How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Sansevieria Cylindrica

Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as African spear plant, is a striking indoor houseplant to add to your collection. Kevin Espiritu will give you everything you need to grow this architectural succulent in your home.

Written by Kevin Espiritu Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: November 20, 2024 | 5 min read

A close-up shot of a sansevieria cylindrica in a white pot indoors

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I’m shocked that more people don’t grow Sansevieria cylindrica. The African spear plant is an incredible houseplant! Its smooth, cylindrical leaves make it a real attention-grabber. In 2018, its name was changed to Dracaena angolensis, but nurseries still call it a Sansevieria.

Like its relative the snake plant, Sansevieria cylindrica is an easy-care plant. But it’s much more versatile. Like lucky bamboo, this plant can be braided to give it a unique appearance. Its leaves layer in the same way that a bowstring hemp (Sansevieria zeylanica) plant’s do.

So let’s talk about the growing tips you’ll need to bring this focal-point plant into your home or garden. You’ll love the “elephant’s toothpick”, as it’s sometimes called. I know I do!

Plant Overview

A shot of several succulents showcasing their elongated columnar leaves, all placed in small black pots in an area indoors


Plant Type Succulent Family Asparagaceae Genus Dracaena angolensis Species Sansevieria cylindrica, synonym Dracaena angolensis	Native Area Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe Exposure Full sun, bright light Height 6’ Watering Requirements Low	Pests & Diseases Vine weevils, mealybugs Maintenance Low Soil Type Well-draining sandy cactus soil Hardiness Zone 10-11

What is Sansevieria Cylindrica?

Sansevieria cylindrica is an evergreen perennial succulent species. Its botanical synonym is Dracaena angolensis. There is also a gorgeous variety called Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’, also known as spear orchid or skyline spear, which has fat, short, cylindrical leaves. Keep an eye out for this one!

Native Area

A shot of a plant, showcasing its tubular leaves that is placed in a small black pot in an area outdoors — The succulent is native to Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Indigenous to Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe, this plant is also called the African spear. In the wild, they often grow in dense stands, spreading by creeping rhizomes under the soil. Adaptable and able to handle neglect, these snake plants are great for beginners.

Characteristics

A close-up shot of a growing succulent showcasing its tubular leaves that is placed in a pink pot along with other plants in an area outdoors — This plant has tubular, columnar, smooth dark green leaves that can produce flowers.

Cylindrical leaves are the hallmark of Sansevieria cylindrica. One of its common names related to other Sansevieria species, cylindrical snake plant, reflects that. These tubular, smooth leaves are dark green in color, some with green-grey variegation.

The Sansevieria cylindrica plant flowers! Cream-white flower spikes may appear on mature plants. Lightly fragrant, they aren’t showy but are enjoyable nonetheless.

Common names include African spear plant, cylindrical snake plant, spear sansevieria, and elephant’s toothpick.

Planting

A shot of several growing succulents in small pots filled with cactus soil mix, all placed on a metal rack in a well lit area outdoors — Select a pot with drainage holes and ensure the plant is not buried too deeply.

To plant Sansevieria cylindrica, select a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent soil blend, to prevent root rot. Choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid water accumulation. When planting, gently position the rhizomes (root structure) just below the soil surface, ensuring the upright cylindrical leaves are secure and not buried too deeply. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so err on the side of caution.

How to Grow

Sansevieria cylindrica is quite a tough plant that can endure even the most extreme conditions. But if you want to see a healthy and elegant looking plant growing in your home, you need to take care of the following requirements.

Light

Although it can withstand very low light conditions, it prefers to grow in plenty of sun and bright light. In the dark, it won’t show too much growth. Placing it near a north-facing window or sheer curtained windows is a good idea. When growing outdoors, it’s best placed in a bright light with shade during the most intense sun in the day. This placement takes advantage of a long growing season and helps the plant survive hot periods.

Water

Due to its drought tolerant nature, it doesn’t require frequent watering. Water once every week during the summer growing season. Make sure the soil is free draining and dries out before you water the next time as wet soil can lead to root rot. If the leaves turn yellow, or get mushy and soft at their base, you’ve overwatered your plant.

During winter, water once a month or when the soil dries completely. Humidity is not a big concern for these plants, but it doesn’t mean that you place them in an extra-humid environment. In fact, it likes good aeration and dry air as long as things don’t get too drafty.

Soil

A shot of a potting mix for succulents or cactus, showcasing its texture that is placed on a shovel with small rocks in the background. — The plant will develop best in well-draining sandy soil or cactus potting mix.

They grow best in a cactus potting mix as it’s fast draining. The plant cannot tolerate a soggy potting medium and it will quickly prove to be fatal. So be careful to grow it in a well-drained sandy soil nourished with peaty compost that does not retain water.

