Sansevieria zeylanica, often referred to as Ceylon Bowstring Hemp or simply Zeylanica Snake Plant, is a striking, upright houseplant with long, sword-like leaves in shades of deep green streaked with silver-grey horizontal markings. Its bold, architectural form and subtle marbling make it a stylish yet understated choice for homes and offices alike.

This variety is known for being exceptionally low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and highly adaptable to different light conditions. It's also renowned for its air-purifying abilities, helping remove indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, according to NASA’s Clean Air Study.

At a Glance

• 🌿 Botanical name: Sansevieria zeylanica (now often classified as Dracaena zeylanica)

• 🪴 Common name: Zeylanica Snake Plant, Ceylon Bowstring Hemp

• 🌤 Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light

• 💧 Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings

• 🌡 Temperature: 16–30°C; avoid cold and frost

• 🧴 Humidity: Low to average household humidity

• 🐾 Toxicity: ❌ Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Care Guide for Sansevieria zeylanica

Light

Sansevieria zeylanica is incredibly light-tolerant. It will survive in low light but shows best colour and growth in bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun can benefit the plant, but harsh direct sunlight can scorch the foliage.

💡 Ideal for offices, hallways, bedrooms, or anywhere with filtered light.

Watering

Water only when the soil is completely dry. During warmer months, this may be every 2–3 weeks. In winter, reduce to once every 4–6 weeks. Overwatering is the biggest risk, so always err on the dry side.

✅ Use pots with drainage holes
🚫 Never let the roots sit in water

Humidity

Sansevieria zeylanica thrives in low to average humidity. It’s well-suited to centrally heated homes and requires no misting.

Temperature

Prefers a warm environment – ideal temperature range is 16–30°C. Keep away from cold windows and avoid exposure to temperatures below 10°C, as this can cause leaf damage.

Soil

Use a fast-draining potting mix, such as cactus or succulent compost. You can also amend regular houseplant compost with grit, perlite, or sand to improve aeration and drainage.

Feeding

Feed sparingly – every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer – with a diluted cactus or general houseplant fertiliser. Do not feed in autumn or winter.

Propagation

• Division: The easiest and most reliable method

• Leaf cuttings: Can be used, though new growth may lose the original patterning

Common Issues

• Mushy or yellowing leaves: Caused by overwatering or root rot

• Wrinkled or drooping leaves: Often a sign of underwatering or very dry conditions

• Leaf tip browning: May result from cold exposure or dry air

• Pale foliage: Usually due to insufficient light

Styling Ideas

• A sleek addition to modern, minimalist interiors

• Works well in floor-standing pots to highlight its tall form

• Perfect for plant beginners, busy households, or corporate spaces