If you think the only type of plant you can keep alive is made of plastic, think again. Sansevieria (commonly known as the snake plant) is a very tolerant plant that is hard to kill. They are famous for their ability to survive in the most unsuitable growing conditions. It can survive low light levels, drought, and generally being ignored. They will even reward your neglect by helping to clean the air in your home.
Not only does the snake plant have roots in history, but it is also a popular decor element for a multitude of spaces. Since they produce oxygen mainly at night, snake plants make for a great bedroom companion.
Snake Plant Overview
Sansevieria are evergreen perennials that can grow anywhere from eight inches to 12 feet high. Their sword-like leaves are approximately two feet long. The foliage is stiff, broad, and upright, in a dark green color variegated with white and yellow striping. They are also renowned for their qualities that help purify the air we breathe.
Historical Significance
Historically, Sansevierias have been treasured in Chinese, African, Japanese and Brazilian cultures. In China, they were kept near entrances inside the home because it was believed that the eight virtues could pass through. In Africa, the plant was used to manufacture fiber, valued for its medicinal qualities, and used as a protective charm against bewitchment. The genus was named for Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, a faithful patron of horticulture in 18th century Italy. Its common name is derived from the wavy stripe pattern on its leaves.
Types of Snake Plant
There are around 70 different species of snake plant, native to Africa, Madagascar, and southern Asia. It was originally prized for its fibers, which were used to make ropes and baskets.
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Take a look at a few of the most interesting species and cultivars:
Sansevieria trifasciata (Mother-in-law’s tongue)
The most commonly used species for gardening, Sansevieria trifasciata is also called mother-in-law’s tongue due to its sharply pointed leaves. Although it’s rare for these plants to bloom, you may wake up one day to find a long flower stalk covered in buds. This tends to happen when the plant is mildly stressed, but it won’t hurt your plant. Their white or cream colored flowers resemble lilies when fully open. Like some lilies, they boast a pleasing fragrance that can fill a room. Unfortunately, pests may also find the scent attractive.
Sansevieria twist
As the name suggests, this cultivar has twisted leaves. A relatively low growing plant, Sansevieria ‘twist’ produces green and yellow variegated foliage. Flowering is erratic, and after flowering, it will cease to produce new leaves. It grows to a height of about one to two feet, and to approximately the same width.
Sansevieria robusta
Native to India, Sansevieria ‘robusta’ is a unique and highly sought after cultivar. With its robust nature and immunity to neglect, it is often referred to as a “bulletproof plant.” Its leaves are shorter and wider than others in the species, with essentially the same color and pattern of horizontal leaf cross-banding.
Sansevieria Cylindrica Snake 'African Spear' Plant
Sansevieria Cylindrica Snake 'African Spear' Plant Houseplant - is characterized by its sleek, cylindrical leaves that give a modern and architectural aesthetic. The plant consists of stout, cylindrical spears that spring from the sandy soil. These leaves, gray-green and subtly striped, seem to pierce the air with a gentle yet persistent vigor, symbolizing a quiet, steadfast growth. Each cylindrical tube grows to about 1.5″ thick and up to 7 feet tall!
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Renowned for its easy care, this houseplant thrives in low light conditions and is best placed in corners or areas with limited natural light, making it a versatile and resilient addition to any home.
If you lean toward a modern, minimalistic alien vibe when decorating, this plant is for you! Its tubular, smooth leaves are dark green in color, some with green-grey variegation, and make for a real attention-grabber.
Other common names Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex Hook Common Spear Plant African Spear Plant Spear Sansevieria Dracaena angolensis
7 Snake Plant Care Tips That You Need to Know - Sansevieria Houseplant Care
Snake Plant Care Tips
While the snake plant is easy to care for, it’s always good to familiarize yourself with a plant’s basic preferences and needs. If your houseplants are more likely to end up in plant heaven than thriving on your windowsill, slither closer-we have some sensational news: snake plants are (almost) impossible to kill.
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If you’re wondering how to take care of a snake plant, read on for a few suggestions.