Temperature

A shot of several growing succulents placed in small individual pots in a well lit area — This plant will grow and thrive in dry and hot areas.

The plant naturally grows in hot and dry areas so it will not appreciate cold temperatures. Anything below 50°F (10°C) can be too much for the plant to handle and will result in cold damage. It prefers room temperature and can tolerate mild fluctuations.

Fertilizer

You can feed the plant once a month, spring through fall, with a fertilizer specially made for succulents, mixed at half the recommended strength. Overfeeding the plant can actually kill it, as Sansevieria cylindrica is a light feeder. Don’t feed during winter when growth is slow.

If you like, you can also improve the soil with an organic granular fertilizer as well.

Maintenance

A shot of a person wearing a black dress and white surgical gloves, in the process of repotting a growing succulent to a white pot in a well lit area indoors — Repotting can be done if the succulent is overcrowded or has outgrown the pot.

Sansevieria cylindrica are generally slow growers, especially when placed in low-light conditions. So they will not require repotting for quite a few years. However, if your succulent is overcrowded or outgrown the pot, you should consider repotting it. Ideally, it would be best if you repotted during spring.

Transfer the plant to a container that’s one size larger than the previous one. A wider container is best as this plant grows top heavy. Make sure you give the plant some time to settle in the new container before you can start regular watering. Water sparingly until the plant has adjusted to the new pot.

Sansevieria plants generally don’t require pruning unless you want to do it for cosmetic purposes. However, if you notice a leaf turning yellow you can cut it at the base using pruning shears.

Propagation

An overhead shot of cutting of a succulent showcasing its still intact roots, all placed in an open cardboard box in a well lit area — Propagation for the plants can be done through cuttings or root division.

To propagate Sansevieria cylindrica, understand they grow with rhizomes. They send off runners or offshoots that can be untangled and separated with a sharp knife or blade if you want to propagate the plant. Wait until the stalks of the plant are at least six inches tall before you separate the snake plants and pot them individually.

You can also propagate the plant via leaf cuttings. Take a sharp knife to remove a cluster rosette of leaves from the roots. Knock off the old soil and plant the cutting in a new pot. Just see that the leaf cuttings are at least two to four inches and are planted upright to ensure proper growth.

Common Problems

This popular ornamental houseplant is easy to culture and care for. That’s why they’re preferred by busy home gardeners as they don’t trouble them as such. Here are a few things you need to know in this regard.

Growing Problems

A shot of multiple growing succulents showcasing their columnar and tubular leaves in various, all placed colored pots in a well lit area — Soggy soil, exposure to cold temperature and lack of light can result in several growth issues.

While this is a tough succulent and can thrive on neglect, there’s one exception to the rule – containers should be well-draining. Any growing problem with this plant is usually related to overwatering.

Soggy soil, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, and inadequate light can result in growth problems that may become lethal. Rotting roots with yellowing leaves is normally caused by too much water. If this happens, cut away the healthy part of the plant and repot it.

Pests

A dark, oval-shaped insect with a glossy black surface clings to the camellia branch, characterized by its short, stout body. — Vine weevils are a nuisance to the plant that can be treated with neem oil.

Sansevieria cylindrica is susceptible to get attacked by vine weevils that eat away the edges of the leaves, causing irreversible damage to the plant.

If you notice an adult weevil, you should immediately drench the potting mixture with neem oil or a suitable pesticide. However, if the roots have been significantly damaged, the plant will probably be beyond saving.

Diseases

A green, stemmed plant with elongated leaves is partially uprooted, revealing dark, decayed roots surrounded by clumps of black soil, next to an overturned white planter, all displayed on a light surface with scattered dirt. — This plant mostly suffers from root rot infections.

Sansevieria cylindrica plants are not likely to be affected by diseases. They mostly suffer from fungal infections caused by root rot. These can be treated using fungicides and making sure the soil is free-draining and not kept wet.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is probably because they’re not getting enough sunlight or are constantly placed in a dark location. Place your plant in a spot where it can receive bright filtered sunlight so that it grows normally.

Curling leaves are usually a result of under watering during summers. Although the plant does not appreciate too much water, it’s also not advisable to leave it completely dried out soil for long periods.

Yes, the plant containers poisonous saponins that can cause sickness in your cat. It’s not extremely toxic, but your pet will get a mild reaction so it’s best to keep them out of reach of cats.

It does! That makes it a great plant for the home, and that’s why Sansevieria cylindrica care is so easy.

It grows up to six feet tall and two feet wide.

It thrives on bright, indirect light. Try to avoid direct sun if at all possible, and definitely assure it doesn’t receive hard afternoon sun.

You can. Remove dead and diseased leaves as needed, and use healthy cut leaves to propagate the plant.

You certainly can! This plant is one of the most tolerant of little to no light.

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Sansevieria Cylindrica