Closely related to the more common mother-in-law’s-tongue (Dracaena trifasciata), African spear plant (Dracaena cylindrica) is a slow-growing succulent plant, with tall, smooth, spear-like foliage with subtle grey-green variation. Hailing from Angola, it’s typically grown as a house plant in the UK but can be moved outdoors for summer. It thrives in temperatures between 15°C and 23°C, but can tolerate short periods of temperatures as low as 10°C.
Recently all plants in the Sansevieria genus were reclassified into the Dracaena genus, so Sansevieria cylindrica is now known as Dracaena cylindrica.
The African spear plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a stunning ornamental plant that can add an exotic, tropical flair to any outdoor space. With its upright, cylindrical leaves that resemble spears, this plant makes a striking focal point in gardens and patios. Though mostly grown as a houseplant, the African spear plant can also thrive outdoors in warm climates with proper care. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, growing these dramatic plants in your garden can be highly rewarding.
Here are some useful tips on how to successfully grow African spear plants outdoors for a gorgeous and lush landscape
Choosing the Right Location
When growing African spear plants outdoors, site selection is key. For best results, choose a location with the following conditions
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Full sun – African spear plants thrive in full sun outdoors, Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, Morning sun is preferable to hot afternoon sun
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Well-draining soil – Excellent drainage is crucial, as these plants are prone to root rot in wet soils. Choose an area with sandy, loamy soil or amend clay soils with compost and perlite.
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Shelter from wind – Strong winds can damage the spear-shaped foliage. Plant your African spear near walls, trellises or shrubs to protect from gusts.
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Zone 9-11 – African spear plants grow best in USDA zones 9 through 11. In cooler zones, they can be grown in containers and moved indoors in winter.
Positioning your African spears in the right microclimate will provide the light, drainage and protection they require to reach their full potential.
Preparing the Soil
African spear plants need soil that drains quickly. Before planting, work plenty of organic matter like compost or rotted manure into the native soil to improve drainage and nourish plant roots.
You can also grow African spear plants in raised garden beds filled with a fast-draining potting mix amended with sand or perlite. This allows you to have total control over the soil composition.
Just be sure to avoid rich, heavy soils that retain a lot of moisture, as these can lead to declines from root rot. Well-amended, sandy loam soil is ideal.
Planting Techniques
When planting African spear plants in the garden, follow these tips:
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Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow room for growth.
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Dig holes twice the width of the root ball.
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Partially backfill the holes, then place plants at the proper depth, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
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Backfill holes completely and gently tamp soil to remove air pockets.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
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Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Organic mulches like bark chips work perfectly.
Follow proper planting techniques for the best start. Water new plants for the first few weeks until they become established.
Watering Wisely
When grown outdoors, African spear plants are remarkably drought tolerant and don’t need frequent watering. Here are some tips for wise watering:
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Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Water deeply and infrequently.
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Avoid frequent, light watering that keeps soil constantly damp.
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Reduce watering in rainy seasons and winter when plant growth slows.
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Check soil moisture with your finger before watering. Don’t follow a fixed schedule.
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Morning watering gives plants a chance to dry out during the day, reducing disease risk.
Proper watering is probably the most important factor in growing healthy African spear plants outdoors. Their fleshy roots are prone to rot if overwatered, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing Effectively
African spear plants have relatively low fertility needs, but regular feeding can promote vigorous growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 or an all-purpose granular formula. Follow label directions to determine dilution and application rates.
Other tips for fertilizing outdoor African spear plants include:
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season of spring and summer.
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Discontinue fertilizer in fall and winter when plants enter dormancy.
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Apply fertilizer around the base of plants, not directly on leaves, to prevent leaf burn.
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Consider a slow-release fertilizer that provides small but steady doses of nutrients over time.
Avoid over-feeding, which can damage roots or leave salts behind in the soil. Moderation is key with fertilizer.
Controlling Pests and Disease
When grown outdoors, African spear plants can fall victim to several insect pests and diseases:
Mealybugs – Inspect plants regularly for white, cottony masses on leaves and stems. Remove with pressurized water or treat with insecticidal soap.
Spider mites – Watch for speckling or stippling damage on foliage. Knock off mites with water and apply neem oil or predatory mites if infestations persist.
Root rot – Improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy severely infected plants to prevent spread.
Bacterial leaf spot – Prune off affected leaves and dispose of (don’t compost). Apply copper fungicide if the disease is widespread.
With prompt treatment, most pests and diseases are manageable. Maintaining general plant health through proper water, light and soil conditions is the best preventative measure.
Overwintering Tips
African spear plants are only hardy in zones 9-11. Everywhere else, they should be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse. When winter approaches:
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Gradually reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows.
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In mid-fall, cut foliage back by 1/3 to reduce transpiration.
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Move containers indoors before nighttime temps drop below 45°F.
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Keep indoor plants at 50-60°F with low light until spring.
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Water minimally, only when soil is nearly dry.
With proper overwintering care, you can ensure your African spears survive cold winters to return to their garden glory next spring.
Propagating New Plants
Expanding your African spear plant collection is simple through division or cuttings:
Division – Remove plant from pot and carefully divide root ball into smaller sections with a knife or shovel. Replant divisions outdoors after danger of frost.
Leaf cuttings – Cut off a leaf near the base. Allow cut end to dry and callous, then stick into moist potting mix. New plants will sprout from cut end.
Rhizome cuttings – Take a section of rhizome with an emerging leaf bud. Plant in soil and keep warm and moist until new growth appears.
Propagating African spear plants allows you to create new plants for free, identical to the parent. Share extras with gardening friends and family.
Tips for Growing a Thriving African Spear Garden
With the right location, soil, water and care, African spear plants can be grown successfully outdoors in warm climates. Here are a few final tips:
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Stake or trellis larger plants to prevent toppling.
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Apply an organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds.
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Wipe dust off leaves occasionally with damp cloth to allow light penetration.
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Remove dead leaves at the base for a tidy appearance.
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Divide overcrowded plants in spring or fall to rejuvenate growth.
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Shelter outdoor plants if temperatures drop below 45°F.
Follow these suggestions for a gorgeous, flourishing African spear plant garden that adds bold style and texture to your outdoor living space.
How to grow Sansevieria cylindrica
Dracaena cylindrica is easy to grow and needs very little attention. Its spear-like foliage stands tall and makes a striking foil for more lush-leaved plants. If you’re lucky, a flower spike may appear from the base of the plant, covered in tiny white blooms.
Growing Sansevieria cylindrica: pests and diseases
Dracaena cylindrica is susceptible to common house plant pests such as aphids, vine weevil, and mealybugs. Check the leaves regularly and remove insects as soon as you see them.
Dracaena cylindrica is not prone to diseases but can suffer in high humidity or with too much water. Over-watering can lead to yellow and swollen leaves, while discoloured leaves could be down to too much humidity. In both instances, move the plant into a less humid room and let the compost dry out completely before watering again.
African Spear Plant Care & Growing Guide
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