The Sansevieria samurai, also known as Sword Sansevieria, is a beautiful snake plant well-known for its toughness and beauty. This species is more commonly called Dracaena hanningtonii.
The plant, which is native to Asia and Africa, was named after the German naturalist Christian Ehrenberg. It has thick, dark green pointed leaves growing in oppositely paired rows in a zigzag pattern. Its brown edges further enhance its appeal.
It can grow up to 5 feet long if given adequate space and care. The plant also has a dwarf variant referred to as the Sansevieria samurai dwarf. Read on to find out more about the growing requirements of this plant.
Sansevieria samurai Classification
Family: Asparagaceae.
Genus: Sansevieria (known as Dracaena after 2017)
Species: D. hanningtonii or S. ehrenbergii.
Genus Sansevieria
This ancient collection of plants contains more than 70 flowering species as well as their cultivars. According to APG III classification, they were subsumed into a new genus called Dracaena.
Originally native to Africa, Madagascar, and South Asia, these plants exist in a number of forms, from desert succulents to thin-leaved tropical plants.
There are several common names associated with Sansevierias including snake plant, mother-in-law tongue plant, Devil’s tongue, and many other names. These plants have a strong root system that makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor plantations.
Other Names
- Blue Sansevieria
- Sansevieria Oldupai
- Sword Sansevieria
- East African Wild Sisal
Features of the Sansevieria samurai Plant
Size
It is possible to grow leaves up to five feet long, with a diameter of about eight centimeters, after the plant has lived a few years in ideal conditions and spacious surroundings.
Toxicity
As a result of the genus’ long history of toxic effects, the Samurai plant poses great risk to both humans and animals. Samurai Plants can cause diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, keep them away from children and pets.
Air-purification
There are several Sansevierias known for their air-purifying qualities. This one is no different. So, wouldn’t it make this an ideal choice for indoor plants?
Sansevieria samurai Dwarf
This small-leafed cultivar of the Samurai holds a similar shape to the parent plant, but its foliage is smaller. It is about 10 to 15cm tall and similarly spread.
Despite the smaller size of the cultivar, it has a very similar appearance and other characteristics to its parent crop.
Sansevieria samurai Care
Both the Samurai Sensevieria and Sansevieria samurai dwarf cultivars require medium to high attention. These plants should not be kept by beginners, only people with some experience with the genus can keep these plants healthy.
Quick Guide
Water: Moderate (Water and let the soil dry out between watering)
Light: Bright indirect light.
Humidity: Average.
Temperature: 60 to 80 °F.
Fertilizer: Mild doses in spring and summer.
Please allow me to explain in more detail the conditions under which these plants flourish.
Water Requirement
It has the typical low-water requirements of Snake Plants. The watering frequency depends on the weather and temperature. Additionally, the soil must be drenched and allowed to dry completely between waterings.
It is usually sufficient to water a Sansevieria once or twice a week during the summer; however, it should only be watered once or twice a month during the dormant winter season.
Despite being able to tolerate drought well, snake plant roots are sensitive to overwatering. Therefore, make sure to avoid overwatering to keep your plant safe from problems like fungus and root rot.
Light Requirement
Besides, it can survive pretty well in shades as well, which makes it a suitable plant for an indoor plantation. Bright indirect light with a little direct morning sun is ideal for this guy.
If you’re planning to place it outside, set it up in brightly lit corner under a tree or near a wall. For an indoor plantation, pick a well-lit corner under a well-lit window.
The growth and water consumption of plants is highly affected by sunlight availability patterns. A plant in optimum light will produce enhanced growth and flourishing foliage.
Samurai leaves may be damaged or even killed by longer hours of direct sun, so make sure you select the right location for your plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Samurai Sansevieria will enjoy a temperature between 16°C and 26°C. A comfortable temperature range for you will simply ensure your plant stays happy as well. An ideal temperature range for your snake plant is between 16°C and 26°C.
