African Spear

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Flower Color: greenish-white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear) – A Sculptural, Low-Maintenance Succulent for Arizona Homes and Offices

Sansevieria cylindrica, commonly known as the African Spear, is a distinctive succulent native to Angola in southern Africa. This popular member of the Sansevieria family is renowned for its long, cylindrical leaves and hardy nature, making it an ideal plant for indoor environments.

Key Features of Sansevieria cylindrica:

• Unique, Cylindrical Leaves: The African Spear is characterized by its round, spear-like leaves, which grow in an upright, sculptural form. These dark green leaves often have lighter green striping, creating a striking vertical element in home or office spaces.
• Compact Growth: This plant typically grows to 2 to 3 feet in height, with a spread of around 2 feet, making it a great choice for indoor spaces where vertical greenery is desired.
• Air-Purifying Qualities: Sansevieria cylindrica is known for its air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins from the air and contributing to a cleaner indoor environment.

Perfect for Low-Light Indoor Spaces

The African Spear thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions, making it a versatile choice for various indoor locations. It can handle some direct sunlight, though too much sun exposure can cause leaf scorch.

• Minimal Maintenance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for busy lifestyles or beginner plant owners. Simply allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Sculptural & Modern Appeal: With its spear-like leaves and vertical growth, the African Spear adds a modern, architectural touch to homes, offices, or indoor gardens.

Why Choose Sansevieria cylindrica for Your Arizona Space?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for low-water-use indoor environments, the African Spear thrives in bright, indirect light with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona homes and offices.
• Air-Purifying Qualities: Known for its ability to remove toxins from the air, the African Spear contributes to a healthier indoor environment while adding visual interest.
• Low-Maintenance: With its minimal care requirements, the African Spear is perfect for those with busy schedules or who are new to plant care.

Blooming and Care

While Sansevieria cylindrica can bloom with greenish-white flowers, flowering is rare, especially when grown indoors. The plant’s sculptural foliage is the main attraction, offering a striking visual element in modern interior designs. To keep the plant healthy, water sparingly and ensure well-drained soil to avoid overwatering and root rot.

Planting & Care Tips

Sansevieria cylindrica thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light conditions, making it a versatile choice for indoor locations. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. This plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires little attention, making it a low-maintenance option for indoor gardening.

The Sansevieria cylindrica (African Spear) is a modern, low-maintenance succulent that adds both beauty and functionality to Arizona indoor spaces. Its spear-like leaves, drought tolerance, and air-purifying properties make it a valuable addition to homes and offices in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): African Spear

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (avoid heavy, clay-based soils)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for growth and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking is required; the African Spear is self-supporting, but it may need occasional adjustment during strong winds while young.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting, ensuring the root ball and surrounding soil are saturated
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide about 1 inch of water per session, ensuring deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: The African Spear is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have grown into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, water every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks, depending on rainfall. The African Spear can tolerate dry conditions during dormancy, so it needs very little water in winter.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: The African Spear is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Use a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but avoid letting the mulch touch the plant's stem.