cylindrical snake plant
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for cylindrical snake plant
from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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cylindrical snake plant care guide
lineage and Symbolism
The cylindrical snake plant (aka Sansevieria cylindrica) from the Asparagaceae family has tall, tube-like leaves that fan out in a starburst pattern adding sculptural touch to any room! We love placing it in corners or by the sofa. Growing up to 6 feet tall, it’s perfect for modern, minimalist spaces or even small apartments. Fun fact: these plants can “braid” themselves! In some nurseries, the leaves are braided together, giving them an even more unique look!
The cylindrical snake plant symbolizes resilience and protection. Capricorns, known for their practicality and patience, are most apt to care for it!
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“This one is impossible to kill just like its other siblings, and is said to purify air as well! “
Light and placement
What is the light requirement for cylindrical snake plant?
We recommend placing your cylindrical snake plant in bright, indirect light – though it can tolerate lower light levels. Ideally, a north or east-facing window works best, offering just the right balance without direct sun, which could scorch its leaves. If you’re short on natural light, it can still survive but won’t grow as quickly!
How to know if cylindrical snake plant is not getting right amount of light?
Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch or turn yellow, and they might become dry or crispy at the edges. Too little light leads to slow growth and pale, leggy leaves that stretch toward any available light. East-facing windows are generally safest throughout the year, giving gentle morning light without the harsh afternoon sun!
Where to place cylindrical snake plant and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your cylindrical snake plant near an east-facing window for soft morning light. It’s a great fit for living rooms, bedrooms, or even offices since it doesn’t demand direct light. You can also place it in lower light areas like a north-facing window – just expect slower growth. Avoid placing it right next to a south or west-facing window, where strong afternoon sunlight can burn its leaves.
During summer, move the plant a bit further from bright windows if the light gets intense. In winter, keep it closer to an east or south-facing window to make the most of the limited sunlight!
Soil
What soil composition to use for cylindrical snake plant?
For your cylindrical snake plant, use 2 parts coarse sand or perlite, 1 part loam, and 1 part standard potting soil. This balance helps avoid water retention, which snake plants don’t like. If you tend to water more frequently, add extra sand to improve drainage. Aim for slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid peat entirely, as it holds too much moisture for this plant’s liking – other than that it is extremely harmful for the environment and produced GHG’s
Best soil to use for cylindrical snake plant?
This is a great and most popular soil mix for your cylindrical snake plant, and suitable for most other indoor plants as well! If you’re using other potting mixes, just make sure to add more perlite!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for cylindrical snake plant?
The cylindrical snake plant thrives best in temperatures between 60°F to 85°F. If you’re in a colder region, make sure to keep it away from drafty windows or cold floors during winter: temperatures below 50°F can cause damage. In warmer climates, avoid placing it in areas with intense heat above 90°F, which can scorch the leaves.
Signs of too much cold include drooping and darkened leaves, and too much heat may result in crispy and yellowing edges.
What is the best humidity condition for cylindrical snake plant?
Cylindrical snake plants prefer low humidity, around 30-50%. If you’re in a drier region, especially in winter when indoor heating kicks in, consider misting the plant occasionally or placing it near a humidifier. In more humid areas, ensure good air circulation to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can cause root rot.
Watch for signs like browning tips – too little humidity – or soft, mushy leaves: too much humidity
Our favorite humidifiers
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fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for cylindrical snake plant?
For your cylindrical snake plant, we recommend a balanced fertilizer mix of 10-10-10 NPK which mimics the nutrient-poor, well-drained soils of its native African habitat. Fertilize lightly – once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), using half-strength to avoid overfeeding. Key nutrients like nitrogen supports leaf growth, while phosphorus helps with root health, and potassium with overall resilience.
For a simple DIY recipe: Mix 1 part crushed eggshells (for calcium), 1 part banana peel water (for potassium), and 1 tablespoon of fish emulsion (for nitrogen) and apply to the soil during summer and spring!
How and when to fertilize cylindrical snake plant?
