The “Baby Nami” plant (Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’) is a popular indoor succulent known for its distinctive, compact architectural appeal. Also called Starfish Sansevieria, African Spear Plant, or Cylindrical Snake Plant, its striking form and thick, upright foliage add a modern, sculptural element to any space. Its popularity comes from its captivating appearance and its reputation as a resilient, easy-to-care-for houseplant, making it a favored choice for both novice and experienced plant parents.
Understanding Baby Nami
The Baby Nami plant, a cultivar of Sansevieria cylindrica (now Dracaena), belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Native to West Africa, specifically Angola, it thrives in arid conditions. This plant is distinguished by its short, plump, cylindrical leaves that emerge from a central base, spreading outwards in a fan-like or rosette pattern, reminiscent of a starfish.
Its leaves are thick, stiff, and pointed, often displaying variegated patterns of dark green with lighter green or pale yellow bands. While the larger Sansevieria cylindrica can grow quite tall, the ‘Boncel’ cultivar remains compact, reaching a height of 8 to 20 inches, with individual leaves growing 8 to 12 inches long. This compact size makes it appealing as a tabletop or shelf plant.
Baby Nami Plant Care
Caring for the Baby Nami plant is low-maintenance. Providing the right environment supports its healthy development.
Light Needs
Baby Nami plants prefer bright, indirect light for best coloration. An east or west-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal. They tolerate lower light, but growth may slow, and leaf markings could become less pronounced. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and cause yellowing or brown tips.
Watering
Overwatering is the most common issue for Baby Nami plants, quickly leading to root rot. As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and rhizomes, requiring infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger several inches deep or using a moisture meter. During cooler winter months, reduce watering significantly, sometimes to once a month or less, as the plant’s growth slows.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for Baby Nami to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended due to its coarse, fast-draining nature. These mixes contain amendments like perlite, coarse sand, or gravel, which enhance drainage and aeration. Avoid standard potting soils that retain too much moisture, especially those with high peat content, as peat can compact and hinder drainage. Using a pot with ample drainage holes, such as an unglazed terra cotta pot, further supports proper drying and air circulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Baby Nami plants prefer warm indoor temperatures, ranging between 70°F and 90°F (21-32°C). They are not tolerant of cold and can suffer damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods. Protect them from cold drafts, such as those near open windows or air conditioning vents. Baby Nami is adaptable to average household humidity levels, between 40-60%. They do not require high humidity and can be susceptible to fungal issues if the air is consistently too moist.
Fertilizing
Baby Nami plants have minimal fertilizing needs, adapted to low-nutrient environments. Fertilization is beneficial during their active growing season, from spring through early fall. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 2-2-2 NPK ratio), diluted to half or quarter strength, is sufficient. Apply fertilizer once every four to six weeks during this period to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant, and refrain from over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt buildup and harm the roots.
Repotting Baby Nami
Baby Nami plants prefer to be somewhat root-bound and do not require frequent repotting. Repotting is needed only every two to three years, or when signs indicate the plant has outgrown its container, such as roots emerging from drainage holes, the plant becoming top-heavy, or the pot cracking.
The optimal time to repot is during spring, aligning with the plant’s active growing period. Select a pot only one size larger than the current one, about two inches wider in diameter. This prevents the plant from sitting in an excessively large volume of soil, which could retain too much moisture. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen any compacted roots, and replant it in fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Propagating Baby Nami
Propagating the Baby Nami plant is most commonly done by division. This involves separating offsets, called “pups,” that emerge from the base of the mature plant, growing from underground rhizomes connected to the parent.
To propagate by division, carefully unpot the plant and gently separate the pups from the mother plant, ensuring each new section has roots attached. These offsets can then be planted into their own pots with well-draining soil. Leaf cuttings are an alternative, but they are slower, and the resulting plants may not always retain the distinctive fan-shaped ‘Boncel’ form as reliably as those grown from division. For leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf into 3-4 inch segments, allow to callus for a few days, then place in moist, well-draining soil until roots and new growth appear.
Troubleshooting Common Baby Nami Issues
Baby Nami plants are resilient, but issues can arise from improper care.
Yellowing or mushy leaves
Yellowing or mushy leaves indicate overwatering. The plant’s succulent nature makes its roots susceptible to rot in soggy soil. To address this, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil completely dries out between applications. If severe, unpot the plant to inspect and prune any soft, dark, or decaying roots before repotting in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Wrinkled or shriveled leaves
Wrinkled or shriveled leaves can suggest severe underwatering or too much direct sun. While drought-tolerant, prolonged neglect impacts leaf turgidity. Increase watering slightly, ensuring thorough saturation, and move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light.
Pest infestations
Pest infestations are rare for Baby Nami plants, but they can be affected by common houseplant pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Regularly inspecting leaves, especially during watering, helps in early detection. If pests are present, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol for mealybugs can be effective. Ensuring the plant is healthy helps it resist and recover from minor pest issues.