Black Dragon

sansevieria hyacinthoides

Also known as: ["Black Dragon","Sansevieria hyacinthoides"]

Family: Asparagaceae Genus: Sansevieria Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A hardy, evergreen perennial with upright, sword-like leaves and occasional small, greenish-white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room or outdoor in a sheltered spot with partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"13–32°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only damaged or yellowing leaves.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but prefers shade from harsh afternoon rays.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, soft stems, or moldy soil indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright indirect light to partial shade

Rotate plant monthly for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light in hot climates.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure proper drainage.

Soil

well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand

pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Ideal range 60–85°F (15–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; sensitive to frost.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable conditions.

Fertilizing

every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer

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

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below node.
  3. Let callus.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain moisture.

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

Environment

Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (60–70%), and 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 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pot, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; keep medium moist but not waterlogged; provide warmth.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; cut at base; remove debris; inspect for pests.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; 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 without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water every 1–2 weeks during spring and summer, reducing frequency to monthly in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf curling, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme conditions.

Cold Stress

Leaves may become soft, discolored, or develop fungal issues due to cold damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid watering until temperatures rise.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or show signs of dehydration in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water early in the day; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sansevieria hyacinthoides may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or root rot, often resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and plant vitality.

Wilting in Sansevieria hyacinthoides is typically caused by water stress, either from drought or overwatering, leading to cellular damage and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Sansevieria hyacinthoides may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area, aesthetic damage, and potential spread to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Sansevieria hyacinthoides is commonly associated with excessive moisture, leading to decay, loss of structural integrity, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest parts of Sansevieria hyacinthoides due to the presence of saponins. The effects are generally not severe but can cause discomfort.

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

if eaten

Prevent cats from chewing or ingesting the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The saponins in Sansevieria hyacinthoides can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. While not life-threatening, ingestion may lead to discomfort.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Sansevieria hyacinthoides contains saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The plant is not highly toxic to humans but can lead to discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.

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

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Wash hands after handling the plant.
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 hyacinthoides toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Sansevieria hyacinthoides?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Q: Does Sansevieria hyacinthoides flower?

A: It occasionally produces small, greenish-white flowers, though this is rare indoors.

Quick Reference
Family: Asparagaceae
Care: easy
Light: bright indirect light to parti
Water: every 2–3 weeks, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Silver Squill
View
Shaw's Agave
View
American Adder's Mouth
View
Mauritius Cordyline
View