Humidity Requirements
Humidity levels around 50% are a good estimate for the plant to remain happy. Average humidity is just right for the plant.
No need to maintain the humidity level except on particularly dry days. Putting the pot in a water-pebble tray helps maintain a good level of moisture in the air, and misting the leaves is another way to maintain the humidity level. It is not recommended except if the foliage is placed in a well-ventilated area. This is necessary to prevent getting wet, which can attract fungi and pests.
Soil Requirements
Snake plants prefer rich and well-draining soil that facilitates aeration, just as Sansevieria ehrenbergii does. Ordinary soil from the growth zone will work fine for this plantation, along with peat or perlite for enhanced drainage.
Purchasing prepackaged or premixed house plant mixes is the better choice for indoor plantation. They eliminate any potential germs or pests that may exist in common soil.
Fertilizer Requirements
Measured fertilizer doses of mild concentration in warm months result in speedy growth of your plant baby. A good quality 10-10-10 liquid houseplant fertilizer is enough to give to suffice the nutritive requirements of the plant. Use it every month from the middle of the spring to the middle of the summer.
It is also harmful to over-fertilize this one, since it results in scorched or even dead foliage. Therefore, follow low doses and do not apply fertilizer in autumn or winter.
Pot Requirements
You can grow it in any clay pot that is commonly used for cactuses or succulents, provided there are drainage holes situated near the base to prevent any standing water at the base.
Repotting Requirement
This easy to care for plant will be happy to be free of the hassle of frequent repotting. Using a clay pot will further solve the problem, eventually cracking down on the outgrowth of the plant.
Sansevieria samurai Propagation
Sansevierias tend to propagate themselves readily. This is one of the reasons for the widespread popularity and good availability of these plants. Division of the plant is one popular way to propagate the Samurai Snake plant. Other methods include:
- Propagation by Leaf-cutting.
- Propagation by Rhizome or pups.
You should propagate plants in the spring and summer for the best results. Complete the process before the end of the summer to get the best results.
Propagation by Plant Division
If you wish to make more Sansevieria samurai plants, divide the well-established one first. Remember to separate the soil around the plant base gently. Dividing a well-established plant is the fastest way to do so.
Now look at the rhizome and divide it by separating about 1/3rd of it. You should cut the plant gently and make sure to leave the roots and shoots intact. If the plant is large you can further divide it into more parts. Next, decide on the pot you would like for each part. Moisten the soil mildly and place the pot under indirect lighting.
Plants that have just been potted should not be soaked deeply, but lightly watered. This is to help the roots settle in to their new location. They can then be cared for as described in the previous section.
Propagation by Leaf cuttings
A simple way to grow snake plants is with this method.
A sterilized knife or gardening shears can be used to cut a leaf or two from the Sansevieria Snake Plant. Cut them into a bunch of about 3-inch pieces.
Each leaf piece should be planted in a moist growing mix. Make sure its lower end is kept under the soil/growing mix, otherwise the cutting won’t grow at all. Maintain moisture by watering it mildly every week. Place the set-up in indirect sun.
This will take about three to four weeks for the cuttings to develop roots, which will result in baby shoots in about one and a half months. Plant these cuttings where you wish.
Summary
Throughout the Sansevieria genus, the Sansevieria ehrenbergii is an unusual plant that has dark-green thick leaves with brownish edges for two opposite rows in a zigzag pattern. Despite being native to Asia and Africa, this species can reach a height of about five feet. The cute dwarf cultivar that became quite popular recently, Sansevieria samurai Dwarf, only grows to a height of a few inches.
Samurai Snake plants are easy to grow and need only infrequent watering after the soil gets dry. They thrive in the indirect sun to dappled shade. Make sure your kids and pets are not harmed by this attractive but toxic plant. If the condition becomes worse, contact the emergency medical department as soon as possible. Avoid ingestion and close contact whenever possible.