A Sansevieria Suffruticosa houseplant is an attractive specimen. Nearly any environment is suitable for this tough plant. The arrangement of the leaves makes it stand out. They are thick, arching leaves that are channeled at the base, but cylindrical at the apex.
Originally described by an English botanical taxonomist named N.E. Brown in 1915. Dry and rocky habitats are common for this plant.
Suffruticosa plants have underground rhizomes as well as branches. The plant spreads by aerial stolons that grow out and land on the ground to form new plants. Nearly a foot long aerial branches extend horizontally from this point of origin.
Plants belonging to the family Asparagaceae are in the genus Dracaena.
Other names:
- Dracaena Suffruticosa
- Sansevieria Suffruticosa Frosty Spears
Sansevieria Suffruticosa Features
Origin
East Africa is the native habitat of this species. It grows specifically from Ethiopia to Malawi.
Foliage
The leaves have an irregular arrangement and grow on short stems. These plants can grow in spirals or form rosette-like arrangements. The stripes are pale and uneven with a green color. The leaf’s cross-section is elliptical and its base has a concave-shaped wide channel. The tips are white and pointy. Leaf textures are rough due to longitudinal grooves, but smooth at the base.
Size
Mature plants measure three feet high by one to one and a half feet wide. With a stem almost two feet long, it looks impressive. There are two to two and a half feet between each leaf. The flower stalks are maximum 1-1.5 feet tall.
Flower
A vertical stalk of green flowers rises from the rosette to produce flowers. They are greenish white and bottle-shaped and occur in clusters of two to five. Even though the plant won’t die after flowering, it may stop producing leaves. Even after blooming, stolons will continue to grow.
Toxicity
Among this variety, there is a high potential for mild toxicity. Pets and humans can suffer digestive issues after ingesting the substance.
Pests
It is very unlikely that this species will be infested by pests. Keep the leaves clean, and don’t let water accumulate between the grooves. Several problems can be avoided if this is done. Some insects and pollinating birds are attracted to flowers.
Propagation
By diving root-bulbs, rhizomes, and leaf cuttings, it is possible to propagate. Divide the plant into parts so that each part has roots and leaves. Cut a few leaves 3-4 inches long and plant them in moist sand to grow new plants. To make baby plants, the plant produces stolons that land on the soil.
Season Of Growth
Sansevierias grow best in warmer climates like spring and summer. In the spring, flowers usually bloom. The plant goes into dormancy during the winter.
Sansevieria Suffruticosa Growing Conditions
Soil
The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. The recommended mix includes soil and additives such as perlite, pumice, peat, coir, etc. Drain your soil well so that it can drain water easily.
Water
Drought-tolerant and low-water requirements, this plant thrives in drought conditions. Before watering, allow the soil to dry completely. During the growth season, water your plants once every 1-2 weeks. Water once a month or less frequently during the winter.
Light
Any condition from full sun to deep shade is suitable for this plant. The best light for the growth of plants is direct sunlight. Most outdoor plants in tropical regions prefer shade. A nontropical climate can grow this plant in full sunlight.
Environment
This plant prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (16°C and 24°C). If kept dry, it can handle 32°F cold, but it should be kept out of frost. The combination of wet soil and freezing temperatures is fatal to plants.