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Plant Profiles / Cylindrical snake plant
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Cylindrical snake plant
Dracaena angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica) · African spear, cylinder snake plant
Smooth, round spear-like leaves fan out from the base. Sculptural, near-indestructible and great in modern pots.
Low to bright lightLight
Every 3–4 weeksWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Low to bright light
ShadeFull sun
Grows faster in brighter light.
Water
Every 3–4 weeks
DryWet
Water when fully dry.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
10–35°C (50–95°F)
CoolWarm
Protect below 10°C.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Leaves 60 cm–1 m.
Soil
Cactus and succulent mix
LeanRich
Free-draining mix.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Light feed.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Mildly toxic to pets.
About this plant
From Angola, this snake plant stores water in its cylindrical leaves. Like its flat-leaved relatives it tolerates low light and neglect.
Best spots
Living rooms, offices, bedrooms and shaded balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Dracaena angolensis (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica) |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Origin | Angola |
| Plant type | Succulent |
| Mature size | 60 cm–1 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Occasional white spikes |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Repot
Divide
Fertilise
Water less
RepotDivideFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Soft base | Overwatering. |
| Wrinkled leaves | Underwatering. |
| Falling leaves | Too little light. |
| Brown tips | Normal; trim if desired. |
Common questions
Is it low maintenance?
Very.
Is it pet safe?
No.
Can it live in low light?
Yes.
Are braided ones the same?
Yes, just shaped when young.
