Scientific Name
Dracaena zeylanica (L.) Mabb.
Common Name(s)
Ceylon Bowstring Hemp, Devil's Tongue, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Snake Plant, Zeylanica Snake Plant
Synonym(s)
Acyntha zeylanica, Cordyline zeylanica, Sansevieria zeylanica, Aloe hyacinthoides var. zeylanica, Aloe zeylanica
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Etymology
The specific epithet "zeylanica" (pronounced "zey-LAN-ee-kuh") means "of or pertaining to Zeylan" and refers to the origin of this species. Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon, and "Zeylan" was a form of Ceylon used during Dutch rule from 1640 to 1796.
Origin
Dracaena zeylanica is native to the drier areas of Sri Lanka.
Description
Dracaena zeylanica, formerly known as Sansevieria zeylanica, is a slow-growing succulent that forms a clump of stiff, fleshy, sword-shaped leaves with irregular dark and pale green horizontal bands. The leaves can grow up to 32 inches (80 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
The mature plants occasionally produce spikes of pale green flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Dracaena zeylanica
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°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 the front of a bright, sunny window covered by a sheer curtain. Although the plant tolerates low light, bright light brings out the leaves' colors. However, intense light may cause the leaves' edges to turn yellow.
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering, then water deeply until water runs out of the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain, and discard the water in the saucer. Never let the soil become soggy, and 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 when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).
Feed the plant once every three weeks throughout the summer. Use a general-purpose fertilizer for houseplants diluted to half the strength suggested on the container. Sansevieria is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to fall over.
See more at 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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