Sansevieria Starfish

1024px-Sansevieria_cylindrica_var._patula
Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula

Image source: Puddin1975 / CC BY-SA 

sansevieria starfish
Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula cultivar Boncel

Image source: Mokkie / CC BY-SA 

Sansevieria starfish is a commonly known name for Boncel cultivar of Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula (Dracaena Angolensis var Patula).

Sansevieria Cylindrica is a species that has upright and stiff cylindrical leaves. The leaves grow straight vertical from the underground stems called rhizomes. As the plant grows, the foliage curves a little due to gravity. In the Patula variety, the leaves emerge from a basal rosette, and spread apart instead of growing erect.

Boncel cultivar is a compact hybrid of Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula. Sansevieria starfish, as the name suggests, has starfish shaped foliage. The leaves are fat, stubby and short. While its parent plant can grow as tall as 6-7 feet, the Sansevieria Patula Boncel plants (starfish snake plants) grows up to a foot. It makes them a great choice as a small ornamental indoor plant.

Also known as

  • Sansevieria Cylindrica var. Patula Boncel
  • Starfish Snake Plant
  • Dracaena Angolensis var. Patula Boncel
  • Sansevieria Cylindrica Boncel
  • Sansevieria Boncel
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At a glance

Features

Origin

The dwarf cultivar has a garden origin. The natural parent plant is native to southern Africa, specifically Angola.

Foliage

The fan shaped foliage emerge from a base that is just above the soil level. Leaves are stiff, tubular and thick. Each leaf is green colored with pale grayish-green horizontal zigzag bands. There are dark green stripes that go lengthwise.

Size

The mature starfish snake plant normally grows up to 1 foot tall, and 1 foot wide. Each leaf can grow about 10 inches long. Flower stalks are around 3 feet tall.

Flower

It's rare for this plant to flower. If grown in a bright light conditions, it can produce tall flower stalk that arises from the basal spear. The flowers are pink-budded and white in color.

Toxicity

It may be mildly toxic like most Sansevierias. So better to keep away from pets and children. If eaten, it can cause stomach problems like vomiting and diarrhea.

Pests

It's a foolproof, low maintenance plant that is difficult to kill. However, it may get attacked by mealybugs and spider mites, which can sometimes infest snake plants.

Propagation

Plant division is the best option for propagation. Base of the plant produces small leaves (pups), which usually have underground rhizomes. Carefully divide the plant so that each small section has some roots, and repot them to make new plants.

Growth Season

It's a slow growing plant. The Sansevierias actively grow during the spring to summer season. Flowering time can be irregular, but it can mostly happen during spring.

Growing Conditions

Soil

Well-draining, loose and sandy soil is great for this plant. A mix of potting soil and perlite can be used. You can also use soil-less potting mix for cacti and succulents. Never use a 100% dense soil.

Water

Water the plant after the soil gets completely dry. Usually once every other week is enough. In winters, it can be watered once a month. Don't let the plant sit in wet soil for long, especially during winters.

Light

It can tolerate anything from the full sun to low light conditions. Ideally go for bright and indirect sunlight. A window covered by sheer curtain is one of the best places.

Environment

This plant is well suited for average room temperature and humidity. Avoid frost and extremely low temperature, as it can damage the plant. 60-75°F (16-24°C) works best.

Learn more about care and propagation of Sansevierias

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