Sansevieria Kirkii

Image source: Ton Rulkens / CC BY-SA

Sansevieria Kirkii is a perennial flowering plant that grows in the tropical regions. It is known for its unique cone-shaped blossom that is distinct from most Sansevierias. This species has tough fleshy leaves that spread like a crown. Many times they droop very close to the ground.

Sansevieria Kirkii is one of the slowest growing Sansevieria and grows best as a pot plant. It has some interesting cultivars like:

Sansevieria Kirkii var. Pulchra
Kirkii var. Pulchra Coppertone
Sansevieria Kirkii var. Silver Blue
Kirkii var. Silver Blue Variegated

This plant belongs to the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family.

Also known as

Dracaena Pethera
Sansevieria Kirkii Baker
Start Sansevieria
Pangane Sansevieria
Pangane Hemp
Sansevieria Aubrytiana Gérôme & Labroy

At a glance

Features

Origin

S. Kirkii is native to Tanzania, Malawi and Zanzibar. It grows on coral cliffs near the sea level. It spreads on the ground to make a thick cover.

Foliage

This Sansevieria species has unusual flat, sword-shaped, fibrous leaves 1-4 per tuft. They have tough and wavy narrow margins of reddish-brown color. Dark green colored leaves are mottled with white specks. Young leaves may not have the specks. The mature leaves are very corneous in texture and have pointy tips. Base of the foliage is concave-shaped and channeled.

Size

Although each leaf can grow up to 6 feet, the leaves have a tendency to curve or even droop. As compared to typical snake plants, Kirkii spreads more on the ground rather than growing straight upright. Each leaf is 3-4 inches wide in the middle. Flower stalk is much shorter than the leaves. It's at most 2 feet long.

Flower

The florescence has a distinct conical shape. Flowers grow from a bunch of greenish-white buds with purple-pink tubes. Color of the blossom is greenish white and each flower is about 4-5 inches long. It has a pleasant scent.

Toxicity

Sansevieria Kirkii is mildly toxic when eaten. The ingestion can cause oral, throat irritation, and other gastrointestinal problems. Keep away children and pets.

Pests

This plant is very less likely to be infested by pests. Follow proper watering schedule to prevent any diseases.

Propagation

Plant division is the fast method for making new plants. Leaf cutting also works well but takes time. For this, cut a leaf in 3-4 inch long sections and plant them until they form roots. After the roots are 1.5-2 inches long, it can be removed and planted in a new pot.

Growth Season

This evergreen succulent actively grows during warmer climates like the spring to summer season. In its natural habitat, rainy season is the time of blossom, which is from March to May. The plant is in dormant state during the winters.

Growing Conditions

Soil

A fast-draining and porous soil is great for this plant. Recommended mix is a combination of 3 parts of loam and 1 part of pumice. Another option is soil, perlite and peat in equal amounts. Make sure that the soil drains water freely.

Water

This plant is drought-tolerant and doesn't require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry completely before each watering. The watering schedule can be once every 1-2 weeks in the growth season. During winters, water once a month or less frequently than that. Don't let the soil remain wet for long, especially during winters.

Light

It can survive anything from the full sun to low light conditions. Bright indirect sunlight is ideal for the growth and blooming. Outdoor plants prefer shade or semi-shade in tropical regions. In a non-tropical climate, it can tolerate a full sun.

Environment

The ideal growing temperature for this variety ranges from the average room temperature to hotter tropical climate. It is not frost hardy. Don't keep it below 40°F (4°C). Avoid watering in freezing temperatures.