How often should I water it?

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

Does it need direct sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

Plant guide

Cylindrical Snake Plant.

Sansevieria cylindrica

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

Also known as African Bowstring Hemp

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

This striking succulent features stiff, round leaves that grow in a fan shape. It's a tough houseplant that handles neglect quite well. You'll love how its architectural form adds a modern touch to 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: medium
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: Up to 1 meter tall.
Growth rate: slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors, but may produce flowers in late summer.

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Use a well draining potting mix to keep the roots happy. Watch for mushy leaves, which often signal that the plant is sitting in too much water.

Watering: Always check that the soil is bone dry before adding more water.
Feeding: Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Only remove damaged or dead leaves at the base as needed.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or the container starts to bulge.
Soil: Well draining cactus or succulent mix.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral.
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 holes.
The plant has become top heavy and unstable.
Growth has slowed significantly over a long period.

Safety

People: The plant contains saponins which are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of the leaves.
Contact allergens: The sap may 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 consumption and can cause significant digestive distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Smooth, cylindrical, spear like leaves
Leaves grow in a fan arrangement
Dark green with lighter horizontal bands
Stiff, upright growth habit

Height: 0.3 to 1m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.5m
Leaves: dark green, light green, evergreen
Flowers: white, pinkish, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Root rot — This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to mushy, decaying roots.
Mealybugs — These small, white, cottony insects suck sap from the leaves and can weaken the plant.

Growing it

Propagation: division, leaf cuttings
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm spot and reduce watering significantly during the cooler months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is not too large.

Leaf Cuttings

Cut a healthy leaf into 3 to 4 inch sections.
Allow the cut ends to callous over for a few days.
Insert the calloused end into well draining soil.
Keep the soil barely moist until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

ZZ Plant — They share similar low water and light requirements.
Jade Plant — Both are succulents that thrive in well draining soil.

Keep away from

Peace Lily — Peace lilies require much more moisture than this drought tolerant plant.

Similar species

Snake Plant — It is a close relative with flat, sword shaped leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Angola and parts of Southern Africa.
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native habitat.

It survives in arid, rocky environments by storing water in its thick, succulent leaves.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Modern architectural accent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 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.
Does it need direct sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

Where the name comes from

The name Sansevieria honors the Italian prince Raimondo di Sangro, while cylindrica refers to the round, spear like shape of its leaves.

Good to know

It is often called the African spear plant.
The leaves can grow up to 7 feet long in their natural environment.
It is incredibly resilient and thrives on neglect.
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.