You've probably seen a painted Sansevieria cylindrica in the shops from time to time. These plants, which you should know are not natural but, as their name suggests, painted, don't always come out well, especially because of the paint they use to do so. So, how about we help you with some care for your painted Sansevieria cylindrica?
If you want to buy one, you have been given one as a gift, or you simply want to save it before the plant dies, take a look at this guide. Shall we begin?
Painted Sansevieria cylindrica: what care does it need?
The first thing you should know is that the painted Sansevieria cylindrica does not exist in the plant kingdom. In reality, and like many other plants, it is a way of selling plants to make them more attractive. What they do is paint them with paint to make them look different and original.
The problem is that the paint prevents the plant from carrying out photosynthesis, and this means that it will weaken over time to the point that it may die.
Then, The most advisable thing you should do is remove the paint as soon as you have it at home. Yes, we know, it's eye-catching, original and looks very pretty. But don't be fooled, the plant itself is pretty in itself.
If you still want to leave it, we recommend that you put it in a place where it gets a lot of sunlight so that it can at least get some energy and try to survive.
Location and temperature
The best location for the painted Sansevieria cylindrica is in full sun, or places with plenty of light, since it needs at least 6 hours of light a day. Depending on where you live, you could choose to put it in full sun or in semi-shade. It will grow well in both, but sun is always better.
If you notice that leaves of this plant begin to arch or become weak, then it will mean that it needs more sun, and light. So if you have the paint, maybe that's hurting you.
As for temperature, cold is its weak point. And humidity. It cannot stand it, so you will have to put it in a warm and dry place when low temperatures or frost arrive. At the other extreme you will not have a problem, because it tolerates heat quite well.
However, if you have it indoors, do not place it near heaters or radiators, because that will dry out the environment around it and that is not recommended either (you will make the plant require more watering and you may end up rotting it because of this).
Substratum
The best soil for Sansevieria cylindrica pinta is one that has good drainage. Therefore, in this case, instead of recommending universal soil, we advise you to opt for substrate for succulents and add some coconut fiber, humus, perlite or vermiculite.
All of this will help the substrate is much lighter and the roots can easily develop and grow through the pot. If the soil is compacted, the roots will not be able to move and will end up drowning the plant.
The plant does not need to be repotted very often. The Sansevieria cylindrica Pintada grows slowly, so you should only repot it when you see that the roots are coming out of the pot in abundance or you see that the pot is getting too small.
Irrigation
Watering the Sansevieria cylindrica Pintada is quite easy: water only occasionally. It hardly needs any watering. In fact, it is quite sensitive to excess water, to the point that its roots rot easily.
Therefore, It is better to give a gift very occasionally, and in small quantities, than to overdo it. One trick that can help you is to use a toothpick and stick it all the way into the soil to see if it comes out moist. If it does, it means the plant doesn't need any more water, and you can leave it alone for a few more days.
Another option is to water it very occasionally. Believe us when we say that this will not harm the plant itself, because it tolerates drought very well. Only if you see its leaves wrinkling will it be an indication that it needs some water. But don't overdo it.
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This plant is not one of those that needs special fertilizer and attention. But we can't say that it doesn't tolerate it either. In fact, some recommend that, in order for it to have more energy and strength, a fertilizer be applied once a month or every month and a half. during the growing season.
Pruning
The painted Sansevieria cylindrica is not a plant that needs to be continually pruned. But it is true that, in order for the appearance to always remain impeccable, you will have to remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
When doing this, remember to disinfect your scissors and eyes, because it is a toxic plant, so protect your hands and also your eyes.
Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang
Reproduction
The way to multiply the painted Sansevieria cylindrica is quite simple, since you have two ways to do it:
- Through rhizome divisionThis way, you will have two identical plants. However, when you divide it, leave the cut out in the air for a few days so that it heals before planting it (or hiding the cut). You may also want to sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on it. This will help prevent the wound from rotting and will help it heal much faster.
- Through a leaf cutting. The problem with this method is that you won't get any multi-colored patterns on the leaves, they will be plain. Also, you will have to treat the cutting well before planting it for it to thrive.
Now that you know how to care for the painted Sansevieria cylindrica, do you dare to get one? Have you had a painted one? What do you think? Read your thoughts in the comments.