Scientific Name
Sansevieria ballyi L.E.Newton
Common Name(s)
Dwarf Sansevieria
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Sansevieria
Description
Sansevieria ballyi is an interesting succulent with stolons that connect symmetrical rosettes of dark green leaves with light green cross-banding. The stolons arise from the bases of the rosettes, spread horizontally above ground, and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. The leaves are stiff, recurved, nearly cylindrical, and can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.
The greenish-white flowers appear on a simple, erect inflorescence that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in height.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Place Sansevierias in moderately bright or filtered light. Good locations include a spot in front of a north-facing window or front of a bright, sunny window covered by a sheer curtain. Although the plant tolerates low light, bright light brings out the colors in the leaves. However, intense light may cause the edges of the leaves to turn yellow.
Allow the soil to dry completely before watering, and then water until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain, and discard the water in the saucer. Never let the soil become soggy or let the pot stand in water. Water sparingly throughout the winter. Like most succulent plants storing water in their leaves, Sansevieria rots quickly in excessively wet soil.
Place Sansevieria at average room temperature. Protect the plant from drafts and cold temperatures as it is damaged 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 of the strength suggested on the container. Sansevieria is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer makes the leaves fall over.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sansevieria.
Origin
Sansevieria ballyi is native to northeastern Kenya.
Links
- Back to genus Sansevieria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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