Every houseplant goes by many different names. I like to keep things simple and stick to common names (they are easier for me to remember) but if you want to get all fancy, you can also refer to the snake plant as African spear, skyline spear, cylindrical mother-in-law’s tongue, spear orchid, spear plant, or spear sansevieria. No wonder people get confused when they’re new to plant-parenthood!
If you lean toward a modern, minimalistic alien vibe when decorating, this plant is for you! Its tubular, smooth leaves are dark green in color, some with green-grey variegation, and make for a real attention-grabber. Each cylindrical tube grows to about 1.5″ thick and up to 7 feet tall! Sansevieria cylindrica is related to the snake plant and is easy to care for. You can find these plants braided, clumped together in the center of a pot, and the stalks might be fanned out. If you find some that look wavy, that’s because it was once braided.
Easy does it with the watering. You want to be careful not to overdo it, because your plant will rot out. Always make sure the soil is almost completely dry before thoroughly watering again. Size and location depending, you will end up watering your Snake Plants every 2-6 weeks. If you travel or tend to ignore plants, this is the one for you. But don’t ignore them TOO long, nobody really likes to be ignored; human or plant.
Even though Sansevierias prefer medium light, they’ll also tolerate low light and high light. The main thing you need to watch for is DIRECT sunlight. No houseplant does well in those conditions, because the leaves can burn. So, as you can see, this plant gives you many options when it comes to placement.
Sansevierias will tolerate a wide range of temperatures, between 55 – 85 degrees (F). Temperatures below 55 degrees (F) can cause them harm.
Fertilizer isn’t necessary but may encourage brighter colors and faster growth. You can feed the plant once a month spring through fall with a diluted fertilizer that is specially made for succulents. Skip feeding during winter, when the growth is slow.
The African Spear Plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a popular indoor plant that can also thrive when grown outdoors in warm climates. This easy-to-care-for plant adds a touch of the tropics to any space with its cylindrical, spear-shaped leaves. However, proper spacing is crucial to ensure your African Spear Plant grows into a beautiful, healthy specimen In this article, we’ll explore why spacing matters and provide tips to help you space your African Spear Plant properly
Why Proper Spacing Matters
While the African Spear Plant is relatively low-maintenance, it still has some particular needs when it comes to space and light exposure. When these plants are spaced too closely together, it can lead to issues like:
- Poor air circulation, increasing humidity and risk of disease
- Crowded, leggy growth as plants compete for light
- Nutrient deficiencies due to overcrowded roots competing for nutrients
Alternatively, if plants are spaced too far apart, they may not grow as full and lush. The key is finding the ideal distance that allows ample air flow while still allowing leaves to fill out.
Proper spacing also ensures each plant gets adequate sunlight. While African Spear Plants don’t require full sun, they do best with plenty of bright, indirect light. With good spacing, you can position plants so all sides get sufficient light exposure.
Recommended Spacing for African Spear Plants
Indoor African Spear Plants
When growing African Spear Plants indoors, allow at least 6 inches of space between each plant. More distance is better if possible Place plants near bright windows where they’ll receive filtered sunlight. Rotate plants occasionally so all sides get light.
If you notice leaves growing leggy as they reach for light it’s a sign that plants are spaced too close together. Move them further apart to allow more light penetration.
Outdoor African Spear Plants
Outdoors, African Spear Plants should be spaced about 18 inches apart. This gives them adequate room to grow to their full size without overcrowding.
Position plants where they’ll get morning sun but afternoon shade, as hot afternoon sun can damage leaves. Orient the plants so outer leaves don’t shade inner leaves too much.
Mass planting in groups of 3-5 plants can create a beautiful, full landscape effect. Just maintain 18 inches between each plant group.
Other Care Tips for Healthy African Spear Plants
Proper spacing sets your African Spear Plant up for success, but a few other care tips will keep it thriving:
- Water deeply once the soil dries out. Avoid overwatering.
- Use fast-draining cactus/succulent soil.
- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Repot when rootbound into a container one size larger.
- Prune damaged leaves and deadhead spent blooms.
- Protect from frost and temperatures below 50°F.
With the right spacing and care, your African Spear Plant will reward you with vibrant, tropical appeal indoors or out. Paying attention to its spacing needs will ensure if grows beautifully for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About African Spear Plant Spacing
How close together can I plant multiple African Spear Plants?
Indoors, allow at least 6 inches between each plant. Outdoors, they should be spaced about 18 inches apart. Crowding them too close can cause problems.
Should I rotate my indoor African Spear Plants?
Yes, occasionally rotate indoor African Spear Plants so all sides get sufficient light exposure. This prevents leggy, uneven growth.
What size pot does an African Spear Plant need?
African Spear Plants like being somewhat rootbound, so a 6 inch pot is fine for young plants. Move to an 8-10 inch pot as it grows larger.
Can I plant African Spear Plants outside in partial shade?
African Spear Plants need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, so partial shade outdoors usually isn’t enough light. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun.
How do I space multiple African Spear Plants in one pot?
One option is to plant 3-5 African Spear Plants together in a wider, shallow container. Space them about 6 inches apart in the same pot for a lush effect.
Properly spacing your African Spear Plant is vital for its health and appearance. Follow these tips to maximize growth while avoiding issues like overcrowding. With the right care and adequate spacing, this eye-catching plant will thrive indoors or outside.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grow-sansevieria-cylindrica-1902732-06-eaa2a39580bc490d9b00fbd2943fd794.jpg)
Plant Characteristics to Watch For
Diagnosing what is going wrong with your plant is going to take a little detective work and even more, patience! First of all, don’t panic and don’t throw a plant out prematurely. Take a few deep breaths and work down the list of possible issues.
Below, I am going to share some typical symptoms that can arise. When I start to spot troubling signs on a plant, I take the plant into a room with good lighting, pull out my magnifiers, and begin by thoroughly inspecting the plant.
My plant isn’t growing
- If you bought it during the fall and winter months, it’s entirely natural for growth to slow down. These are the dormant months during which new growth is either completely stopped or extremely slow. However, if you are in the spring and summer months and it’s still not growing, revisit the care that it requires and see if you are up to speed on that.
- Solution: If the plant is receiving adequate water, try moving it to a sunnier location. Even though they do well in low light conditions, they will thrive with more light.
- Brown tips can mean overwatering.
- Solution: Cut back and allow the soil to dry almost completely in between waterings.
- Mushy leaves (blades) are a sure sign of root rot.
- Solution: Water less, and repot into fresh soil to allow the roots to dry out. You may also need to cut off any mushy leaves.