Sansevieria Cylindrica (san-se-VEER-ee-uh sil-IN-dree-kuh) is a perennial succulent plant that belongs to the genus Sansevieria part of the Asparagaceae family.
It is native to Angola and commonly referred to as Cylindrical Snake Plant. But other common names as well such as:
- African Spear
- Skyline Spear
- Cylindrical Mother-in-Laws tongue
- Spear orchid, Spear plant, Spear Sansevieria
Sansevieria Cylindrica Care
Sansevieria cylindrica var. patula ‘Boncel is a unique variety of Cylindrica. Mature plants are shorter, more compact with an almost ‘stubby’ appearance.
Very attractive in smaller pots when displayed on a credenza in a complimenting decorative container.
Size and Growth
African spear plants have a slow, upward growth with stiff leaves that can grow to be about 4’ tall with a spread of 1’ foot.
The succulents leaves are circular about 1″ inch (2.5 cm) thick and taper gradually to a point.
Each leaf has several shallow channels running from base of the plant to the tip. The leaves also have crossbands of dark green.
In the right conditions, it can grow a 3’ feet long shoot with 1″ inch flowers.
As the leaves mature and depending on the lighting they arch to form a graceful spray.
Flowering and Fragrance
Sansevieria cylindrica is characterized by a fan-shape that has stiff, dark green leaves. Snake plant flower spikes appear on older plants from the leaf base.
These flower spikes grow clusters of green-white flowers that have a tubular shape and can be tinted with some shades of pink.
There is a pleasant fragrance to these flowers and sometimes bear small berries about 0.4” long and orange-red in color.
Light and Temperature
Sansevieria boncel is very light tolerant. When you grow Sansevieria as an indoor plant, place it in a spot with filtered bright light.
A north-facing window or sheer-curtained windows are ideal locations for Sansevieria cylindrica.
It will also be able to grow in more low light locations but the colors will not be as bright, nor will it flower properly.
When growing outdoors, it is best placed in a partially shaded, bright light location but will grow in full sun.
Some shade will ensure that cylindrical leaves grow in a more upright position for a better appearance.
Ideal temperatures for Cylindrical Snake Plant are between 65° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
It can handle fluctuations in room temperatures but anything below 50° degrees Fahrenheit might be too much for the plant to handle.
While Sansevieria cylindrica tolerates dry air, too much can be damaging. Take care not to place it too close to protect it from air vents and drafts.
Watering and Feeding
- This drought-tolerant plant does not need a lot of water.
- Water thoroughly while Cylindrica is growing and allow the potting mix to almost dry out before watering again.
- Once a plant becomes established, you can wait even longer before watering.
- Once every other week should be sufficient.
- Be careful to not overwater as it can cause root rot and leaves to turn yellow.
- and getting too much water on the leaves can also cause them to stop growing.
- Similarly, this plant does not need lots of fertilizer.
- A once month application of diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength) is enough during the growing season.
- Plants do not need feeding during the winter months.
- As with all Sansevieria species it is best to under-fertilize your plants.
Soil and Transplanting
Fast and well-draining soil is preferred for this plant. Sandy soil or a good cactus soil works best.
Regular potting soils often retain too much water to be effective unless there is some added drainage.
Transplant only when the plants need dividing because of overcrowding.
The root systems of plants like Sansevieria trifasciata have been known to break large clay pots.
Generally, plants will not require repotting for several years as Cylindrical Snake Plants do not mind cramped conditions.
Transplanting is done best early on in spring.
How To Propagate The Cylindrical Mother in Laws Tongue
Propagate Sanseveria cylindrica through leaf cuttings or division.
- When using division as a means of propagation, wait until the leaves are at least 6” long.
- Take a sharp knife and remove a cluster basal rosette of leaves from the roots.
- Knock off old soil and plant it directly into your new pot.
- If using single leaf cuttings, make sure they are between 3″ – 4″ inches and that they are planted upright to ensure proper growth.
- Plant the African spear by pushing the cuttings into the potting mix and keep them in a bright spot.
- Keep the soil moist and wait for the plant to take root. This could take a while.
Learn More about Sansevieria Propagation
Cylindrical Snake Plant or Disease Problems
Sansevieria cylindrica is susceptible to vine weevils that eat away at the edges of the leaves.
This can cause the plant a lot of irreversible harm.
Apart from vine weevils, be careful about overwatering plants so they won’t experience root rot.
Be careful while handling plants as the tip of the leaves can be very sharp and cut skin if not handled with caution.
African spear sansevieria plant growing in pots 10″ inches and larger can also become very heavy to move around.
Suggested Uses for Cylindrical Snake Plant
This plant makes for a gorgeous ornamental addition as a potted plant to any house or garden.
The plant is very attractive when used to improve contemporary designs when displayed on a pedestal.
