A Sansevieria Cylindrica succulent has cylindrical leaves that are distinct. Various names for this plant include African spear, cylindrical snake plant, spear Sansevieria, etc. An evergreen houseplant that is low-maintenance and tolerant of neglect, Sansevieria Cylindrica can handle neglect well. Both indoors and outdoors, it looks great. Here’s a guide to caring for this attractive snake plant.
The leaves of the spear sansevieria are cylinder-shaped, long, and greenish-gray in color. There are thin vertical channels and horizontal light green bands on every stemless leaf. Leafy young plants have thinner leaves that can be bent easily. The leaves are sometimes woven together by nurseries to form braids. Snake plants have a unique look with their braided leaves.
Uses and Benefits
Among the most popular houseplants is Sansevieria cylindrica. Adding upright cylindrical leaves to your home or office can enhance its beauty. It makes a great accent plant thanks to its vertical, green, rare foliage. Sansevieria patula and Starfish snake plants are also among its most beautiful cultivars.
Aside from its attractive appearance, this plant has a number of additional benefits.
It absorbs harmful pollutants from the air and acts as a natural air purifier. This promotes the reduction of formaldehyde, toluene and benzene emissions.
The snake plant is a lucky plant. A Feng Shui practitioner believes that they can bring good luck, protection, and wealth.
At night, the oxygen produced by this plant can be very useful for keeping in bedrooms.
Growth Rate and Size
The cylindrical snake plant is a slow-growing plant. Their maximum height may not be reached for decades. In the beginning, their leaves grow straight downwards, but as they increase in height, their leaves curve outwards. Under ideal conditions, this plant will reach a height of 6-7 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. Plants thrive in bright light conditions and in outdoor settings. The opposite is true for plants kept indoors with low levels of light.
This plant has evergreen succulent leaves that are almost 1 inch wide. Toward the peak, they taper gradually. Leaf cross-sections display the circular structure, porous nature, and white interior of a leaf. The African spear plants produce flower stalks up to 3 feet long when they bloom. Sansevierias from this species bloom more young than those from other Sansevieria species.
During the spring and early summer, this plant grows actively. Winter and spring are typically the flowering seasons.
Soil
Sansevieria Cylindrica requires a soil that drains quickly. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for snake plants to die or get diseases. Watering too much can result in soggy, mushy, or yellow leaves, as well as rotten roots. If the problem is not resolved, the plant may die. It is also possible to get a fungus infection from constantly damp leaves and soil.
So, choose a sandy, well-draining soil. The recommended soil mix for Sansevieria consists of 3 parts loam and 1 part pumice. Else, the ready-to-use potting mix for cacti and succulents also works great for the snake plants.
Pot
The right pot is an essential part of caring for Sansevieria cylindrica. Pots should be the right size, not too big nor too small. It should, most importantly, have drainage holes! You can drill or use big nails to create drainage holes in your pot if it does not have them. In the event that this is not possible, consider using a double potting method. Inside a large ornamental pot, use a small functional pot. Ensure proper drainage while improving the appearance of your plants.
You can use a saucer, plate, or stand to support your pot. Remove the drained water after watering the plant.
Watering
A Sansevieria is known to withstand droughts. Plants native to the tropical regions of Africa can survive with little water.
- The best way to determine if your plant needs water is to check the soil. Water the soil if it feels dry to the touch. At least one to 15 inches of dry soil should be present.
- Soak the whole pot in water by pouring it around the edges. Succulent plants need a lot of water.
- Water should drain away completely. You can either collect the water in a drainage plate or in a sink.
- Make sure there is no water left on the leaves. A fungal infection can occur as a result. In spite of the fact that Sansevieria Cylindrica leaves have an irregular shape, it is very unlikely.
It is recommended that you water your snake plant every two weeks or once every week. Your plant’s size and environment will determine how often and how much water you need to apply. A humid and cold climate requires less watering. It may be necessary to water your plants more frequently if you live in a dry tropical climate.
