African Spear Plant

The African Spear Plant is a popular and striking succulent, often grown as a houseplant for its unique, sculptural form. Its scientific name is Dracaena angolensis, but it was formerly and is still widely known as Sansevieria cylindrica.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: The plant is characterized by its long, upright, rigid, cylindrical leaves that grow in a fan-like or spreading pattern from a central rhizome. The leaves are a grey-green color with subtle horizontal stripes and can grow to several feet in height. Some cultivated varieties are sold with their leaves braided together, a practice that doesn’t harm the plant but will eventually be outgrown as new, straight leaves emerge.
• Growth Habit: It’s a slow-growing, rhizomatous perennial. The cylindrical shape of its leaves is an adaptation to dry climates, as it reduces the surface area and minimizes water loss.
• Flowers: The African Spear Plant can produce a tall, slender flower stalk with small, fragrant, and tubular white or pink-tinged flowers. These blooms are not common in indoor settings.
• Toxicity: Like many plants in the Dracaena genus, the African Spear Plant is mildly toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, if ingested. It can cause symptoms like vomiting and stomach upset.

Care and Growing Conditions

The African Spear Plant is incredibly low-maintenance and is an excellent choice for beginner plant enthusiasts or those who tend to forget to water.

• Light: It is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. While it can survive in low light, it will grow much more slowly. For the best growth, provide it with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Soil: As a succulent, it requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal, or you can amend standard potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Watering: This is the most crucial aspect of its care. The plant is drought-tolerant and stores water in its leaves. Overwatering is the most common cause of death. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In the summer, you might water every 2-4 weeks, but this can be reduced to once a month or even less during the winter when the plant is dormant. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil’s weight; if it feels light, it’s ready for water.
• Temperature: African Spear Plants prefer warm temperatures and are not frost-tolerant. They do best in average room temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Protect them from cold drafts.
• Fertilizing: Fertilization is not strictly necessary. If you choose to fertilize, use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in the fall or winter.
• Pruning: Pruning is rarely needed. You can remove any yellowed or damaged leaves at their base to keep the plant looking tidy.
• Repotting: This plant prefers to be a little bit root-bound. Repotting is only necessary every few years, or when the plant’s roots start to break through the pot.