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March 24, 2020 in Indoor plants

Why the low-light, drought tolerant Starfish Snake Plant is the star of the show!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica
Aha. The starfish snake plant. Say that ten times fast. Go ahead. I dare you! 

This regal plant is like a kingdom. A crown of thorns. A dinosaur crest. Giant fingers. Do you follow?

How else to describe my newly acquired starfish snake plant or more properly known as a  Sansevieria Cylindrica plant?
​
Starfish snake plants have unique fan-shaped light-green foliage with dark-green concentric circles top to bottom. The plant can also bear small flower spikes arising from the base of the spears.

Its stiff, tubular leaves emerge from the basal rosette and can grow to a maximum length of about 10 inches. Growth is near vertical without branching.

Boasting silvery green foliage, this compact, low-light and drought tolerate plant will be the center of attention at your next party.

So if your work desk needs a plant pick-me-up and you’re so over the lucky bamboo, look no further than the starfish snake plant to sizzle your space!

Here’s some fun facts and trivia you’ll want to share!

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Easy tips to care for the starfish snake plant

No doubt you’ve owned a few snake plants in your life. But the starfish snake plant is in a category of its own. 

Generally, it’s considered a houseplant. I can’t imagine taking mine outside.

But starfish snake plants can be moved outdoors during the summer months and into part-sun. They just must be transitioned to handle higher levels of light and heat first and this change must be slow and gradual.

Indoors or outside, the starfish snake plant would prefer to stay above 50 F (10 C). Protect it from cool temps and drafts.

What I appreciate most about the starfish snake plant is that it can be acclimated to deep shade or bright light. As flexible as your middle child!

And also like the middle child, thrives on neglect. Forget to water? No issue. Being root bound is no problem, either.

Overall, I find watering every other week to be sufficient. Sometimes three weeks pass before I remember to water the starfish snake plant and it’s always fine.

If you choose to fertilize, feed the starfish snake plant once every three weeks with a general all-purpose houseplant food diluted by half. Do this from April to the end of September. 

Any all-purpose, foliage fertilizer will work for starfish snake plants to help them transition to their new environment. Indoor houseplant fertilizers come in two forms: water soluble, liquid quick release, and granular, slow release fertilizers. 

Jack’s Classic Indoor Plant food works well as a powder, a quick release fertilizer that is mixed with water to provide nutrients to a plant that has been in a container for an extended time. 

Another option is Osmocote Indoor/Outdoor granular, slow release fertilizer that can be applied while potting and planting. ​

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Starfish snake plant fast facts!

  • ​Growing zone
  • ​Mature height
  • Mature width
  • Classification
  • Sunlight
  • Habit
  • Foliage
  • Soil condition

​

  • Water requirements

​

  • ​Uses

​

  • Temperature

​

  • Fertilizer
  • 9-11
  • 8 – 10″
  • 10 – 12″
  • Colorful foliage
  • Fluorescent light to bright, indirect
  • Upright
  • Silvery light gree to dark green
  • Well-draining, succulent or cactus mix
  • Likes to go dry

​

  • Does great in narrow, vertical spaces

​

  • Above 50 degrees F. and below 85 degrees F.

​

  • Feed the plant during the growing season. Do not feed during winter
starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Let there be light!

In general, snake plants handle extremely low-light conditions very well. 

So snake plants are often the welcoming committee in a windowless office building atrium where the plant may have little or no natural light.

In fact, fluorescent light may be the only light they ever receive. Crazy that plants with this type of stamina can thrive with no natural light whatsoever!

Not that they complain getting bright, dappled light. Sheltered behind a curtain getting some dappled sunlight is ideal. And a little morning sun is never a problem. But extensive direct sunlight is bad.

Too much light, even artificial light could cause browning in your cherished plant.

Certainly, snake plants add that vertical element to any garden design we all crave, especially at the office. And the starfish snake plant relishes its role as a showstopper.

The problem is that they are very slow growing. Go too small, and you’ll never see that huge plant you’ve envisioned. 

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

A word on watering….

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to kill any succulent is by overwatering. 

