Sansevieria cylindrica
Common name: Cylindrical snake plant · Spear sansevieria · African spear
Sansevieria cylindrica is a succulent plant native to Angola with stiff, round, spear-like leaves that grow upright from a rhizome. Like other snake plants, it tolerates drought and low light extremely well. It has been reclassified into the genus Dracaena but is still widely sold under its old name.
Care summary
Sun
Low to bright light, tolerates some direct sun
Water
Very sparingly; let soil dry fully
Soil
Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–12
Mature height
Up to 1.5 m (5 ft)
Pet safe
Mildly toxic if ingested
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Divide the rhizome when repotting: unpot the plant, separate or cut apart clumps so each section has roots and at least one leaf fan, and pot into dry succulent mix, waiting a few days before watering. Individual leaves can also be rooted as cuttings in gritty soil, though this is slow.
Fun facts
- Its round leaves can be braided together while young — a common ornamental treatment.
- In its native Angola the leaves can grow taller than a person.
- It stores water in its leaves and can go weeks without watering.