Cylindrical snake plant (Sansevieria cylindrica)

Also known as: Bowstring hemp, Spear sansevieria, Dagger plant, Devil's tongue, Saint Barbara sword

The Cylindrical Snake Plant (Sansevieria cylindrica) is a robust succulent that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. It features slender, upright, striped leaves that resemble a snake. This plant is particularly hardy, thriving in low-light environments and adapting well to dry, sunny conditions with well-drained soil.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Cylindrical snake plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink

Images of Cylindrical snake plant

Quickly Identify Cylindrical snake plant

Cylindrical gray-green leaves, 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) long and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide.

Thin grooves and dark green banding on leaves with pointed tips.

Flower spike up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall with pink-budded white flowers.

Succulent profile with open, candelabrum-like fans from underground rhizome.

Scientific Classification of Cylindrical snake plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagus and allies

Family

Asparagus

Genus

Snake plants

Species

Cylindrical snake plant

Planting and Growing of Cylindrical snake plant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Cylindrical snake plant?

Sansevieria cylindrica prefers being under-watered rather than over-watered. When you do water, ensure it's thorough but sparse. Use about 200 ml of water until it starts to drain out of the pot’s bottom, ensuring proper soil saturation.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Cylindrical snake plant? ›

What should I do if my Cylindrical snake plant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Cylindrical snake plant? ›

How to save an overwatered Cylindrical snake plant? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cylindrical snake plant?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Sansevieria cylindrica flourishes best with partial sun, balancing bright indirect sunlight for 4 to 6 hours daily. This ideal range ensures optimum growth, leaf vibrancy, and overall health, resembling the plant's natural growth conditions.

Optimal Sunlight Exposure ›

Solving Low Light Issues ›

Benefits of Adequate Light ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Cylindrical snake plant?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Sansevieria cylindrica thrives best in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F. This range emulates the natural warm conditions that the plant generally experiences in its native habitat. Keeping the plant within these temperatures helps maintain its metabolic processes and overall health.

What Soil is Best for Cylindrical snake plant?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Sansevieria cylindrica thrives in well-drained soil because it helps prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape easily. The plant's roots prefer not to sit in water, which can lead to decay and diseases. This plant prefers soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range, from 6.5 to 7.5, as this helps optimize nutrient uptake and keeps the plant healthy and vibrant. An aerated soil structure is essential for providing adequate oxygen to the roots. This condition supports healthy root development and facilitates better absorption of water and nutrients. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Cylindrical snake plant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as cylindrical snake plant, requires a balanced approach to fertilization. You should use a diluted liquid fertilizer, mixing it to half the strength recommended by the manufacturer. This helps prevent nutrient burn while ensuring the plant gets the right amount of nutrients. A small dose once every two weeks is generally sufficient.

How to Prune Cylindrical snake plant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by identifying any damaged, diseased, or dying leaves and carefully remove them using sharp, sterile shears. This ensures the plant's overall health. Then, trim away any excessively long leaves to maintain the desired shape. Remember to cut at an angle to encourage proper new growth.

How to Propagate Cylindrical snake plant plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Choose healthy leaves or offsets for cuttings. Using a sterilized knife, cut sections carefully. Let the cuttings dry for a few days before planting, allowing calluses to form over the cut surfaces.

Plant the prepared cuttings into potting soil, ensuring they are upright and stable. Dig small holes to place the cuttings gently and then cover them with soil, pressing lightly to secure.

After planting, water the cuttings lightly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Place them in indirect sunlight to encourage root development without scorching the plant.

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How to Repot Cylindrical snake plant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The best time to repot your Sansevieria cylindrica is during its growing seasons, spring and summer. Indicators that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage hole or the soil not retaining moisture as it used to. A crowded pot can stunt growth, so observe the plant's root system and pot stability regularly.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring that it has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating. A terracotta pot can be beneficial as it wicks away moisture and prevents overwatering—one of the common problems with Sansevieria cylindrica.

Opt for a soil that offers excellent drainage, such as a cactus mix or a blend of regular potting soil with sand or perlite. This type of soil prevents waterlogging, ensuring that the roots receive necessary air circulation and are not prone to rot.

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Toxicity of Cylindrical snake plant

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to cat?

The cylindrical snake plant poses a toxicity risk to cats. If a cat accidentally ingests any portion of the plant, it may experience physical discomfort, suggesting a possible poisoning situation. Every part of the cylindrical snake plant is poisonous and can endanger a cat's well-being. Therefore, it is crucial that if a cat shows symptoms of sickness following any interaction with the cylindrical snake plant, immediate veterinary care is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Is Cylindrical snake plant toxic to dog?

The cylindrical snake plant is deemed toxic to dogs. Ingestion of any part of this plant can result in poisoning. Dogs might inadvertently consume portions of the cylindrical snake plant out of curiosity or due to a lack of other engaging activities. The plant, encompassing leaves, stems, and roots, poses a toxic threat and can provoke adverse reactions in dogs. Symptoms indicating poisoning from the cylindrical snake plant may encompass vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or even more severe manifestations depending on the quantity ingested and the size of the dog. It is essential for dog owners to remain alert and prevent their pets from coming into contact with the cylindrical snake plant. If ingestion is suspected, prompt veterinary care is vital to safeguard the health and well-being of the affected dog.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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