The starfish snake plant collects water in its leaves. Overwatering the plant will rot it down to its roots. So starfish snake plants that are watered too often will not survive.

The starfish snake plant likes to dry out almost completely between waterings. I poke my finger in the pot. If I feel any moisture at all, I wait another week to water.

If you are unsure whether to water or not, the less risky move is to not water at all.

Snake plants can go weeks before being watered again. In the winter you’ll water less, in the summer you’ll water more.

Never allow a snake plant to stay or sit in water because that will cause root rot. Their pots must be well-drained. A saucer with no drainage holes underneath is bad.

Now for the tricky part. When you water do so thoroughly to make sure all the roots, including the sprawling ones at the bottom of the pot receive adequate water.

Frequent watering but with small amounts of water is bad. The result of these less than full waterings will be dead roots at the bottom of the pot, leaving short roots above.

Water fully, let the starfish snake plant dry out completely, then water again. Usually, this means watering every other week. 

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Potting advice

When your starfish snake plant arrives on your doorstep, you’re best bet is to repot the plant in  a fast draining, high quality succulent or cactus potting mix. 

I also line the bottom of my pots with a coarse orchid bark to increase drainage. I mix perlite in both the succulent potting mix and the orchid bark for even better drainage.

So the bottom half of my pot is orchid bark and the top a sandy succulent combination for a 50/50 mix.

If you are using indoors pots with no drainage holes, then the orchid bark is essential so roots don’t stay wet.

To keep your starfish snake plant happy, it’s a good idea to repot annually or at least every other year in spring with fresh succulent potting mix, orchid bark and perlite.

Keep in mind, starfish snake plants don’t mind being root bound. Sansevieria grow via rhizomes, which you’ll find crowds the pot. This is totally fine!

Some growers say (I think half in jest) to repot the snake plant when the pot breaks indicating those rhizomes have run out of room. But I wouldn’t wait that long!

Picture

starfish snake plant, Sansevieria Cylindrica

Propagating the starfish snake plant

Don’t you appreciate plant propagation that doesn’t actually require you to fuss? 

If you sit back and relax, over time, you’ll discover young “pups”  or “starfish arms” will spring from the base of the mother plant and can be easily transplanted to propagate new plants.

But when I say “time” I mean it. This is a very slow-growing plant. Watching paint dry is quick in comparison. So you’ll wait a bit for pups to emerge.

I was fortunate in that the plant I acquired already had three decent sized pups ready to be divided and planted in their own containers.

Each pup had two spiky leaves already and had sent out runners underground that needed to be divided. 

All I had to do was take the mother plant out of the pots and gentle untangle the roots/runners.

Most important is to ensure each pups gets a good bit of root so it’s ready to expand into the ground when transplanted.

You don’t want a top-heavy plant with little or no root system as it decreases the chances of the pup surviving.

And that’s not what you want. When your family and friends visit they are going to first ask you what this plant is and then they’ll ask for a clipping.

Trust me…it happens!

97 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarChad Boyd says

    October 22, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    This is on my wife’s wish list! So pretty!

    Reply
    • AvatarJanet Burke says

      October 26, 2020 at 10:33 pm

      Now that is one plant I may be able to keep alive!

      Reply
  2. AvatarTerry Poage says

    October 22, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    I love this plant. It would be perfect for my kitchen.

    Reply
  3. AvatarAlex says

    October 22, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    I remember long ago, my grandmother always had a Snake Plant growing somewhere!

    Reply
  4. AvatarCatherine Bradford says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    I have this one on my list already!

    Reply
  5. AvatarMelissa Riley says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    I am just not good at indoor plants. I sort of throw seeds or bulbs out into some good soil outside and let them fend for themselves. It is hit or miss but I guess that is better than nothing at all. Indoor plants do not have a chance of living in my home lol

    Reply
  6. AvatarNancy Thompson says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:10 pm

    My sister has these plants.

    Reply
  7. AvatarDandi D says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    What a beautiful plant! I’d love to grow one!

    Reply
  8. AvatarDonna C says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    This one looks cool. I’ve had snake plants in the past but not a starfish.

