Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
African Spear
African Spear, also called cylindrical snake plant, grows stiff, rounded, spear-like leaves about an inch thick from a basal rosette. The striped gray-green leaves can reach several feet over time and end in a sharp tip. It makes an upright accent for pots and shaded spots, and it needs little water. It is not frost hardy, so pots are the easiest way to grow it.
Best for: upright accents in pots, shaded patios and entries, and plant collections.
Its stiff, rounded leaves about an inch thick grow straight up from the base. They make a clean, upright accent in a pot.
It likes bright light but should get only morning sun outdoors. A shaded patio or entry suits it.
Water about every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.
It is tender below about 40°F, and wet soil or wet leaves lead to rot. It is toxic to dogs and cats if chewed, and the leaf tips are sharp.
- Group plantingAt least 12 in apart
Water about every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter. Let the soil dry completely, and keep water off the leaves to prevent rot.
It likes bright light but should get only morning sun outdoors. Shade in the afternoon prevents damage.
It is tender below about 40°F. Bring potted plants indoors or under cover before cold nights.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Can African spear grow outside in Phoenix?
It can spend the warm months outdoors in shade with only morning sun. Bring it in or cover it when nights drop toward 40°F.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. It contains saponins and is toxic to dogs and cats if chewed. Keep it away from pets.
How often should I water it?
Water it about every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter. Let the soil dry completely, and keep water off the leaves.
How tall does it get?
The round leaves grow slowly and can reach several feet over time, up to about 7 feet on old plants. Pick a pot or spot with open space above it.
Is it the same as Sansevieria cylindrica?
Yes. Sansevieria cylindrica is now listed as Dracaena angolensis, and it is sold under both names.
Does it flower?
Older plants can send up spikes of small white flowers tinged pink, which are fragrant. Give it time and bright light to bloom.
What soil does it need?
Plant it in a sandy, fast-draining cactus mix. It rots in soil that stays wet.
Are the tips sharp?
Yes, the leaf tips are sharp. Place it where people will not brush against it.
African Spear for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
African Spear, now listed as Dracaena angolensis, is a snake plant with round, spear-like leaves. It is an easy upright accent for pots. Below are the questions Valley homeowners ask.
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African spear in Phoenix
African spear can grow outdoors in the warm months with only morning sun. It needs protection when nights cool toward 40°F.
Watering African spear
Water about every two weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Let the soil dry completely.
African spear and pets
It is toxic to dogs and cats. Keep it where pets cannot chew it.
African spear in pots
It makes an upright accent in pots with a sandy, fast-draining mix.
Sansevieria cylindrica or Dracaena angolensis
Sansevieria cylindrica is now listed as Dracaena angolensis. It is sold under both names.
How tall African spear gets
Its round leaves can reach several feet over time, up to about 7 feet on old plants.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.