We recommend fertilizing your cylindrical snake plant once a month during the growing season: from spring through summer. Apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer directly to the soil – avoiding the leaves – as too much on the foliage can cause burn. Be sure to water the plant first, then add the fertilizer to prevent root burn. In fall and winter, skip fertilizing altogether!
What are the signs cylindrical snake plant needs food?
You might notice slow or stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, and weak, leggy stems. These signs often appear during the growing season when the plant is using more nutrients. But careful not to over-fertilize. Snake plants are slow growers and don’t need much feeding.
Best fertilizer to use for cylindrical snake plant?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for cylindrical snake plant?
We recommend using a medium-sized, terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes for your cylindrical snake plant. The weight of these materials provides stability since the plant grows tall, and the porous nature of terracotta helps prevent overwatering. Choose a pot that’s just slightly – an inch or two in diameter – larger than the root ball to avoid excess moisture retention. Opt for a deeper, narrow pot to accommodate its tall, upright growth.
Our favorite Terracotta and ceramic pots
Watering
How and When to water cylindrical snake plant?
In its native dry, rocky habitats, the cylindrical snake plant prefers infrequent watering and well-drained soil. We recommend watering once every 3 weeks in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month – it dislikes sitting in moist soil.
If you’re using a well-draining mix like loam and sand, water until it flows out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Avoid misting or overwatering, as the plant is prone to root rot. This one loves to be neglected!
what are the Signs of over or under watering cylindrical snake plant?
Overwatering your cylindrical snake plant leads to soft, mushy leaves that turn yellow and eventually collapse. You might also notice a foul smell from the roots – indicating root rot. Underwatering causes the leaves to wrinkle, curl, and develop brown tips as they dry out.
Our favorite watering cans
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pruning
When to prune cylindrical snake plant and why?
Pruning your cylindrical snake plant helps remove damaged leaves, control its size, and encourage new, healthy growth. The best time to prune is in spring or early summer, during its active growing season. Signs that pruning is needed: yellowing, damaged, or overgrown leaves that have lost their striking upright shape!
how to prune cylindrical snake plant (step by step)?
Inspect the Plant: Look for leaves that are yellow, damaged, or bent out of shape. Also check for overcrowded growth at the base.
Use Clean, Sharp Shears: Always sanitize your shears with rubbing alcohol before pruning to prevent infections.
Cut at the Base: Gently pull aside the healthy leaves and make clean cuts as close to the soil as possible, especially for damaged or yellowing leaves.
Trim the Top for Height Control: If a leaf is growing too tall but is otherwise healthy, you can trim its tip by cutting at an angle to maintain a natural look.
how to care after pruning cylindrical snake plant?
After pruning, place the plant back in bright, indirect light and reduce watering to avoid stressing it while it heals. Pruned areas will regrow stronger and fuller over time!
propagating
When to Propagate cylindrical snake plant?
You can propagate your cylindrical snake plant using three methods: leaf cuttings, division, or rhizome cuttings: division being the easiest and most reliable method. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing, and temperatures are warm.
how to Propagate cylindrical snake plant (step by step)?
Prepare your workspace: Choose a clean, flat surface and have a sharp, sterilized knife, small pots, and fresh potting soil ready. Ensure the potting soil is free of peat for this plant.
Remove the plant: Gently remove the entire Cylindrical Snake Plant from its pot by tipping the pot and holding the base of the plant. Shake off excess soil so you can clearly see the root system. Laid out divisions should look like the image on the left above.
Locate natural divisions: Look for distinct clusters of leaves with their own root systems. These will naturally separate – making the plant less stressed during division.
Separate the sections: Using your hands or a sharp, clean knife, gently divide the plant into sections. Ensure each section has at least one healthy root and a few cylindrical leaves.
Repot the divisions: Place each section into a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Make sure the root base is covered with soil, but the leaves are not buried too deeply. Pat the soil lightly around the roots to secure the plant in place as shown in the second image above.
how to care after propagating cylindrical snake plant?
