Scientific Name
Dracaena eilensis (Chahin.) Byng & Christenh.
Synonym(s)
Sansevieria eilensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Etymology
The specific epithet "eilensis" (pronounced "eye-LEN-sis") means "of or from Eyl" and refers to the town of Eyl, where this species is found.
Origin
Dracaena eilensis is native to Somalia. It is found only in a small region near the town of Eyl.
Description
Dracaena eilensis, formerly known as Sansevieria eilensis, is a slow-growing succulent with rough, cylindrical, downward-curving leaves that arise from an underground rhizome. The fleshy leaves are light bluish-green with regular bands of white and several green longitudinal lines. They can grow up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Young plants have a deep channel that runs the length of each leaf, with reddish-brown margins edged with a papery brown cuticle. As the plant matures, the edges of newer leaves roll together, forming a smooth cylindrical leaf with a dried papery cuticle at each tip and base.
The flowers appear on a spike-like raceme that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Dracaena eilensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35°F (1.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Place Sansevierias in moderately bright or filtered light. Good locations include a spot in front of a north-facing window or in front of a bright, sunny window covered by a sheer curtain. Although the plant tolerates low light, bright light brings out its leaves' colors. However, intense light may cause the leaf edges to turn yellow.
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering, and then water deeply until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain, and discard the water in the saucer. Never allow the soil to become soggy, and let the pot stand in water. Water sparingly throughout the winter. Like most succulent plants that store water in their leaves, Sansevieria rots quickly in excessively wet soil.
Place the Sansevieria at an average room temperature. Protect the plant from drafts and cold temperatures, as it is damaged at temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Feed the plant once every three weeks throughout the summer. Use a general-purpose fertilizer for houseplants diluted to one-half the strength suggested on the container. Sansevieria is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to fall over.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Sansevieria."
Links
- Back to genus Dracaena
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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