Sansevieria Black Dragon

Sansevieria Black Dragon is a dwarf variety of snake plant. It might be a cultivar of the well-known Bird’s nest plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata Hahnii). This variety can be recognized by its dark glossy leaves and beautiful compact rosette shape like the Bird’s nest plant. This stemless plant is hardy and easy to grow. It is a great indoor ornamental plant. You can use it as a tabletop decor or a gift plant. Sansevieria black dragon can act as an air purifier by removing toxins from indoor spaces. Like other snake plants it produces oxygen at night. This variety is a part of the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family.

Also Known As

Sansevieria Trifasciata Black Dragon, Dracaena Trifasciata Black Dragon, Black Dragon Snake Plant, Sansevieria Black Jade, Black Dragon Sansevieria, Black Jade Snake Plant.

At A Glance

Features

Origin

The origin of this particular cultivar is unknown. However, the parent species is native to tropical Africa.

Size

Being a compact hybrid, black dragon only grows up to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). Mature leaves are almost 2-3 inches wide in the middle. Flower stalks can grow 1.5 feet tall.

Foliage

S. Black dragon has flat, thick, succulent leaves. The foliage has rich deep green, almost black color. It has a smooth texture and glossy, leathery look. The leaves are arranged in a rosette and each leaf has a broad lance shape. The irregular greenish horizontal bands on the leaves are very light and almost unnoticeable.

Flower

It is extremely rare for this plant to flower. It can produces vertical flower stalk covered in clusters of buds. The flowers are greenish creamy-white in color. The small, tubular flowers might be lightly fragrant.

Toxicity

Like all Sansevieria, it is mildly toxic for humans as well as pets. Chewing the plant can make the tongue and throat swell. If ingested in large amounts, it can cause gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling etc. Keep it away from your cats, dogs and children.

Growth Season

Warmer climate promotes the growth in snake plants. This evergreen plant actively grows during the spring and summer seasons. Flowering usually happens in the winter or spring time.

Pests

This plant is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. But, there is a possibility of infestation by mealybugs or spider mites. These insects are easy to get rid of, when encountered early. Overwatering is a major problem that causes root rot, fungus, and further invites more diseases. Be careful not to douse the rosette in water.

Propagation

There are various ways to propagate this plant- by root division, leaf cuttings or rhizomes. Dividing the root ball is a quick and reliable method. If you have a smaller plant, using healthy leaf sections may be more practical. When using leaf cuttings, take at least 3-4 inches long sections and plant them in soil, bottom side down. After a couple of months, the roots will form.

Growing Conditions

Water

This drought-tolerant plant doesn't need frequent watering to survive. You can water it every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, spring to summer. Reduce the watering frequency as temperature starts to drop. Water at most once a month during winters. Make sure that the top 1-1.5 inch soil is dry before you water the plants. Then water deeply and let it drain freely.

Light

This species can tolerate anything from the full sun to low light conditions. Ideal situation is bright and indirect sunlight. Keep your indoor plants in a well lit room, either using sunlight or with artificial lighting. Few hours of morning and evening sun is good. But, protect the plant from harsh afternoon sun.

Soil

Fast-draining soil is great for most Sansevieria plants. Use ingredients like perlite, coir, pumice, gravel to increase the drainage capacity of the soil. Never use a dense, sticky soil for your snake plants. Instead of making your own soil mix, you can also use a regular potting mix made for succulents and cacti.

Environment

Sansevieria plants do great in average room temperature and humidity. They are happy anywhere between 60-85°F (15-29°C). However, the plant is not winter hardy. It's better to avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C), especially if the soil is wet. Frost can damage the leaves, and causes permanent scarring.

Learn More About Care And Propagation Of Sansevierias