Scientific Name
Sansevieria eilensis Chahin.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Sansevieria
Origin
Sansevieria eilensis is found only in a small region near Eyl (Somalia).
Description
Sansevieria eilensis (now Dracaena 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 each leaf's length and has reddish-brown margins edged with a papery brown cuticle. As the plant matures, the edges of newer leaves roll together to form a smooth cylindrical leaf with a dried papery cuticle at each leaf's tip and base.
The flowers are borne on a spike-like raceme that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.
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 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 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 the strength suggested on the container. Sansevieria is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer makes the leaves fall over.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sansevieria.
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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