Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as African spear or cylindrical snake plant, has smooth and cylindrical leaves that look great in any indoor garden. It is closely related to the popular snake plant, and is similarly quite hardy and tolerant of neglect. Although Sansevieria cylindrica care is pretty simple, if you really want your plant to thrive, follow the following recommendations.
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| Name | Sansevieria cylindrica Cylindrical snake plant, African spear, Elephant’s toothpick |
| Sunlight | Bright light |
| Water | Once a week in the summer Once a month in the winter Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to completely dry before watering again |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil |
| Temperature | Thrives in the warmth. Room temperature is best Do not keep at temperatures lower than 50 °F (10 °C) |
| Humidity | Not picky about humidity, average house humidity is fine |
| Propagation | By division or cuttings Propagation is generally a slow process and may take up to a year |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs and children |
Fun fact: Sansevieria are one of the best air-purifying plants and have been found by NASA to remove chemicals such as formaldehyde from the atmosphere, making it a great addition to any home.
Growth
Cylindrical snake plants are slow growers, usually reaching a height of 30 inches (70 cm). Warmer temperatures and brighter light will encourage growth, and their growing season is from spring to fall.
As the name suggests, Sansevieria cylindrica has cylindrical, tubular shaped leaves that are dark green in color. It may produce white flower spikes depending on it’s environment, however these do not often form indoors.
Temperature & Humidity
Native to hot and dry climates in Africa, Sansevieria cylindrica plants enjoy periods of drought and warm temperatures. They will grow well at room temperature (60 to 75 °F or 15 to 24 °C). While they can occasionally tolerate lower temperatures, do not routinely keep them at temperatures lower than 50 °F (10 °C).
Sansevieria are not picky about humidity- the average humidity of your room will be fine. Keep them in a room with good air circulation because they do not like to retain moisture.
Avoid keeping these houseplants in rooms that have a naturally high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Watering
Cylindrical snake plants grow from rhizomes, which are little bulbs that grow in the dirt. These rhizomes are thick underground plant stems that send off roots and shoots. They store starches, water and proteins for the plant, which is why the cylindrical snake plant is drought-tolerant.
Watering Sanseveria cylindrica properly is important because over watering is a common cause of their death. Over watering causes rhizome rot, which can be quite difficult to fix. Sanseveria’s watering schedule depends on the season. In general, it is important to water only when the top layer of soil is dry, and to let the houseplant completely dry out in between watering.
Watering in the Summer
During the summer growing season, water your cylindrical snake plant once a week. The top inch of soil should be completely dry before you water again to prevent rot.
Watering in the Winter
During winter, watering should be reduced to once a month. In the winter, it is especially important to check that the top layer of soil is dry because Sansevieria require even less water during this time.
Signs of Overwatering
- Leaves turn yellow
- Leaves and stem turn mushy
- Brown stem
Learn more about proper watering techniques with the complete succulent watering guide.
Light needs
While Sansevieria cylindrica are tolerant of lower light conditions, they will thrive in bright, full sun.
Keep your cylindrical snake plant near a West or East-facing window because they provide bright, but not overly harsh, light to help your plant grow.
If you are keeping your Sansevieria cylindrica outdoors, keep it on a shaded patio so that it receives light but is protected from the intense afternoon sun.
If your Sansevieria cylindrica is growing leggy and skinny, it is not receiving enough light. Transition the plant to an area with more sunlight over a few days (do not move it directly into more light because it can sunburn the leaves).
Propagation
Sansevieria cylindrica can be propagated in 2 main ways.
1. Separating the Rhizomes
The easiest form of propagation is by division of rhizomes. This is best done for larger size plants (at least 6 inches tall) that have outgrown their current pot.
Just remove the snake plant from it’s pot and gently separate the rhizomes. Plant each new section into a different pot with well-draining soil. Wait a week before watering the new divisions.
