Dracaena angolensis

Common Names

Cylindrical Snake Plant, Spear Sansevieria, African Spear Plant, African Spear, Saint Bárbara Sword, Brazil Saint Bárbara Sword, Mother-in-Law's Tongue

Summary

The cylindrical snake plant, also called African spear, is an evergreen succulent native to Angola with striped elongated leaves that form a basal rosette and arch into a fan-shaped display; leaves are upright and cylindrical with pointed tips, and greenish-white tubular flowers with a pink tinge may appear.

Prefers bright indirect light but tolerates lower light; thrives in well-draining sandy or cactus mix and is drought-tolerant, needing watering only after the soil dries; propagation is by division, and it can be used as an easy interiorscape plant with air-purifying foliage; outdoor use is suitable in warm climates (hardiness zones 10–11) and stems can be braided for decorative effect; avoid overwatering and cold; toxic to pets if ingested and sap can irritate skin; pests such as vine weevils and mealybugs may occur.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-7 feet

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun and partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to alkaline, including neutral

Bloom Color

Greenish-white with a pink tinge

Bloom Time

Summer, Winter

Foliage Color

Green, gray-green, greenish-gray, light green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings (stem and leaf cuttings), Layering