Cylindrical Snake or Cylindrical African Spear plant used to be known scientifically as Sansevieria Cylindrica and now its scientific name is Dracaena angolensis. It is a perennial succulent plant that is native to Angola. It was previously classified as part of the Sansevieria genus but is now part of Dracaena.
General information
Cylindrical African Spear plant has striped, elongate, smooth, greenish-gray subcylindrical leaves. The plant can grow up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) and have a 2 feet (60 centimeters) mature width. The stiff leaves of the plant grow from a basal rosette, forming a fan-shaped plant. As the leaves mature and the lighting changes, they arch into a lovely spray. Failure of expressing genes causes the cylindrical bud to differentiate dorsoventrally or form a unique and familiar top and bottom surface to the leaf blade. The species has subcylindrical rather than strap-shaped leaves. The greenish-white tubular blooms are 3 centimeters (1 inch) long and tinged with pink. Also, according to ASPCA, snake plants (Sansevieria genus) are toxic to cats and dogs, so this includes this plant too. Therefore, you better put this plant where your pets cannot reach it.
How to Care for Dracaena angolensis
Sunlight: Although Dracaena angolensis can survive in extremely low light, it likes bright light and plenty of suns. Don’t worry if you relocate your plant outside for the summer; it can handle the heat. To avoid scorching on its leaves, locate the plant to direct sunshine gradually. Scorch marks appear as gray or brown areas on the skin. When kept in a dark place, this houseplant won’t grow much. So pick a good spot for it! If you want this plant to thrive, you can place it in a window that faces south.
Watering: Between waterings, this plant wants to dry out almost entirely. While it is growing, water thoroughly and allow the potting material to almost dry out before watering again. You can wait even longer before watering a plant once it has established itself. If you’re not sure, don’t water. Overwatering can cause root rot and yellowing of the foliage. Also, Snake plants may go for weeks without being watered. So, it should be enough to do it every other week.
Humidity: Humidity isn’t an issue for this plant, therefore it doesn’t need to be kept in a particularly humid environment. A room with an average relative humidity of 40% or less is enough. It can really handle dry air as long as it isn’t too drafty, so keep it away from air vents and drafts.
Temperature: This plant does not like cold temperatures because it naturally grows in hot, arid climates. Room temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) are fine.
During the summer, the plant can be kept outside, but it should not be exposed to temperatures below 55.5 °F (13 °C).
Soil Type: When it comes to planting, this plant, like all succulents, has some unique requirements. It prefers fast and well-draining potting soil, preferably sandy soil or good cactus soil. Unless there is some additional drainage, regular potting soils frequently retain too much water and in damp soil, snake plants do not thrive.
Fertilizer: During the spring and summer, when it grows, you can fertilize every other watering. It can be fertilized with any all-purpose fertilizer, however, a succulent fertilizer is the best choice.
Propagation: The best option for propagation is by division. Separate the “pups” (offsets) that grow at the base of the parent plant to propagate your plant. It’s simple to divide them! Just turn the pot on its side and carefully remove the plant. Cut off the offsets with a sharp knife and plant them up separately.
Common Problems
Vine weevils: Vine weevils may nibble away at the edges of the leaves.
Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot or other fungal infections.
Suggestions for problems
Vine weevils can cause a lot of irreversible problems for your plant. You can get rid of the adult ones by using neem oil. However, even though it is unlikely, weevils can target the roots. In that case, your plant will probably be beyond saving.
You can wait in between waterings to make sure that you do not overwater your plant. Since it can tolerate drought for a couple of days, your plant will be perfectly fine!
Do I remove the tall beige seedy stems that have shot up.
I’ve had my plant 7 years and this the first time they have sprung up?j higgs