The Sansevieria cylindrica is a tough, easy-care succulent, found across the continent of Africa. It grows upright in a series of water-filled, spikey fronds. You'll sometimes see these plaited or otherwise trained out of this upright growth habit, but we like our Snake Plants au naturale!
When it comes to repotting the Sansevieria cylindrica, make sure you do so in well-draining, succulent-specific soil. It really doesn't like too much moisture.
Benefits of the Sansevierias include improving the quality of the air you breathe, inducing feelings of calm and helping you feel alert.
We tend to associate foliage plants with air-purification, but Snake Plants are just as potent. They may not have lush green leaves, but they have a broad surface area, covered in tiny plant pores which take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen.
All plants produce oxygen as they photosynthesise, but these guys are especially proficient at doing so. Their very close relation (the Sansevieria laurentii) was one of the houseplants featured in NASA’s famous Clean Air study.
Another reason Snake Plants may be especially beneficial to their mental health is their bright green colouring. Studies have shown that the colour green makes people feel alert and healthy, encouraging them to make better decisions, and feel more vibrant. Green plants, like Sansevierias, are therefore good to have in living rooms and offices as they help us feel energised and productive.
