How often should I water it?

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

Can it grow in low light?

Yes, it is very adaptable and handles low light well, though it grows faster in bright, indirect light.

Plant guide

Cylindrical Snake Plant.

Sansevieria cylindrica

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

Also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, African Bowstring Hemp

Dracaena angolensis — Photo by Ben Gruhot (CC BY) via gbif

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 in cultivation, typically 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: 15 to 29°C
Humidity: 30 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for decades with proper care.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant becomes top heavy and tips over.
The soil stays wet for too long.

Safety

People: The plant contains saponins which are toxic to humans and pets if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the sharp, pointed tips can cause injury and the leaves are toxic if chewed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no known significant respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not for human consumption and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

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: 0.6 to 1.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: dark green, gray green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pinkish, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: orange, Rarely produced in indoor settings.

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Brown Leaf EdgesUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, leaf cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move indoors before the first frost and keep in a warm, dry spot. Reduce watering to almost nothing during the winter months.
In containers: It thrives in containers, especially terracotta, which helps the soil dry out quickly; ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Leaf Cuttings

1. Cut a healthy leaf into 5 to 10 cm sections.
2. Let the cut ends callous over for two days.
3. Insert the calloused end into well draining potting mix.
4. Keep the soil barely moist until roots form.

Group plants with similar low water needs to prevent accidental overwatering of your succulent species.

Grows well with

ZZ Plant · They share identical water and light requirements.
Snake Plant · They have similar care needs and look great grouped together.

Similar species

Snake Plant · A close relative with flat, sword shaped leaves.
Starfish Snake Plant · A cultivar with shorter, fatter leaves that grow in a fan shape.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Angola and surrounding regions of Southern Africa.
Conservation: Not currently listed as endangered, though wild collection is discouraged.

It grows in arid, rocky soils where its succulent leaves help it survive extended periods without rainfall.

Value to wildlife: night blooming fragrance
Pollinators: moths
Uses: houseplant, architectural accent, low light decor

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 2/9
Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9

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.
Can it grow in low light?: Yes, it is very adaptable and handles low light well, though it grows faster in bright, indirect light.

Where the name comes from

The name Dracaena comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon, referring to the resin of some species. The epithet angolensis refers to its native range in Angola.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the African Spear or Cylindrical Snake Plant.
The leaves can be braided together while young to create unique sculptural shapes.
It is incredibly drought tolerant and thrives on neglect.
It is a slow grower, often only producing one or two new leaves per year.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.