Sansevieria cylindrica
Family: Asparagaceae, formerly Agavaceae​
​Common Name: African spear plant
Origin: Sansevieria cylindrica originates from Angola, Southern Africa, and commonly forms dense colonies in the wild.
Description: S. cylindrica is an evergreen succulent that develops strap-shaped, stiff leaves from a basal rosette. The leaves are rounded and sharp tipped, growing up to 7 feet (2.1 m) in height. Underground, the plant spreads via rhizomes, developing numerous aggregations both near and far from the parent plant.
​During winter to spring, pink buds may emerge from a spiked raceme, followed by greenish-white flowers, tubular and tinged pink. While younger plants are more likely to bloom, long flower spikes may appear erratically on mature plants, occasionally followed by orange berries.
  • Interesting Features:
    • When young, the stalks of the African spear plant can be braided and tied together to create an interesting design.
    • S. cylindrica is mildly toxic if ingested and should be kept away from children and pets.
    • At the same time, however, some Sansevieria species can be used as air purifiers, acting as a cure for “sick building syndrome”.
  • Uses: A fiber can be made from the African snake plant’s leaves and is useful for creating deep sea dredging ropes.
    • Additionally, the species exhibits pharmaceutical ability, possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Moderate
    • Water moderately during the summer growing season, about once every two weeks. During the winter, limit irrigation to once a month.
    • Ensure that the soil is allowed to completely dry in between waterings, and do not allow the leaves to become wet, as this can lead to rot.
  • Soil: Provide Sansevieria cylindrica with sandy well-draining cactus soil supplemented with peaty compost, and maintain a pH between 6 and 7.
  • Lighting: The African spear plant prefers bright and direct sunlight, but care should be taken to avoid overly intense light, which can lead to yellowing leaves.
    • Additionally, while this species can tolerate partial to complete shade, plants will suffer reduced growth in dark conditions.
  • Propagation: Underground rhizomes are the main method of propagation, but S. cylindrica can also be propagated by dividing tubers, corms, or bulbs; through leaf cuttings; and by planting seeds.
  • Cold Tolerance: 40°F, USDA hardiness zone 11.
  • Special Accommodations: Sansevieria cylindrica should be repotted as necessary during the spring, and cultivated in a wide pot, as plants are top-heavy.
    • Feed during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength, and cease feeding in winter.
    • S. cylindrica is a tough species and will grow readily, provided that overwatering and freezing are avoided.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Succulents
  2. Plants Rescue
  3. Sublime Succulents
  4. World of Succulents
  5. Garden Beast
  6. Epic Gardening
  7. The Spruce
  8. Useful Tropical Plants
  9. US National Library of Medicine
  10. Dave’s Garden