Sansevieria cylindrica

Horn-like leaves distinguish this exceptional houseplant. Wants more light than typical Snake Plant. Suckers to make a colony over time.
Sansevieria cylindricaSansevieria cylindrica
synonyms Dracaena angolensis (current name)
height 2–3ft
width 1–3ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots, Neglect
water
needs
When soil is completely dry.
water
info
Since these cylindrical Sansevierias thrive in almost any light conditions (looking their best in some direct sun or very high light), their watering will reflect where they land on that spectrum. In direct sun they don’t need to go bone dry, and will grow better if they are allowed to go mostly dry, but not bone dry. When pushed into lower light, they’ll want water less often. In moderate to low light they absolutely need to go bone dry between watering.

Shriveling of the leaves (particularly lower old ones) lets you know the plant has been underwatered.

Soggy or slimy lower leaves lets you know the plant has been overwatered and you are risking root rot, if it isn’t already present.
hardy
to
30F
exposure Low Light – Direct Sun
indoor
outdoor
Indoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Africa
sunset
zones
13, 22–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

Indoor Exposure Guide

INDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Direct Sun
Beams of light hitting the plant near a window four or more hours a day. The most intense light. If you're in a direct sun spot, you can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Partial Direct
Occurs when you have a plant that is in less intense direct sunlight. This happens when a plant is in a few hours of direct morning sun, or an hour or less of direct afternoon sun. It also happens when a plant is in direct sun, but more than six feet from a window, where the light is diffused.

Bright Indirect
This is just beyond the direct beam of light (or through cracked blinds or a sheer curtain filtering direct sun). Bright indirect areas are characterized by a place where you can sit and read a novel comfortably without artificial light.

Moderate Indirect
Beyond the bright indirect light. In these areas you wouldn't turn on a light walking through the room, but if you were hanging out there you would probably have the lights on, even during the day.

Low Light
Dim spots, usually the backs of rooms or hallways where you would always turn lights on, even if just walking in to grab something.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Most sansevieria, like this one, are stoloniferous, meaning that they spread by thick underground (or sometimes above ground) shoots called stolons. It’s very easy to propagate your sansevieria by finding a growth point and following the fleshy stolon back to the previous growth point. Cut it there and replant the stolon, with roots and all. Those with above ground stolons can be removed and planted once you see roots forming along the stolons.

Special Interest

Occasionally Sansevierias bloom with delicate waxy flowers that have a strong pleasing scent.

More Info

Photo of this plant in habitat taken by our own Tyson Curtis in Zimbabwe.