Water sparingly: Allow the newly potted sections or cuttings to rest for a few days before the first watering. Then – water lightly, making sure not to soak the soil.
Provide bright indirect light: Place the pots in bright, indirect light to promote healthy growth. .
Maintain warm temperatures: Keep the room temperature between 70-90°F (21-32°C) for optimal growth.
Monitor for new growth: In a few weeks, new growth should appear. Once the new plant is established, you can gradually increase watering and consider moving it to a slightly larger pot as needed or even slightly lesser bright space to accommodate for plants that absolutely need more bright light.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my cylindrical snake plant wrinkled?
Cause: Wrinkling is a sign of under-watering or dehydration.
Solution: Water the plant thoroughly – allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but avoid letting it go too long without moisture.
2. Why are the leaves of my cynlindrical snake plant yellowing?
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage is the primary cause. But sometimes too little light can also be an issue.
Solution: Check drainage and reduce watering. If this doesn’t help, move to an area with bright indirect sunlight.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my cylindrical snake plant?
Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering often leads to brown tips
Solution: Maintain a regular watering schedule – once every two to three weeks in summer, and once a month during winter – and increase humidity slightly by placing the pot on a pebble tray.
5. Why are there long stems to my Cylindrical snake plant and leaves narrow and small?
Cause: Insufficient light is the main reason for leggy growth.
Solution: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light to encourage compact, upright growth.
6. Why is my cylindrical snake plant growing too slowly?
Cause: Cylindrical Snake Plants grow slowly by nature, but low light or lack of nutrients can slow growth even more.
Solution: Move to a brighter spot with indirect light. If this doesn’t work, feed with a balanced fertilizer recommended above every couple of months during the growing season.
7. Why are the leaves of my cylindrical snake plant splitting or cracking?
Cause: Splitting is usually caused by physical damage. But overly dry conditions or rapid growth can also contribute.
Solution: Handle the plant carefully and ensure consistent watering without overwatering. Slightly increasing humidity might help prevent further splitting – use a humidifier if you’re in dry region, or use a mister for a few weeks and then stop it as this plant doesn’t like too much himidity.
curated styling tips for cylindrical snake plant
1.Upcycled Tire Planter: If you’re feeling creative, turn an old tire into a modern planter by painting it in soft and muted tones like sage green or cream. Place the tire on the floor near a well-lit corner of your home and fill it with a mix of well-draining succulent soil. The cylindrical leaves will rise boldly from the wide, low-profile planter!
2.Vertical shelf display: For a vertical display, place Cylindrical Snake Plant on a floating wooden shelf or wall bracket. This works wonderfully in an office or entryway, where the plant can receive indirect light. Add a small framed photo or a candle to complete the display
3.DIY clay mosaic pot: For a fun and hands-on project, decorate a basic clay pot with a DIY mosaic design using broken pieces of recycled glass or tiles. The shimmering colors will reflect the light and contrast beautifully with the plant’s striking green leaves. This setup works best when placed on shelf where the plant gets indirect sunlight!
FAQ
Is cylindrical snake plant toxic to pets?
Yes, Cylindrical Snake Plants are mildly toxic to pets if ingested, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Does cylindrical snake plant like to be placed outside in summer?
Yes, we can place it outside during summer, but only in shaded areas. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves- so partial shade places only please.
What are advantages and disadvantages of cylindrical snake plant?
Advantages: Easy care, drought-tolerant, and air-purifying.
Disadvantages: Can be toxic to pets and grows slowly.
How big does the Cylindrical Snake Plant grow?
It can reach up to 2-3 feet tall indoors, but growth is quite slow. Outdoors, in partial shade, it might grow even taller.
Does the Cylindrical Snake Plant need a lot of maintenance?
Not at all! We love that this plant requires minimal care—it thrives on neglect, in fact, only needing occasional watering and indirect light.
What are the common pests and bugs for the plant?
While it’s generally pest-resistant – another reason why it is low maintenance – we may occasionally find spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly wiping the leaves and using neem oil can help prevent infestations!
