Understanding Cylindrical Snake Plant: Basic Care Requirements

The cylindrical snake plant, botanically known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a stunning low maintenance houseplant. Its long, tubular, greenish-grey leaves are so beautiful. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these succulents have more to offer. 

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, snake plants are excellent air purifiers. They are good at removing toxins like formaldehyde from indoor environments. Other benefits include sleep improvement and mood boost.

I love cylindrical snake plants because of their vertical, compact growth. It makes them fit well in small spaces such as tabletops. They also thrive in low-maintenance settings like offices or apartments.

Here are the key features of cylindrical snake plants.

Botanical name	Sansevieria cylindrica (Dracaena angolensis)
Common names	Cylindrical snake plant, African spear
Plant type	Succulent
Mature size	4-6 feet tall
Native habitat	Angola in Southern Africa
Bloom time	Early spring
Flower color	White, pale pink
Soil type	Well-draining (cactus or succulent mix)
Hardiness	USDA Zones 10-11
Toxicity	Toxic to pets and humans when ingested

Basic care requirements

Caring for a cylindrical snake plant involves understanding its light, water, soil, temperature, and maintenance needs. Addressing potential issues like pests or overwatering is also important. Below is a detailed guide on how to care for this resilient plant.

Light Requirements

Cylindrical snake plants can adapt to a range of lighting conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light environments. This makes them suitable for various indoor spaces. 

Place your plant near a north- or east-facing window for optimal indirect sunlight. This plant can also handle a prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight but may cause leaf scorching, especially in hotter climates. 

In low-light conditions, such as a dimly lit corner, the plant can still survive but will grow more slowly. If you notice the leaves becoming pale or losing their vibrant green color, consider moving it to a brighter spot or supplementing it with a grow light.

For outdoor settings, direct sun can be too intense. So, ensure the plant is in a partially shaded area. Remember to rotate the pot every few weeks to promote even growth. This will prevent the leaves from leaning toward the light.

Watering Needs

Watering is one of the most critical aspects of caring for a cylindrical snake plant. Always avoid overwatering, as this is the leading cause of root rot. These plants store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, which makes them highly drought-tolerant. 

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In practice, this typically means watering every 2–4 weeks, depending on the season, light, and humidity levels. During the growing season (spring and summer), water when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

In fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 4–6 weeks. During this dormancy period, the plant’s growth slows. Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering. If you’re unsure whether to water, it’s better to stay on the side of underwatering. 

When watering, direct water to the soil near the root zone. Avoid splashing water on the center of the plant where the leaves emerge because it can lead to rot. Additionally, ensure the pot has drainage holes, and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Soil and potting

The right soil mix is essential for a healthy cylindrical snake plant. As a succulent, it requires well-draining soil to prevent moisture buildup. Excess moisture in the soil is the leading cause of root rot and other fungal problems. 

A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. If you’re making your own mix, combine two parts potting soil with one part coarse sand and one part perlite. Avoid heavy, water-retaining soils like those designed for tropical plants.

You should also choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous. This helps in wicking away moisture, thus reducing the risk of overwatering. 

Repot your cylindrical snake plant every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. You’ll notice if roots start poking out of the drainage holes. When repotting, select a pot only slightly larger than the current one, as too much extra soil can retain excess moisture.

Temperature and Humidity

Cylindrical snake plants prefer warm conditions. They typically thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C–29°C). However, they can tolerate brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but are not frost-tolerant. So, keep them indoors or in a protected area if you live in a region with cold winters. 

In indoor settings, avoid placing the plant near drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating sources. Extreme temperature fluctuations can stress it.

Humidity is not a significant concern for snake plants. They do well in average household humidity levels (30–50%). In very dry climates, occasional misting can help, but it’s not necessary. 

Fertilizing

Cylindrical snake plants are not heavy feeders.  During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize once a month with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, mixed at half strength. 

Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. If you notice leaf tips browning or yellowing, it could be a sign of salt buildup. So, flush the soil with water and reduce feeding.

Pruning and maintenance

Minimal pruning is required for cylindrical snake plants. Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves by cutting them at the base. Be sure to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also prevents pest infestations.

Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust. Lint can block light absorption and affect photosynthesis.

Sometimes the plant’s cylindrical leaves can become top-heavy, especially if it’s not receiving even light.  If the plant starts to lean, stake it gently with a bamboo stick and rotate the pot regularly to encourage balanced growth. 

Propagation

Propagating a cylindrical snake plant is straightforward. It can be done through division or leaf cuttings. The main difference between the two is time. Division is faster and more reliable, while leaf cuttings require more patience.

For division, remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each section has roots and a few leaves. Replant these divisions in their own pots with well-draining soil. 

For leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf into 3–4-inch sections. Let them callus over for a day or two, and plant the cut end in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy) until roots develop. This can take 4–8 weeks. 

Pests and common problems

Cylindrical snake plants are relatively pest-resistant. However, they can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. Inspect the leaves regularly, especially in the crevices where leaves meet the soil.

White cottony spots indicate mealybugs, and fine webbing can be spider mites. Treat infestations promptly by wiping the leaves with a cloth dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. You can also apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering, as it can attract fungus gnats.

Other problems include yellowing leaves, which usually result from overwatering. Underwatering, low humidity, and fertilizer burns may cause brown or crispy tips. If detected, adjust care accordingly, and trim affected areas to maintain the plant’s appearance. 

Root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage, is a serious issue. It stops the plant from taking up important supplies, including water and nutrients.  If you suspect rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim away soft or blackened roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.

Wrinkled leaves indicate underwatering or low humidity. Water lightly and monitor soil moisture. Wrinkled leaves can also be a sign of heat stress. Relocate the plant or protect it from intensive direct sunlight or any other heat source.

Toxicity and safety

Cylindrical snake plants are mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of cats, dogs, or young children. If you’re handling the plant extensively, such as during repotting, wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the sap.

Final thought

Cylindrical snake plant is easy to grow and care for. It needs minimal but thoughtful care. Provide bright indirect light, infrequent watering, well-draining soil, and occasional inspection for pests.

With the right care, your plant can thrive for years, adding a touch of greenery with minimal effort.