2. Cuttings
This method is slower than separating by rhizomes, but works if your plant is not big enough to be separated.
- Choose a mature stem with several leaves on it to cut. Cut right at the base of the stem with a clean pair of garden shears. The cutting should be at least 3 inches.
- Let the fleshy opening dry out for a few days.
- After the opening has dried, plant your cutting upright in a pot of well-draining potting soil.
- Keep the pot in a warm area with bright light. Water once a week.
Propagating by stem cuttings can take several months, so be patient!
Soil & Repotting
Sansevieria cylindrica are slow growers and can be re-potted every few years during the springtime. They are quite tolerant of being root bound.
Choosing a well-draining soil is very important for Sansevieria cylindrica because it will help prevent rhizome rot. Perlite mixed into succulent soil will add extra drainage and is a good, porous choice.
A plain terracotta pot with a drainage hole is the best type of container because it will not retain excess water.
If your Sansevieria has outgrown it’s pot, chose a slightly larger container. Give your plant a week to settle in it’s new pot before resuming watering.
If you want to keep the size of your plant the same, repot the plant in the same container, only changing the soil. Trim away some of the roots and stems so it fits (propagate the cuttings following the steps above!).
Fertilizing Sansevieria cylindrica
You can fertilize once a month during the growing season (from spring to fall) with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Do not fertilize during the winter when growth is slow.
Sansevieria cylindrica Toxicity
The cylindrical snake plant contain saponins, which cause irritation if ingested. They are toxic to dogs, cats and children, so keep it out of their reach.
Cylindrical snake plants are still safe to have in your home. Just wear gloves when handling your plant to minimize contact.
Sansevieria cylindrica Pests
Occasionally, you may have a problem with pests such as mealybugs or aphids.
Signs of infestation include:
- Black powder on the leaves
- Leaf color or shape change
- Little brown dots on the leaves
- Sticky, white or silken webbing
Check your plant closely for any pests. They especially like to hang out in the nooks and crannies and can be difficult to spot. As soon as you notice signs of infestation, quarantine your plant away from the others to prevent spread.
Infestations can take a few weeks to completely remove. You will have to repeat these treatments every few days for several weeks to completely remove the infestation.
Treatment
Aphids
Wipe the leaves with a soapy hot water solution (1 liter of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of soap) and wash the plant with high pressure water from a hose or shower head.
Mealy bugs
Dab a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol at any bugs you see. In addition, water the soil with rubbing alcohol to help remove the eggs.
Sansevieria cylindrica Problems
Why are my Sansevieria’s leaves curling?
This is a sign your plant needs to be watered more often. Slowly increase your watering frequency, especially if it is during the summertime.
Why is my Sansevieria cylindrica yellowing?
If it is a small amount of yellow leaves at the bottom that are falling off, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
However if any of the following signs are present, you are over watering and your plant is suffering from rot:
- Many yellow leaves
- The stalks are turning brown and mushy
- Several leaves are easily falling off
Reduce your watering frequency and prune your plant. Allow the soil to completely dry out for as long as a month before watering again.
Remember that over watering is the most common problem gardeners face with Sansevieria. It is better to under watering if you are in doubt because that is much easier to fix.
Why is my snake plant dying? How do I fix it?
- Carefully inspect the plant. Cut away any leaves that look diseased (do not be afraid to cut all the way down to the base if you need to).
- Unpot your plant and loosen up the roots
- Put your plant in a fresh pot of well-draining potting soil. You may want to increase the amount of perlite in the soil to improve drainage. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole as well.
- Secure the plant in the new soil. Wait a week before watering.
- For the future, decrease your watering frequency and move to a slightly sunnier location.
That is everything you need to know about cylindrical snake plant, or Sansevieria cylindrica care. These plants are quite hardy and great for beginners. With the above tips, your Sansevieria cylindrica will thrive. Their air-purification qualities make them a great addition to any bedroom.
See other plant specific care guides here
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