    Reply
  9. AvatarLucy Loo says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    Wow, these are really cool plants! I have reptiles that like to hang out in plants–I need to check if they are safe for them. I like that it likes to ‘go dry’ lol, I am good at forgetting to water!

    Reply
  10. AvatarChris Civitello says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Would like to grow one day!

    Reply
  11. AvatarRichard Schott says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    That’s a neat looking plant.

    Reply
  12. AvatarCharu Nagarajan says

    October 22, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    I have snake plants. I have not seen these before

    Reply
  13. AvatarAudrey says

    October 22, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    Interesting article

    Reply
  14. AvatarJeane Campbell says

    October 22, 2020 at 2:28 pm

    I have never been a fan of this plant. Think it’s because I over water.

    Reply
  15. AvatarMary Dailey says

    October 22, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    I love how thick it is and it really does look like a starfish! It’s an amazing plant!

    Reply
  16. AvatarMichelle Proper says

    October 22, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    The snake plant brings back fond memories of my Grandma!

    Reply
  17. AvatarCrystal Abel says

    October 22, 2020 at 4:34 pm

    This plant is on my wishlist!

    Reply
  18. AvatarMartha DeMArco says

    October 22, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    Love this plant. It’s so different!

    Reply
  19. AvatarCHRISTINE L DOLLAR says

    October 22, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Not had this plant. I have the “Mother-in-laws tongue plant. Looks similar.

    Reply
  20. AvatarSarah VanMater says

    October 22, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    My Mom has one of these plants and I love it.

    Reply
  21. AvatarBrandy Burkett says

    October 22, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    Cool plant!

    Reply
  22. AvatarLiz Kilcher says

    October 22, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    i like this plant, it’s different

    Reply
  23. AvatarDeeAnn S says

    October 22, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    I’m looking for a few new low light plants. This would certainly fit the bill. Thanks.

    Reply
  24. AvatarNancy Fiorenza says

    October 22, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    that is so pretty I love it

    Reply
  25. AvatarJoe Metzler says

    October 22, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    What an interesting name for a plant!

    Reply
  26. AvatarKIM DAVIS says

    October 22, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    Perfect plant for my daughters new apartment.

    Reply
  27. Avatarpaula burnham says

    October 22, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    beautiful plants

    Reply
  28. AvatarRachel Mertz says

    October 22, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    I have never seen a snake plant before – this plant is so fascinating!

    Reply
  29. AvatarKenneth Sheppard says

    October 22, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    I’m not a fan of this type of plant but I do like the variegated coloration of this one.

    Reply
  30. AvatarConnie says

    October 22, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    Hmmmm…. is this plant related to aloe vera plants? I have had many succulents in the past, but don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these.

    Reply
  31. AvatarMelanie Johnson says

    October 22, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    I really like this plant

    Reply
  32. AvatarKariLorr says

    October 22, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    I need one of these for my apartment. I have North and South facing windows and have very little sunshine coming in.

    Reply
  33. AvatarRhonda Martin says

    October 22, 2020 at 11:10 pm

    The shape remind me of a plant my aunt had many years ago. It’s a really pretty plant.

    Reply
  34. AvatarLisa Lebel says

    October 23, 2020 at 12:23 am

    Interesting plant

    Reply
  35. AvatarBetsy Pauzauskie says

    October 23, 2020 at 12:45 am

    The combination of pleasing foliage and low light requirements would possibly allow me to enjoy a Starfish Snake Plant in a home location I’ve never tried growing plants before. And, it’s oh so cool!

    Reply
  36. AvatarGT says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:35 am

    Just what I need – low maintenance!

    Reply
  37. AvatarApril Brown says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:37 am

    I believe I have seen this plant before, although I didn’t know what it was called. Maybe I just blocked it out because of the snake part ..

    Reply
  38. AvatarRonnell Storie says

    October 23, 2020 at 7:08 am

    Interesting plant. It’s not for me.

    Reply
  39. AvatarMichael Coovert says

    October 23, 2020 at 7:38 am

    I have had had these before. So easy to care for.

