How often should I water it?

Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.

Does it need direct sunlight?

It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels.

Plant guide

Cylindrical Snake Plant.

Sansevieria cylindrica

Pronounced drah-KEE-nah ang-go-LEN-sis

Also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, African Bowstring Hemp

African Spear — Photo by nebrooks (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This striking plant features stiff, tubular leaves that grow in a fan shape. It is incredibly hardy and perfect for anyone who tends to forget about their plants. Its architectural look makes it a great focal point in any room.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Bright indirect light is best, but it tolerates lower light levels.
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: 1 meter tall
Growth rate: slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors, usually late summer

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp cloth to help the plant breathe. Watch for mushy leaves, which indicate you are watering too often.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced succulent fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove any damaged or dead leaves at the base as needed.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or the pot is at risk of cracking.
Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 10 to 30°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage hole.
The plant stops growing entirely.
The pot begins to bulge or crack.

Safety

People: The plant contains saponins which cause irritation if ingested or handled frequently.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children because the sharp leaf tips and toxic sap pose a risk if handled or chewed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant airborne allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is toxic if ingested and should never be consumed by humans or pets.

How to identify it

Stiff, cylindrical, spear-like leaves
Leaves grow in a fan arrangement
Dark green with lighter horizontal bands
Smooth, succulent leaf texture

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, light green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pinkish, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Root rot — This occurs when the soil stays too wet for too long.
Mealybugs — These small white insects hide in the crevices of the leaves.

Growing it

Propagation: division, leaf cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot and significantly reduce watering during the winter months.
In containers: It thrives in containers and prefers a snug fit, so use a pot with excellent drainage.

Leaf Cuttings

Cut a healthy leaf into 3 inch sections.
Let the cuttings callous over for two days.
Insert the calloused end into well draining soil.
Keep the soil barely moist until roots form.

Group plants with similar low water needs together to avoid accidental overwatering.

Grows well with

ZZ Plant — They share identical water and light requirements.
Snake Plant — These plants have similar growth habits and care needs.

Similar species

Snake Plant — It is a close relative with similar care and hardiness.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Angola and surrounding regions of Southern Africa.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered, but wild populations are threatened by habitat loss.

It grows in arid, rocky environments where it stores water in its thick, succulent leaves to survive long droughts.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Modern architectural accent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water it?: Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 3 to 4 weeks.
Does it need direct sunlight?: It prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light levels.

Where the name comes from

The name angolensis refers to its native home in Angola, while the genus name honors the Sicilian botanist Agostino Bassi.

Good to know

It is incredibly resilient and thrives on neglect.
The leaves can grow up to 7 feet tall in their natural habitat.
It is often braided or shaped by growers for aesthetic appeal.
It is a member of the Asparagaceae family.

Is your cylindrical snake plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.