Light
As we’ve mentioned, snake plants are very hardy options that are easy to care for. The Snake Plant is adaptable to various light levels, with growth accelerating in brighter conditions. Even though Sansevierias prefer medium light, they’ll also tolerate low light and high light. While they can withstand full sun and handle low light, indirect sunlight is ideal for a snake plant. “They’ll tolerate that dim corner of your room or that sunny windowsill,” Griffin advises. “But if you want them to grow faster, look their most glamorous, and really thrive, pop them in some bright ambient sunlight.”
When transitioning from indirect to direct light, it's recommended to acclimate the plant gradually over a few weeks to prevent foliage scorching. The main thing you need to watch for is DIRECT sunlight. No houseplant does well in those conditions, because the leaves can burn.
Water
Snake plant can easily rot so make sure the soil is well-drained and don’t water it too much (especially in winter). Only water the plant when the soil is completely dry, leaning towards a drier approach. Allow the soil to dry in between waterings. As they originate from arid deserts, these plants do well in sandier soils. “Snake plants are succulent divas-they love to be neglected a bit. So you only need to water them about once every three to four weeks,” Griffin tells us. The most common mistake when caring for snake plants is overwatering. I water mine every three weeks.” A good rule of thumb? Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Easy does it with the watering. You want to be careful not to overdo it, because your plant will rot out. Always make sure the soil is almost completely dry before thoroughly watering again. Size and location depending, you will end up watering your Snake Plants every 2-6 weeks. If you travel or tend to ignore plants, this is the one for you.
With easyplant, watering your Sansevieria Cylindrica is easy - just check the easyplant reservoir once every two months, making sure it's completely empty prior to refilling it, and you're all set! Your plant will thrive with this consistent, hassle-free watering method, keeping those striking cylindrical leaves in tip-top condition.
Soil
Snake plants prefer a loose, well-drained potting soil mix. They do best in sandy or loamy soil that’s slightly acidic, such as succulent or cactus soil. “For some of my snake plants, I use only pumice-based plant gravel,” Margareta says. Avoid soil mixtures that retain too much moisture, like those that contain vermiculite-this can lead to root rot.
Temperatures
Conditions ranging from 55 - 85℉ are fine for sansevieria, however, they prefer warmer temperatures. Temperatures below 50℉ can cause them harm.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer isn’t necessary but may encourage brighter colors and faster growth. While snake plants aren’t particularly hungry, a little nutritional boost during the growing season can help them reach their full potential. Feed your plant once in midsummer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer diluted to half strength. When it comes to fertilizing, moderation is key-these plants are on a diet. You can feed the plant once a month spring through fall with a diluted fertilizer that is specially made for succulents.
Repotting
Snake plants are the ultimate low-maintenance plants. “Snake plants grown in sandy soil can be repotted every two to three years,” Margareta tells us. “Their roots are small compared to the size of the plant, and they prefer slightly smaller pots, so frequent repotting isn’t necessary.” If the roots look like they’re becoming overcrowded or the snake plant is so big that there is no more space for it to grow in the pot, it’s probably time for a repotting. The best time to do this is in the spring.
Humidity
Embodying the sturdiness of its desert origins, the Sansevieria Cylindrica is notably adaptable when it comes to humidity levels, appreciating conditions anywhere from 40% to 60%. The Sansevieria thrives in a dry environment and doesn't require misting. In its natural habitat, the semi-arid regions of Angola, this unique plant has adapted to handle periods of drought, hence lower humidity levels are well-tolerated.
Pests and Problems
Although it is easy to grow, there are still a few problems you may come across. Overwatering and exposure to cold are the key culprits. These hardy plants have few insect problems, however, it can become infested with mealybugs and spider mites. Good news: “Snake plants are fairly resistant to pests,” Margareta says, though they can occasionally fall victim to common household plant invaders like spider mites, gnats, and mealybugs.
As these pests suck sap from the leaves, they cause small wounds and leaf shedding. You can dab mealybugs with alcohol as a control method. Spider mites can be eliminated by washing the leaves and increasing humidity around the plant. Regular inspection and quick action are key to keeping your plant healthy, and luckily, most of the causes can be easily fixed.
