Cylindrical snake plants are popular houseplants, known for their unique aesthetic and adaptability. Their upright, tubular leaves add a distinctive, modern touch to indoor spaces. Easy to care for, they appeal to both seasoned plant collectors and beginners.
Defining Cylindrical Snake Plants
Cylindrical snake plants, classified under the genus Dracaena (formerly Sansevieria), are characterized by their distinctive tubular or pencil-like leaves. These leaves grow vertically, often tapering to a sharp point, resembling spears. Common names include African Spear or Cylindrical Mother-in-Law’s Tongue.
These succulents are known for their resilience and architectural appeal. Their upright growth and minimalist lines make them popular for contemporary interior design. Native to arid regions of Africa, they are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Popular Cylindrical Snake Plant Varieties
Several cylindrical snake plant varieties offer distinct visual characteristics. Dracaena angolensis (often called Sansevieria cylindrica) is the foundational type, featuring long, stiff, subcylindrical leaves that can reach 4 to 7 feet. These leaves are typically grayish-green with subtle dark green banding.
‘Boncel’ is a popular, compact cultivar of Sansevieria cylindrica. Its fat, short leaves grow in a fan-like or radial rosette, giving it a unique, stubby appearance. The leaves are stiff, cylindrical, smooth, and display light and dark green bands.
The ‘Starfish’ variety, often referred to as Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’ ‘Starfish’, forms a fan-shaped rosette of cylindrical, gray-green leaves, mottled with dark green patterns. It is known for its starfish-like shape when viewed from above and its compact size, typically maturing around 16 inches tall.
‘Patens’ leaves tend to grow outward and arch downwards, differing from the typical upright habit. The ‘Spaghetti’ cultivar has exceptionally thin, long, and slender cylindrical leaves that can reach 2-3 feet tall, creating a spiky, noodle-like appearance. These leaves maintain the typical green to gray coloration with horizontal striations.
Identifying Different Cylindrical Varieties
Distinguishing cylindrical snake plant varieties relies on observing leaf structure and growth habit. The standard Dracaena angolensis (or Sansevieria cylindrica) typically presents as individual, upright, spear-like leaves that grow tall and straight. Its leaves are generally thicker and more robust than other cultivars.
In contrast, the ‘Boncel’ variety is identifiable by its compact, fan-shaped arrangement of leaves. Its cylindrical leaves are shorter and stouter, spreading from a central point rather than growing vertically. The ‘Starfish’ cultivar shares this fan-like, rosette growth, with its cylindrical leaves radiating outward like a starfish.
The ‘Patens’ variety is recognized by its growth pattern where leaves visibly arch or bend outwards and downwards as they mature, creating a more sprawling form. For the ‘Spaghetti’ cultivar, the key identifying feature is its thin, elongated cylindrical leaves, which are more slender and often appear more numerous than those of other varieties. These differences in leaf thickness, arrangement, and overall plant shape help differentiate these popular cylindrical snake plant types.
Caring for Your Cylindrical Snake Plant
Cylindrical snake plants require minimal care. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but tolerate lower light conditions, though growth may be slower. Avoid direct afternoon sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During warmer months, watering every 2-3 weeks is typically sufficient, reducing to about once a month in winter. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one formulated for cacti or succulents, to ensure proper drainage. These plants prefer average to warm room temperatures (60°F-85°F / 15°C-29°C) and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).