    Reply
  40. AvatarDiane Warstler says

    October 23, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    A perfect plant for my solarium!

    Reply
  41. AvatarAnita Kennett says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    Green can be beautiful

    Reply
  42. AvatarDonna Evans says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    I have these in my flower garden and love them

    Reply
  43. AvatarDarla Peduzzi says

    October 23, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    I had a snake plant for a long time before it finally died, but I’ve never heard of the starfish snake plant. I like it.

    Reply
  44. AvatarCheryll Powning says

    October 23, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Love those plants! So different.

    Reply
  45. AvatarCynthia C says

    October 23, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    The leaf color is beautiful and it sounds like a perfect indoor plant.

    Reply
  46. AvatarRon Weinberg says

    October 23, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Healthy are the indoor plants.

    Reply
  47. AvatarTee Trimble says

    October 23, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    Very Pretty!

    Reply
  48. AvatarSam says

    October 23, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    Cool plant. Thanks for the break down with all the specific details, makes it easy to find what the info you need.

    Reply
  49. Avatarjohn kennedy says

    October 23, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    never seen this plant before…like to try one out..

    Reply
  50. AvatarMelton C McKinney says

    October 23, 2020 at 11:23 pm

    I have not heard of this plant. Does it have ant medicinal properties?

    Reply
  51. AvatarPatti D says

    October 24, 2020 at 4:22 am

    Here’s another interesting one- perhaps will find one and give it a home.
    I just love this blog!

    Reply
  52. AvatarFrances Carty says

    October 24, 2020 at 4:55 am

    Lovely I am going to get one,

    Reply
  53. AvatarFrances Carty says

    October 24, 2020 at 4:57 am

    I like the banding

    Reply
  54. AvatarADARIA Johnson says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:27 am

    Absolutely amazing

    Reply
  55. Avatarcynthia says

    October 25, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    This is one plant I can grow.

    Reply
  56. AvatarBrittany Gilley says

    October 25, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    This plant is at the top of my list for my next houseplant buying expedition

    Reply
  57. AvatarLisa Cress says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:19 pm

    This is the only kind of “snake” I like!! Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  58. Avatarpaige chandler says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    Such a pretty and easy to care for plant. I need one – or two

    Reply
  59. AvatarDebbie Spearman says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve never seen this version, but love the snake plant.

    Reply
  60. AvatarElisse says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    This does sound like a good plant for us, as low light is an issue…

    Reply
  61. AvatarJasmin says

    October 25, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    I have successfully killed all my indoor plants. I am great with outdoor plants but bring it inside an my green thumb turns brown.

    Reply
  62. AvatarLeela says

    October 25, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    I had one of these a long time ago and would love to get another one.

    Reply
  63. AvatarCrissy M. says

    October 25, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    My mom used to grow these when I was younger, they are on my wish list for my new home.

    Reply
  64. AvatarDebbie Rhoades says

    October 25, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    this plant sounds like a wonderful addition to my houseplants and I love the easiness of propagating. Thanks for your wonderful blog posts!

    Reply
  65. AvatarSam Wallace says

    October 25, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    Never grew this one.. cool
    On the other non related subject those spring bulbs I’d love to win!

    Reply
  66. AvatarRena Walter says

    October 25, 2020 at 6:45 pm

    Thanks for the info about this Snake Plant.

    Reply
  67. AvatarMel says

    October 25, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    I’ll have to pass on this one. It’s a beautiful plant, but it’s toxic to cats.

    Reply
  68. AvatarPam W. says

    October 25, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    I’ll have to find a snake plant for my family room, as it gets little light.

    Reply
  69. AvatarDave Taube says

    October 25, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    I would love to add a starfish snake plant to my collection. It’s gorgeous!

    Reply
  70. AvatarClaire C. says

    October 26, 2020 at 12:43 am

    Love him!

    Reply
  71. AvatarBarbara Calder says

    October 26, 2020 at 1:16 am

    Very interesting. Thanks.