When it comes to gnats and mealybugs, the soil may be too wet-try letting it dry out for a few weeks. With spider mites, the conditions may be too hot. Try placing the snake plant in less-direct sunlight. Most pests can be removed with a gentle spray of water, but for more persistent problems, neem oil is an effective natural solution.
Troubleshooting
Diagnosing what is going wrong with your plant is going to take a little detective work and even more, patience! First of all, don’t panic and don’t throw a plant out prematurely. If you bought it during the fall and winter months, it’s entirely natural for growth to slow down. These are the dormant months during which new growth is either completely stopped or extremely slow.
- Leaves Drooping: Unlike most plants, the leaves of a snake plant actually droop when they’ve gotten too much water, not too little! Solution: Home in on the water requirements.
- Yellowing Leaves: If you notice the cylindrical leaves of your Sansevieria Cylindrica starting to yellow, make sure you're adhering to the easyplant watering guidelines, filling the water reservoir once every two months and ensuring it’s empty before refilling. For non-easyplant users, a reassessment of your watering routine might initiate a positive shift, keeping in mind that Sansevieria Cylindrica appreciates being on the drier side.
- Weak or Droopy Leaves: If you observe your Sansevieria Cylindrica’s leaves becoming weak or droopy, consider assessing the plant’s environment for any stress factors, such as drastic temperature changes or exposure to drafts, and adjust as needed to provide a stable environment.
- Spots or Unusual Textures on Leaves: If you notice spots or unusual textures on the leaves of your Sansevieria Cylindrica, it's worthwhile to check for pests. A gentle wipe of the leaves with a damp cloth can often address minor issues, and maintaining a routine leaf check keeps your plant looking its best.
Pest Control
If you want to have healthy house plants, you MUST inspect them regularly. Every time I water a plant, I give it a quick look-over. Bugs/insects feeding on your plants reduces the plant sap and redirects nutrients from leaves. Snake plants are highly pest-resistant, but in poor conditions, they can get mealybugs and/or spider mites. The biggest threat is fungal growth due to root rot.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs look like small balls of cotton. They can travel slowly, but they have a strong will and determination! Though these bugs move slowly, if any plant is touching another, there is a chance the mealybug will hitch a ride on a new leaf and spread. They breed like rabbits of the insect world.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are more common on houseplants. They are not insects - they are related to spiders. These appear to be tiny black or red moving dots. Spider mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Toxicity
While the toxicity levels are low, it’s safest to keep pets away from your plant. Sansevieria Cylindrica may be moderately toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep away from curious children and pets. It can cause excessive salivation, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In instances of unintentional consumption or any sign of an adverse reaction, consulting a healthcare professional or a veterinarian is advised. The plant contains saponins, subtle but active compounds that can lead to a variety of discomforting symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea upon ingestion. Being educated on poisonous plants can help you avoid any accidents all the while enjoying your greenery.
Snake Plant 101: Essential Tips for First-Timers
If you're just getting started with snake plants, here are the absolute must-knows to set yourself up for success.
- First and most important: When in doubt, skip the watering. These plants are far more forgiving of neglect than overattention, so it's better to wait an extra week than to water too soon.
- Start with the right foundation by choosing a pot with drainage holes and filling it with cactus or succulent mix from your local garden center. This combo prevents the number-one killer of snake plants: root rot from soggy soil.
- Place your new plant near a window where it can soak up bright, indirect light, but avoid direct afternoon sun that can scorch those gorgeous leaves. If the leaves start to fade or lose their vibrant pattern, that's your cue to move it closer to a light source.
- Finally, resist the urge to fuss-these plants thrive on a bit of benign neglect, making them the perfect starter plant for anyone nervous about keeping something green alive.
Summary of Sansevieria Cylindrica Care
Here's a quick guide to caring for your Sansevieria Cylindrica:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight; adaptable to low light |
| Water | Allow topsoil to dry completely before watering; typically every 2 months with easyplant reservoir |
| Humidity | Adaptable, prefers 40-60% |
| Temperature | 55-85°F (13-29°C) |
| Soil | Sandy, well-draining soil |
| Toxicity | Moderately toxic if ingested, keep away from pets and children |
Sansevieria are truly the easiest of plants to look after, making them a perfect choice for novice gardeners or as a first houseplant.
