Distribution and habitat
This succulent plant native to Angola is called Sansevieria cylindrica. It is a perennial evergreen plant that forms dense stands, and spreads by creeping roots, sometimes above ground, sometimes underground. In the wild, these plants form large colonies.
Description
In some cases Sansevieria cylindrica’s leaves are smooth and striped with deep-green stripes, and sometimes the leaves are just dark green. A single leaf is about 3cm (1 inch) thick and grows to a height between 1 and 2m (3-7 feet). The Sansevieria cylindrica develops from underground rhizomes into a fan-shaped plant, with stiff leaves rising from a very thick basal rosette. The plants have dark green leaves crossed with grey-green bands and are rigid, ribbed longitudinally. In mature plants, long spikes of flowers may appear irregularly, arising beneath spear-shaped leaves. On an erect flower spike, the 3cm (1 inch) greenish-white tubular flowers have a tinge of pink. Sansevieria cylindrica is known to bloom more readily from an early age than other varieties. Although not particularly interesting in appearance, these flowers have a pleasant aroma. There are sometimes tiny orange-red spherical berries that are up to 1cm (0.4 inches) in diameter.
Some of the most unusual plants are this succulent plant. Its foliage grows into cylindrical spears from the sandy soil, which you can braid or leave in their natural fan shape. Most importantly, they can be neglected almost completely, and the plant will still thrive as a result.
Sansevieria cylindrica have an exceptionally long life span.
Houseplant care
Despite being easy to grow and take care of, Sansevieria cylindrica is a popular ornamental plant because of its low maintenance. In general, they love neglect, but one exception to the rule: their pots need to have good drainage.
Make sure the leaves are dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth. The narrow point on every leaf is an awl shape and care should be taken not to break it; a broken leaf will stop growing.
Slow growth and long-lived plants make these plants an ideal choice.
Light
Despite its love of bright light, Sansevieria cylindrica cannot stand direct sunlight. Although they tolerate a certain amount of shade – a slight shaded window – with no detriment to growth, they will slow down drastically if forced to live in insufficient light for an extended period of time. In poor light, however, they will survive.
If grown in high light, the leaves will grow more upright, resulting in a desirable look for a nice container plant.
Temperature
Native to the tropics, these plants thrive at average to warm room temperatures; a temperature range of 18-26°C (65-79°F) is ideal for them. It can tolerate fluctuating temperatures, but is not safe for temperatures less than 13°C (55°F).
Sansevieria cylindrica will tolerate dry air, but keep it away from air vents or drafts. An average level of humidity will be suitable for this plant.
Watering
At the beginning of the active growth period water only moderately, making the potting mixture moist with each watering, while allowing the top few centimeters to dry before watering again.
The potting mix must dry out between waterings if you are leaving it to rest during rest period. The roots begin to rot when leaves are over watered, which causes them to topple over. The soil should be watered, being careful not to flood the leaves, which could cause them to rot. A plant that has become yellow or soft and mushy at its base indicates that it is overwatered. Make sure the plant saucers are emptied after watering, to avoid stagnate water causing root damage.
Water is only required about once every other week during the active growing season, as the species is drought-tolerant.
Feeding
Do not over-fertilise these plants. Spread a liquid fertiliser once a month on all plants during the active growth period, but only at half strength.
Potting and Repotting
Plants should be repotted in spring only when they are crowded and require division. The roots of Sansevieria cylindrica do not mind cramped conditions, and thus they can be neglected for several years. Roots are fleshy, usually cream colored, and appear on the surface of the mixture, but there is no real need to repot these plants until the pot cracks. Before the plants reach this stage, when the leaves occupy most of the pot surface, they should be moved on. Use a heavy-duty container with wide sides to prevent this plant from toppling over as it is top-heavy. Keep the rosette of leaf beneath the soil level. Early spring is the best time for repotting.
