant can tolerate a few hours of daily sun in a non-tropical climate, especially in the morning and evening.
Environment
Temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 29 degrees Celsius) are ideal for this plant. It has excellent heat tolerance, just like most Sansevieria. If the roots are kept dry, it can survive low temperatures, but frost is best avoided. The leaves can be permanently damaged by temperatures below 50°F. The combination of wet soil and extreme cold can be fatal to plants.