Cylindrical snake plant care guide
Dracaena angolensis
Also known as: African spear, Sansevieria cylindrica
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Saponins in the cylindrical leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Cylindrical snake plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 14 days
- Water thoroughly only once the soil has dried all the way through, as a guide; the cylindrical leaves store water, so it shrugs off drought.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 20 days
- As it cools, water about a week after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- Keep it almost dry, moistening the soil lightly about once a month on a warm day.
Light and placement for Cylindrical snake plant
Generally best by a bright window with light through a sheer curtain; it wants more light than the common snake plant, growing thin and bent in a dark spot, and midsummer sun can scorch it.
Overwintering Cylindrical snake plant
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide keep it indoors above about 10°C; kept dry it tolerates around 5°C, so place it in a bright spot in a warm room away from cold windows and hold back water until spring.
Fertilizing and repotting Cylindrical snake plant
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September is plenty; generally feed lightly, since too much makes the leaves soft.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Cylindrical snake plant
- Winter watering rots the roots and the leaf bases turn mushy.
- In poor light the leaves grow thin and bent and the plant splays and topples.
- Cold wrinkles and blackens the leaves.
Tips for growing Cylindrical snake plant
- The leaf tips are sharp, so mind them when placing or handling the plant.
- Braided or fan-shaped plants need the same care once their roots are established.
- The roots can crack a pot, so divide the plant every two to three years.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
