Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear Plant / Cylindrical Snake Plant)

Introduce a touch of minimalist elegance and architectural flair to your indoor space with Sansevieria cylindrica, widely known as the African Spear Plant or Cylindrical Snake Plant. This striking succulent features tall, rigid, cylindrical leaves that grow upright, resembling slender spears. Often a deep green, sometimes with subtle horizontal banding, these distinctive leaves create a modern, sculptural look that complements contemporary interiors. Exceptionally tough and famously forgiving, the African Spear Plant is an ideal choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and those new to indoor gardening, thriving on a bit of neglect.

Plant Placement Area:

• Bright, indirect light: Thrives in bright, filtered sunlight, such as near an east or west-facing window. While it can adapt to lower light conditions, bright indirect light encourages the best growth and color.

• Warmth and stable temperatures: Prefers average room temperatures between 18-35°C (65-95°F). Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

• Versatile positioning: Its upright, narrow form makes it perfect for tight spots, empty corners, desks, or as a floor plant as it matures.

• Good air circulation: Benefits from good airflow, but is generally not overly sensitive to humidity levels.

Benefits:

• Striking architectural form: Its unique, upright cylindrical leaves create a modern and sculptural statement.

• Exceptional air purifier: Like other Sansevieria, it excels at filtering common indoor air toxins, including formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.

• Nighttime oxygen producer: Uniquely converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making it an excellent plant for bedrooms to improve air quality while you sleep.

• Extremely low maintenance: Highly drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of neglect, making it ideal for busy individuals or beginners.

• Drought tolerant: Stores water in its thick leaves, requiring infrequent watering.

Watering Tips:

• Allow soil to dry completely between waterings: This is the most crucial rule. Overwatering is the primary cause of issues like root rot. Feel the top few inches of soil; if it's completely dry, then water thoroughly.

• Water sparingly in winter: During the cooler, darker months, the plant's growth slows, and it requires significantly less water. You may only need to water once a month or less.

• Ensure excellent drainage: Always use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

• Water at the base: Aim to water the soil directly, avoiding getting water directly into the center of the rosette, especially if you have a variety that forms a tight cup, as this can lead to rot.

Care Tips:

• Well-draining potting mix: Use a specialized succulent or cactus mix, or create your own by adding perlite or coarse sand to regular potting soil to ensure sharp drainage.

• Fertilize sparingly: Feed with a diluted liquid succulent fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid fertilizing in autumn and winter.

• Dust leaves: Occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesize effectively.

• Pruning: Only prune to remove any damaged, yellowing, or browning leaves at their base using clean, sharp scissors.

• Repot sparingly: Sansevieria prefer to be somewhat root-bound. Repot only every 2-5 years, or when the roots are clearly circling the pot, into a pot only slightly larger.

• Braiding (optional): Some Sansevieria cylindrica are sold with their leaves braided. Ensure the braids are not too tight to allow the leaves to continue growing.

Light Level:

• Bright Indirect Light: Ideal for robust growth, vibrant color, and overall health.

• Tolerates Low Light: Extremely adaptable and can survive in surprisingly low light conditions, but growth will be slower, and variegation may be less pronounced.

• Avoid Harsh Direct Sun: Intense, prolonged direct sunlight can scorch or bleach the leaves.

Toxicity:

• Toxic to pets: Contains saponins which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy) if ingested by cats and dogs. Keep out of reach of pets.

Metafields for Sansevieria cylindrica

• Plant Characteristics:

  • Value: Cylindrical Leaves, Upright Growth, Succulent, Air Purifying, Low Maintenance, Architectural Form

• Class:

  • Value: Houseplant, Foliage Plant, Succulent, Air Purifier

• Suitable Space:

  • Value: Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Bathroom (with light), Desktop, Shelf, Floor Plant

• Sunlight:

  • Value: Bright Indirect Light, Tolerates Low Light

• Tag:

  • Value: Easy Care, Air Purifying, Drought Tolerant, Modern, Minimalist, Indoor Plant, Pet Toxic, Unique Shape