Only water your plants once a month in the winter. In some cases, plants can go for a couple of months before needing water again. When it’s extremely cold, never water your plants, especially outdoor ones. Frozen leaves are permanently damaged.
The Sunlight
It is a well-known fact that Sansevieria Cylindrica plants can tolerate high levels of light. Their tolerance for full sun to shady areas makes them a very flexible plant. This plant prefers indirect bright sunlight. Growing and blooming are encouraged by bright light. Direct sun for a few hours a day is good. Don’t be too harsh with it.
It is best to place windows facing north or south, well-lit rooms with curtains, or north- or south-facing rooms with curtains. Ensure that all the sides of the pot receive the same amount of light. Two or three times per month is fine. Find out the perfect light, humidity, and temperature conditions for snake plants in this post.
The Temperature
Having an African spear indoors is a great idea. If you live in an area without harsh winters, you can also grow it outside. This plant grows best at room temperature. A good range of temperatures is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Even if its range is slightly out of range, it can still function.
It might be too cold for some animals to handle temperatures below 50oF (10oC). The leaves can be permanently damaged by subzero temperatures and frost. Keeping it dry, however, might save it. When watering in the winter, be sure to take precautions. Water and low temperatures are deadly for this plant.
Pests
Sansevieria Cylindrica is usually not infected by pests. Bugs cannot easily damage the leaves due to their thick, succulent texture. The plant is quite resistant to verticillium wilt. Some low-level threats include spider mites, mealybugs, and vine weevils.
By removing the insects, the plant can still be saved after being attacked by insects. Usually, it involves wiping off the infected area with alcohol. To eliminate insects quickly and with certainty, insecticides are useful. Occasionally check your plant for signs of infection. Infestations can be prevented if detected early.
Diseases
Improper watering and light are the two main causes of snake plant diseases. A leaf that is overwatered will develop yellowy, mushy leaves. Browning of leaves is caused by dehydration.
A sudden change in leaf color can be caused by too much direct sunlight. Similarly, dark rooms can cause leaves to discolor and eventually die.
Fertilizer
A small amount of fertilizer is sufficient for Sansevieria cylindrica. It is enough to feed the plant 2-3 times a year. During and just before the growth season is a good time to do this.
Liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be used. During spring and summer, you can apply it twice a month. In the winter, do not fertilize your plants. The winter is already stressful for the plants, and adding a fertilizer increases that stress.
You should also avoid fertilizing young plants, especially those that have been propagated. After the plant is replanted in soil, wait for at least one month.
You should also apply compost and natural fertilizers sparingly. Add a handful to the potting soil mix.
Flowers
Sansevieria spears bloom only rarely, but they are beautiful to see. The phenomenon usually occurs in the spring. A tall, creamy-white stalk is topped by small, white flowers. In bunches, these delicate, tubular flowers appear. There is a possibility that they are greenish or pinkish in color. Flower size is about one and a half inches. From the bloom, a sweet, uplifting scent emanates. Nighttime can bring a particularly strong smell.
Repotting
Plant overgrowth can be prevented by repotting your snake plant. The plant will also look neat and tidy in a new container. This is usually done every 2-3 years. Plant repotting encourages healthy root growth, which results in a stronger plant.
To repot Sansevieria cylindrica, follow these steps:
- Choose an appropriate-sized container. A new pot often has a larger diameter than an older one.
- To cover drainage holes, add a thin layer of pebbles at the bottom. Then cover it with soil.
- Plants should be carefully removed from their pots and placed in new ones. Add the remaining soil mix to the container.
- In the end, water thoroughly and wait for 1-2 weeks before watering again.
- An in-depth guide to repotting snake plants can be found here.
Maintenance and Grooming
It is not necessary to maintain a cylindrical snake plant regularly. A slow-growing plant does not expand rapidly. It will still look fine even if you neglect its grooming for years.
You can trim the plant down every 2-3 years if you wish to maintain its size. This particular plant also has an unusual design feature: braiding. The braided plant can be bought or you can make it yourself.