    Reply
  72. AvatarAnne S says

    October 26, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    This seems like a perfect low maintenance plant for that darker corner in the family room! Thanks for the information

    Reply
  73. AvatarCarrie says

    October 26, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    This plant is so pretty! It is definitely on my wish list.

    Reply
  74. AvatarItzel Molenaar says

    October 26, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    What a cool looking plant!

    Reply
  75. AvatarJames S says

    October 27, 2020 at 3:55 am

    Cool form and color on this plant!

    Reply
  76. AvatarTracy Suzanne DeLoach says

    October 27, 2020 at 10:49 am

    What a unique plant and I love the starfish name. I can see why they call it that. Thank you for all the information. I think I may have to get one of these for myself. I love anything that can propogate easily & I can share with friends.

    Reply
  77. AvatarThanay Binford says

    October 27, 2020 at 7:50 pm

    we have one

    Reply
  78. AvatarBarrie says

    October 28, 2020 at 4:04 am

    This is a pretty plant! My mom has plants in our front window, and this would make a great addition!

    Reply
  79. Avatarjoyce wilson says

    October 28, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    Love this!

    Reply
  80. Avatarellen beck says

    October 29, 2020 at 3:18 am

    We still have not moved. I am glad I did not find this plant yet because it is one I want for the sunroom. An added bonus is every single window withe the exception of the kitchen and living room have oversized window ledges!

    Reply
  81. AvatarCharu Nagarajan says

    October 30, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    I love snake plants. Not seen this variety

    Reply
  82. AvatarSherry McCarthy says

    October 30, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    These are so cool! I’m adding this to my list.

    Reply
  83. AvatarWendy says

    October 31, 2020 at 5:21 am

    Sadly, I had a different type snake plant, and I killed it. It was fine for years, but then there were no roots and when I tried to transplant them, they all died. I was sad, I had had them for a long time.

    Reply
  84. AvatarJ. says

    October 31, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    love the bulb giveaway!

    Reply
  85. AvatarLaura S. says

    October 31, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    I’d never seen a starfish snake plant before. I’ve had snake plants though. I had one that bloomed for me a few times and the flowers smelled beautiful.

    Reply
  86. AvatarDave Steiner says

    November 1, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    I’d like to try this one, since I just threw out my 18 years old bamboo plant.

    Reply
  87. Avatarlaura h. says

    November 5, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    I need a new office plant. I’ll be searching for this one!

    Reply
  88. AvatarJudy Rittenhouse says

    November 7, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    I have grown snakes in the past but not had the starfish variety! Really nice!

    Reply
  89. AvatarTrish F says

    November 7, 2020 at 11:22 pm

    This sounds like the ideal houseplant for my environment. Most of the rooms in my house are devoid of natural light and it gets very dry especially in the winter. I’ll have to give this pretty plant a try.

    Reply
  90. Avatarwen budro says

    November 8, 2020 at 2:03 am

    I love how this plant looks. It’s been a while since I’ve had any snake plants. I love that it can thrive in low light environments.

    Reply
  91. AvatarJean Hansen says

    November 8, 2020 at 5:10 am

    Succulents are so sturdy, yet beautiful.

    Reply
  92. AvatarLeAnn Harbert says

    November 8, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    My grandmother always had snake plants in her house.

    Reply
  93. AvatarCarol S says

    November 8, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Sounds easy to grow.

    Reply
  94. AvatarKent says

    November 9, 2020 at 12:44 am

    I really need a bigger house for the plants that are taking it over in the south windows. I have never seen a starfish snake plant. He and I would get along quite well.

    Reply
  95. AvatarBetty Curran says

    November 9, 2020 at 1:33 am

    I am totally without any indoor plants right now. I need to get at least one and the snake plant is very pretty.

    Reply
  96. AvatarSusan Marina Brown Lane says

    November 9, 2020 at 2:07 am

    I thought this was a type of aloe at first. I would like to see if I could grow this outside, here.

    Reply

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about laura sproull

about laura sproull

Hi! I'm Laura and hail from Western New York. I consider myself a lifelong learner who loves gardening with a 360 degree view. Thanks for stopping by!

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