Cylindrical snake plant guide
Dracaena angolensis, also called African spear plant, Sansevieria cylindrica, braided snake plant
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Low
- Water
- When the soil is dry all the way down. Less often than a regular snake plant.
- Humidity
- Dry room air is fine
- Temperature
- 15 to 29°C (60 to 85°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Cactus and succulent mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer two or three times in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, like all snake plants
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1.2 m (2 to 4 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Division or leaf cuttings
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes cylindrical snake plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the snake plant care guide.
What it is
Cylindrical snake plant is a different species from the common snake plant. It is Dracaena angolensis, also sold under its old name, Sansevieria cylindrica. Its leaves are round, stiff, and pointed, like green spears. Select-A-Plant calls it African spear plant and notes its upright, architectural look. It grows slow.
Many are sold with the leaves braided together or fanned out flat.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical snake plant | Round, stiff spears | Round in cross section, not flat |
| ‘Laurentii’ snake plant | Flat, banded, yellow edges | Flat leaves |
| ‘Boncel’ | Short, fat spears in a fan | Shorter and stubbier, 25 to 45 cm (10 to 18 in) |
‘Boncel’, also called starfish snake plant, is a dwarf form of the same species.
Care differences
It stores even more water than a regular snake plant. Water less often, about every three to four weeks in summer and every six to eight weeks in winter. Rot is the main way it dies.
It grows slow. New leaves come up from the soil as small spears.
Braided plants
Braided cylindrical snake plants are leaves woven together while young. The braid does not grow. New leaves come up straight beside it. Leave the braid alone. Do not try to unbraid it.
Grow it by division
Divide the rhizome in spring so each piece has a few leaves and roots. Leaf cuttings also root, but they take months. Cut a leaf into 8 cm (3 in) pieces, let them dry for a few days, and push them into dry cactus mix.
Pet safety
Like all snake plants, it contains saponins. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, though most pets avoid the stiff leaves.
Buying it
Cylindrical snake plant is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for firm, green spears. Brown, soft tips or wrinkled leaves point to rot or a plant that sat dry for too long. Some sellers dip the leaf tips in wax. Peel it off if you see it.