You can top-dress plants that have not been repotted in years when they aren’t, by scraping away old potting mixes carefully before placing fresh plants to avoid damaging the root system.
You can get open, quick drainage by adding one-third coarse sand to a soil-based potting mixture. Additionally, you can put a lot of drainage material into the bottom of the pot.
Gardening
Plants of Sansevieria cylindrica can be grown in the garden in mild to tropical climates, and they are not fussy. When planting in ground spaces, plants should be allowed to form clumps and grow properly. If plants are planted too close together, they will not be able to expand their roots, and they will not reach their full height or bloom potential.
Sansevieria containers can be brought inside in very cold zones during the winter, when the temperature drops below 13°C (55°F). If plants have been living in shade for a long period of time, it is a good idea to gradually move them to the sunshine. Too sudden an exposure to sunlight can result in leaf burn.
Position
In partial shade, it can grow outside. Plants of this species require only a partial amount of sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight at midday when it will burn their leaves.
Soil
Good drainage is needed for Sansevieria cylindrica. Plant in well-drained, sandy loam enriched with peaty compost.
Irrigation
Sansevieria cylindrica needs watering about once or twice a month during the warmer season, and it should be kept drier in winter.
Do not overwater this plant, especially in winter. It is very drought tolerant.
Fertilising
Before planting, mix a small amount of slow-release fertilizer into the lower level of the soil to accelerate the rate of growth. Fertilizer can be detrimental to Sansevieria cylindrica and too much can kill the plant. Once a month, apply slow release fertilisers for cacti.
Plants such as these don’t require much nutrition, but if left unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. Never overfertilize your plants. Less fertilizer is always better than excessively fertilising them.
Propagation
You can propagate Sansevieria cylindrica by dividing overcrowded leaves. Leaves should be detached from the rootstock when they are 15cm (6 inch) long with a sharp knife. Those without roots will root rapidly in peat moss and sand mix ; most clusters will have some roots attached and can be planted directly in the normal potting mixture.
If the leaves have already grown two or more times, you can cut them off the parent.
In addition, leaf cuttings can be also used to propagate these plants. Slice leaves crosswise into 5cm (2 inch) long pieces, remembering which end is up and which is down because cuttings must be planted right end up. Then place them in an 8-cm (3-inch) pot with peat moss and sand in a moistened medium, place them in bright light and water sparingly to keep the mixture barely moist. However, the production of rhizomes may take some time.
Problems
The most likely cause of a problem with growing Sansevieria cylindrica is overwatering. Keep the soil dry between waterings. If in doubt, keep it on the dry side. This plant can only be killed by soggy soil and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
Usually overwatering is what causes the foliage to yellow and dry back at the base with rot at the base.
Treatment
Cut away any healthy parts of the plant, repot the plant and keep it warm and dry.
Curled leaves occur when leaves are underwatered in summer.
Keep your eyes open for vine weevils, which eat a large part of a leaf, causing irreversible damage.
Treatment
Pick up adults and destroy them. It is usually too late to save plants with badly damaged roots. Keep the mixture drenched with a suitable pesticide as soon as you observe an adult weevil.
Sansevieria cylindrica cylindrical leaves have pointed tips that can be quite sharp.
Uses and display
Sansevieria cylindrica are tall but very decorative plants that can be used in groupings to provide a decorative vertical contrast to smaller bushy or rosette-shaped forms. The plant’s easy going nature combined with its ability to tolerate dry air and soil makes it a reliable office plant. Decorative pottery containers help to enhance the appearance of these plants.
Plants on the same genus can be used equally effectively as accent plants or in large quantities in hanging baskets or planters.
Sansevieria absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night using the crassulacean acid metabolism process. As a consequence, it appears they are the ideal plant for bedroom décor. However, the toxic leaves of Sansevieria make them unsuitable for bedrooms for children.
Several Sansevieria species are believed to provide good air purification by removing toxins from the air (such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene), thus helping to cure sick building syndrome.
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