Cylindrical Snake Plant

sansevieria cylindrica

Also known as: ["African Spear Plant","Cylindrical Bowstring Hemp"]

Family: Asparagaceae Genus: Sansevieria Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A unique succulent with cylindrical, upright leaves that resemble spears, native to Angola.

Benefits & Perks

["air purifying","low maintenance","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Sansevieria
Botanical Name: Sansevieria cylindrica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct sunlight but acclimate gradually to avoid scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun slowly over weeks; place in bright indirect light indoors; move outdoors in spring/summer with partial shade.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering); brown leaf tips (underwatering or heat stress); mushy base (root rot).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright indirect light to full sun

Rotate plant monthly for even growth; avoid prolonged direct sun indoors; adjust light exposure seasonally.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure soil dries out completely between waterings.

Soil

well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix designed for succulents; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil.

Temperature

Ideal range 60–85°F (15–29°C). Tolerates mild fluctuations but prefers stable conditions year-round.

Avoid drafty areas; maintain stable temperatures; adjust watering with temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 2 months during active growth

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings (dividing pups) or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select a healthy pup or leaf section.
  2. Let cut end dry for a day.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, propagation medium, plastic bag or dome.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; keep medium moist but not wet; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut leaves at the base with a clean, sharp tool; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health; encourage fuller growth.

Tools

Pruning shears or sharp knife, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; cut at base; remove only damaged leaves; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Sansevieria prefers being slightly root-bound.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture but avoiding waterlogged soil. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water to the base of the plant, avoiding leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer, reducing frequency to once a month or less in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress); brown leaf tips (heat stress); stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries quickly; use a space heater if necessary.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize in spring/summer; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Sansevieria cylindrica are often indicative of overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive light exposure, which can compromise the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Sansevieria cylindrica is typically caused by either underwatering or root rot due to overwatering, both of which disrupt water transport within the plant, leading to dehydration and potential death.

Leaf spots on Sansevieria cylindrica may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, often exacerbated by high humidity or water splashing on leaves, leading to unsightly lesions and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Sansevieria cylindrica is commonly associated with overwatering or poor drainage, resulting in the decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Sansevieria cylindrica due to the presence of saponins. The plant is not considered highly toxic to cats.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea drooling
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The saponins in Sansevieria cylindrica can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs. While not highly toxic, ingestion may lead to mild discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from pets. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Sansevieria cylindrica contains saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation when ingested. The plant is not considered highly toxic to humans, but ingestion may lead to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If ingested, seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sansevieria cylindrica toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.

Q: How often should I water Sansevieria cylindrica?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.

Q: Can Sansevieria cylindrica grow in low light?

A: Yes, it tolerates low light conditions but thrives in bright, indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Asparagaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright indirect light to full
Water: every 2–3 weeks
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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