Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as cylindrical snake plant or African spear plant, is a succulent naturally found in Southern Africa.
The genus Sansevieria (snake plants) are appreciated for their hardiness, low light requirements and easy care and this is no different for Sansevieria cylindrica. This, combined with its decorative spikey appearance, makes it a great choice for both beginners and more experienced houseplant keepers!
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Sansevieria cylindrica care and growing Sansevieria cylindrica at home.
| Name(s) (common, scientific) | Cylindrical snake plant, African spear plant, spear Sansevieria. Formerly Sansevieria cylindrica, now Dracaena angolensis. |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Recommended lighting | Tolerates low light |
| Water | When dry |
| Soil type | Gritty |
Sansevieria cylindrica care
As mentioned above, Sansevieria cylindrica is a succulent naturally found in Southern Africa. This means it’s a plant fully adapted to a dry, sunny environment. To succesfully grow it at home, its natural habitat should be imitated as much as possible.
This means that well draining soil, not too much water and lots of sun are what this plant prefers.
Did you know? Because the genus Sansevieria has recently been added to the genus Dracaena, ‘Sansevieria cylindrica’ is actually not officially the correct scientific name for this plant anymore. It’s now Dracaena angolensis!
Sansevieria cylindrica location and temperature
Sansevieria cylindrica is not a fussy plant, though its adaptation to hot climates does mean it has some requirements in order to thrive.
Location
Although Sansevieria cylindrica can survive in very low light conditions (it’s on the list of super low light houseplants for a reason), it actually prefers bright lighting and plenty of sun.
When kept in darker areas Sanseviera cylindrica won’t show much growth, so choose its location wisely! A South facing window is best if you want this plant to thrive.
Humidity is not much of an issue for this plant and it doesn’t have to be placed in an extra humid location. In fact, it can tolerate dry air just fine as long as things don’t get too drafty. The most important factor in choosing a suitable location in your home is light.
Temperature
Because it naturally grows in hot, dry areas Sansevieria cylindrica will not appreciate low temperatures. Room temperature is fine.
The plant can be kept outside during Summer, but try not to expose it to temperatures below 55.5 °F/13 °C.
Planting Sansevieria cylindrica
Soil
Like all succulents, Sansevieria cylindrica has some special needs when it comes to planting.
Drainage is crucial to keeping any succulent happy and this is no different for Sansevierias. Normal potting soil retains too much water and is not suitable unless mixed with sand and/or perlite to improve drainage.
You can also buy a pre-mixed succulent soil that contains a mixture that works well for Sansevieria.
Planting
Planters should always have a drainage hole so any excess water drains quickly. For succulents like this one an unglazed clay pot is ideal, as the porous material allows water to evaporate.
Sansevieria can be a slow grower, especially in low light conditions. If yours has managed to outgrow its pot or if the roots are starting to become too cramped you can repot it during Springtime.
Try not to damage the roots too much and water a little more sparingly until the plant seems to have adjusted to its new pot.
Watering Sansevieria cylindrica
Figuring out a proper watering schedule for any succulent can be difficult, but unfortunately Sansevieria cylindrica is even more challenging as it really, really doesn’t like being overwatered.
The key to watering this plant correctly is not doing so too often: they can go for a long time without any water and watering too little is always better than too much. Constantly wet or soggy soil will quickly prove fatal!
Watering once every other week during Summer and once a month or even less during Winter is a good idea. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil and then allow it properly drain and dry fully. For more information about watering succulents, have a look at this article.
Feeding Sansevieria cylindrica
During Spring- and Summertime when your Sansevieria cylindrica is (hopefully) growing, you can fertilize with a succulent fertilizer every other watering.
Buying Sansevieria cylindrica
Sansevieria cylindrica is often sold in a braided state, though some stores will also sell it ‘normally’. It can be a little more difficult to find than other Sansevieria varieties but is definitely not too rare.
Are snake plants toxic to cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists snake plants (Sansevieria) as toxic to both cats and dogs. So be careful with this species
