The Starfish Snake Plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’, is a distinctive and popular succulent. Its unique cylindrical leaves, which often fan out resembling a starfish, make it a captivating addition to indoor plant collections. This plant is widely appreciated for its striking appearance and its general resilience, making it a favored choice for many plant enthusiasts. While known for its robust nature and low maintenance, a lesser-known aspect of this plant is its ability to produce flowers, an event that, while rare, can be quite a surprise for owners.
Understanding the Flower
When the Starfish Snake Plant blooms, it produces flowers that emerge on a tall, slender stalk, often reaching up to three feet in height. These delicate blooms are typically pale green to white, sometimes exhibiting subtle pink streaks. The individual flowers are small and tubular, presenting an intricate display along the raceme. A notable characteristic of these flowers is their fragrance, which is often described as sweet or strong, particularly noticeable during the evening hours. As the flowers develop, they can also produce a sticky, nectar-like substance.
Why Starfish Snake Plants Flower
Flowering in a Starfish Snake Plant, particularly when grown indoors, often signals that the plant has reached a certain level of maturity or is experiencing specific environmental conditions. While not easily forced, a combination of optimal growing conditions over an extended period can encourage blooming. Factors such as consistent bright, indirect light, appropriate watering that allows the soil to dry between sessions, and stable temperatures can contribute to the plant’s overall health and readiness to flower. Paradoxically, some sources suggest that mild stress, such as being slightly root-bound or experiencing a period of reduced watering, can sometimes trigger a bloom response. However, it is important to note that flowering is not a regular occurrence and can take years to happen.
Managing the Flowering Process
If your Starfish Snake Plant produces a flower stalk, you will notice sticky, sweet-smelling nectar. This natural exudate can be cleaned from surfaces with a damp cloth if it becomes problematic. Generally, it is safe to allow the flower stalk to remain on the plant for enjoyment while it is in bloom. Once the flowers fade and the stalk begins to dry, you can choose to remove it. You may use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the stalk close to the base of the plant. The plant typically expends a significant amount of energy into producing flowers, so its growth may slow down or pause slightly after the blooming period. It is generally not necessary to make significant changes to the plant’s routine care during or immediately after flowering.