The evergreen Sansevieria Ehrenbergii plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Plants like this can thrive almost anywhere and have multiple uses. Historically, it has been used as an antiseptic and as a bandage. Juice from the leaves is applied to sores and eruptions. Ropes and slingshots have been made from the thick, fibrous leaves.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii was named after German naturalist Christian Ehrenberg. In 1911, entomologist Wilhelm Kattwinkel discovered and described this plant for the first time.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii Samurai Dwarf is a popular miniature cultivar of this species. Growing just 4-6 inches tall, this cultivar has a short stature.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii belongs to the family Asparagaceae in the genus Dracaena.
Also known as:
- Dracaena hanningtonii
- Sword Sansevieria
- East African Wild Sisal
- Dracaena Oldupai
- Blue Sansevieria
- Acyntha Ehrenbergii
- Seleb Sansevieria
- Acyntha Rorida
- Sansevieria Rorida
- Somaliland Bowstring Hemp
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii Features
Origin
Tropical Africa and parts of Asia are the native habitat of Sansevieria Ehrenbergii. It is found in arid regions of Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, Yemen, Oman, Ethiopia and others.
Leaves
Sansevieria sword plants have thick, pointed leaves arranged in two opposite rows. The leaves grow on a short stem and form a beautiful fan shape. At the base of each leaf, there is a large channel. The edges and tips are reddish-brown and white in color. There are shallow longitudinal grooves on the outside of the leaves that are bluish green.
Size
It can grow up to 5 feet tall, which makes it a relatively big plant. Fibrous upright stems reach a height of a foot. Each leaf is approximately 5 feet long and 1 to 2.5 inches wide. The flower stalks are also tall, reaching up to 4-5 feet for mature plants.
Flower
The inflorescent flowers of this species are unique and different from those of most snake plants. A mature plant will produce beautiful grayish white flowers once a year. The flowers grow on a wavy stalk that rises from the base and has many small branches that go upward. Each branch bears spiraling clusters of tiny tubular flowers.
Toxicity
The Sansevieria Ehrenbergii plant has mild toxic properties when consumed. Children and pets should be kept away from this plant. Taking any part of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or mouth irritation.
Pests
Spider mites and mealybugs may attack snake plants in rare instances. Wipe off your plant’s bugs using cotton balls dipped in alcohol or insecticides.
Avoid letting the water sit in the grooves of the leaves to prevent the plant from getting sick.
Propagation
To propagate sword Sansevieria, there are several methods. It is easy and efficient to divide the roots. The plant should be divided into sections with leaves and roots on each part. They can then be planted separately. The other way is to use leaf cuttings. You can cut healthy leaves into 3-4 inch long sections and plant them until they form tiny roots.
Season Of Growth
During warmer seasons, such as spring and summer, this evergreen plant actively grows. In the spring, flowers usually bloom. Plants grow extremely slowly in the winter.
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii Growing Conditions
Soil
You should choose a soil that drains quickly and is porous to grow snake plants. Organic ingredients can be combined with inorganic ingredients. Increase the drainage of a regular soil by mixing coconut coir, gravel, perlite or peat (max 40-50%). Additionally, you can use gritty potting soil for succulents. Drain your soil well so that it can drain water easily.
Water
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering, like most Sansevierias. Before watering, allow the soil to completely dry. During the growth season, water should be applied once or twice every two weeks. A much smaller amount of water is required during winter. Soggy soil can cause root rot in your plant. Don’t let your plant sit in wet soil.
Light
No matter what the light conditions are, it can survive. Growing plants needs direct sunlight that is bright and indirect. Where the sunlight is too harsh in tropical regions, outdoor plants prefer shade or semi-shade. This plant can tolerate a few hours of sun a day in a nontropical climate.
Environment
Temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) are ideal for the growth of this plant. Despite its ability to withstand low temperatures if kept dry, it’s best to avoid frost if possible. The leaves can be permanently damaged by temperatures below 50°F. The combination of wet soil and extreme cold is fatal for plants.