The growth pattern of this perennial succulent is unique. Sansevieria samurai, blue Sansevieria, and sword Sansevieria are other common names.
In fact, this stunning plant is so popular that it even has a miniature cultivar called the Samurai dwarf.
There are arid regions of tropical Africa and parts of Asia which are native to the Sansevieria samurai. Christian Ehrenberg, a German naturalist, named it. As of today, Sansevieria ehrenburgii belongs to the genus Dracaena.
There is an interesting appearance to the Sansevieria ehrenbergii. Two rows of bladelike leaves form a zig-zag pattern in two opposite directions. The thick and pointed leaves of this plant also have a reddish-brown edging.
Sansevieria Samurai Care Guide
Soil
Wet soil is the worst nightmare of the Sansevieria samurai. Sansevieria ehrenbergii stores water in its leaves, just like other succulents of its kind. In order for your Sansevieria samurai to thrive, pot it in porous, fast-draining sandy soil. It would be best to use a gritty potting mix for succulents. Despite its ability to drain, this soil mix is strong enough to support your plant.
Light
The sun is very important to this plant. Sansevieria Samurai is at its best under bright light. The plant is tough, however, and can tolerate just about any condition. You can grow Sansevieria ehrenbergii in full sun or deep shade. This plant needs shade or semi-shade in order to thrive outdoors in tropical regions. Sansevieria samurai plants prefer light that is bright and indirect when kept indoors.
The Sansevieria ehrenbergii will likely grow faster when it is kept in the right light.
Watering
Keep your Sansevieria Samurai happy with these simple tips. Don’t overwater your Sansevieria ehrenbergii for it to stay healthy and happy. Water is only required every 1 to 2 weeks for this drought-tolerant plant. Monthly watering is recommended during winter. Before adding more water to your Sansevieria samurai, it is better to check if it needs it. Before watering your Sansevieria ehrendergii, you should let the soil dry completely. It is ideal to water infrequently but thoroughly. If you have a Sansevieria samurai, you should deeply water it. When water starts dripping through the drainage holes, stop. Allow your Sansevieria ehrenbergii to drain completely, then discard any water collected in the saucer. The pot should not be submerged in water. Sansevieria samurai roots will rot if they are left in excessively wet soil.
Temperature
Plants like this can tolerate fluctuating temperatures and are forgiving. Generally, Sansevieria ehrenbergii does well in temperatures that humans can tolerate.A temperature between 15°C and 29°C (60°F and 85°F) is preferred. If the temperature is below 10°C (50°F), your Sansevieria ehrenbergii will be damaged.The Sansevieria samurai is hardy, but not indestructible if left in wet soil or exposed to extreme cold. Frost should be avoided whenever possible. Keep your Sansevieria ehrenbergii away from temperatures below freezing inside, as well.
Humidity
Lower humidity levels are not harmful to Sansevieria samurai, but a humidity level of at least 50% is optimal. It is nice to have extra humidity during hot weather. Put the pot of your Sansevieria ehrenbergii over a tray of watered pebbles on a hot day. The trick will make the air around your plant more humid.
Fertilizer
A relatively low amount of fertilizer is necessary for the Sansevieria ehrenbergii. The best time to feed your Sansevieria samurai is during the growing season. During this time, fertilizing is only required once per month. The two months of spring and summer are known as the seasons of active growth for this plant. It is ideal to use a balanced liquid succulent fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilizing should replace watering so that your plants don’t become overwatered. During the winter months, fertilizing should be skipped altogether.
Propagation
Sansevieria ehrenbergii propagation is not a difficult undertaking. The easiest way of propagating is through division, which is among the most common methods. Cuttings, rhizomes, and offsets are other ways to propagate your Sansevieria samurai.
Growth
The Sansevieria ehrenbergii is similarly slow-growing as other members of the genus. Plants actively grow in warmer climates such as spring and summer. The growth rate slows dramatically during winter.
As the leaves grow outward, they become longer and tend to curve.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii has an unusual leaf development pattern. Since it grows from the bottom up, the tips of the leaves often turn brown.
Full-sized leaves of the Sansevieria Samurai can reach a length of up to 2.5m (7ft), and a width of up to 8cm (3in).
Sansevieria ehrenbergii miniature or dwarf cultivars are much smaller and compact. Their height ranges between 10.2cm (4in) and 15.2cm (6in) and their width is about the same.
The leaves of this plant are blueish-green. It is rightfully called the Blue Sansevieria. On the edges and tips of the Sansevieria Ehrenbergii’s leaves are features of a reddish brown and white coloring.
Samurai Sansevierias do bloom, although rare. Spiraling clusters of flowers are a distinctive feature of this plant.
Occasionally, the color varies from grayish-white to grey-green with a purple tinge. There are no flowers on Sansevieria ehrenbergii during the daytime.
Growing problems are rare with Sansevieria ehrenbergii. Temperatures that are excessively cold and overwatering are the only problems. This species will experience a rapid decline due to its inability to cope with cold temperatures.
Sansevieria samurai dwarf leaves are much smaller and compact. Despite their small size, they still grow in a fan or blade formation.
Stubbier varieties are available in either variegated coloration of the leaves or all-green leaves.
Banana, a dwarf variation of the cultivar, is also available. It grows leaves with a banana-like shape in the Sansevieria ehrenbergii banana plant.
Potting
Sansevieria ehrenbergii grows indoors and outdoors. These plants thrive in heavy clay pots because they are top-heavy. Sansevieria samurai should always be placed in a pot with drainage holes. Sansevieria ehrenbergii does not require repotting often since it is a slow-growing plant. Growing plants may cause the pot to lean, and repotting may be necessary to correct this.
Repotting your Sansevieria samurai may be necessary if it has become crowded and rootbound. This plant, however, thrives when rootbound and is more likely to bloom. You should choose a wide pot for your Sansevieria ehrenbergii. Your plant’s long blades will be better supported by a wide pot. When it’s time to put it in a new pot, you can count on your Sansevieria samurai to tell you. It is best to use a clay pot as these will crack when your plant outgrows them.
Common Problems
Root rot is the most common problem with Sansevieria samurai. Overwatering causes root rot. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that doesn’t like soggy soil. Diseases or pests aren’t serious problems for Sansevieria ehrenbergii. You may occasionally encounter mealybugs or spider mites on your plant.
Maintaining a clean, dust-free Sansevieria samurai is the simple solution. Additionally, children and pets should keep away from this plant. Saponins are found in Sansevieria plants. Animals and children can be poisoned by saponins, which, when ingested, are toxic to both.
Sansevieria Samurai Tips to Keep It Trouble-free
In general, the Sansevieria samurai doesn’t need a lot of attention. Maintaining a minimal watering schedule is the key to keeping plants happy. Water will not be given if Sansevieria ehrenbergii is not in need of it. The plant is also not susceptible to pests. Clean or dust your Sansevieria samurai every so often. You’ll be able to keep mealybugs and spider mites at bay. Cleaning maintenance can be done with a damp, soft cloth.Cotton balls dipped in alcohol can be used to remove pests if they gain access to your plant.