The Snake Plant Round, scientifically known as Sansevieria cylindrica or Dracaena angolensis, stands out as a favored houseplant due to its distinctive appearance and straightforward care requirements. This succulent, often called African Spear Plant or Cylindrical Snake Plant, features unique cylindrical, spear-like leaves that create a modern, sculptural aesthetic. Its adaptability and minimal needs make it an appealing choice for both novice plant enthusiasts and those with busy lifestyles.
What Makes Snake Plant Round Unique
The Snake Plant Round is distinguished by its stiff, upright, cylindrical leaves, which contrast with the flat foliage of other snake plant varieties. These leaves, typically gray-green with subtle banding, grow vertically, resembling spears reaching skyward. Its unique form allows for creative arrangements, such as the popular “braided” or “fan” shapes, making it a striking focal point in various indoor settings.
Essential Care for Snake Plant Round
Caring for a Snake Plant Round primarily involves understanding its preferences to avoid common pitfalls like overwatering. Providing the right environment ensures its continued health and distinctive appearance.
Light
The Snake Plant Round adapts to a range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. For optimal growth and to maintain its vibrant color, bright, indirect sunlight is preferable. Placing the plant near a window where sunlight is filtered, perhaps through a curtain, offers ideal conditions. While it can survive in lower light, growth may be slower, and direct, intense afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering
Overwatering presents the most significant threat to the Snake Plant Round, often leading to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Check the top few inches of soil; if it feels dry, then it is time to water. During cooler winter months, the plant’s growth slows, requiring a significant reduction in watering frequency, perhaps to once a month or less.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is essential for the Snake Plant Round. A cactus or succulent potting mix is an excellent choice, or you can amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Pots must have drainage holes. This plant prefers being somewhat root-bound, so repotting is only necessary every two to three years, or when roots are visibly growing through the drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
The Snake Plant Round thrives in average room temperatures, between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C). It tolerates typical household humidity levels and does not require additional misting. Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as cold drafts can cause damage.
Fertilizing
The Snake Plant Round is not a heavy feeder. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied once or twice. Fertilizing sparingly prevents the buildup of excess nutrients in the soil. Withhold fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows.
Propagating Your Snake Plant Round
Propagating the Snake Plant Round allows for expanding your collection or sharing with others, with two primary methods proving effective.
Leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings create new plants from existing foliage. Sections of a healthy cylindrical leaf, typically 3 to 4 inches long, can be cut and allowed to form a callus for a few days to a week. Once calloused, these sections can be rooted in water or planted directly into well-draining soil, ensuring the correct end is inserted downwards. New growth from variegated leaves may lose its original markings, and the cylindrical shape might not always be retained.
Division
Division is another method, particularly effective for maintaining the plant’s characteristics. This involves separating “pups” or rhizomes from the mother plant, often during repotting. Each separated section should have a portion of roots attached. These divisions can then be potted individually in well-draining soil.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The Snake Plant Round is resilient, but occasional issues can arise, indicating a need to adjust care practices.
Yellowing or mushy leaves
Yellowing or mushy leaves indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings and ensure adequate pot drainage. Brown leaf tips suggest underwatering, low humidity, or a buildup of salts from tap water. Increase watering slightly or use filtered water.
Stunted growth or a general lack of vigor
Stunted growth points to insufficient light, though it can also rarely indicate a nutrient deficiency. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location encourages healthier growth. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect the plant. Inspect regularly and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.