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Sansevieria cylindrica 'Boncel'

mother-in-law's tongue 'Boncel'

A compact, clump-forming perennial houseplant which may grow to around 1.2m in height, with smooth, cylindrical, fleshy grey-green striped leaves which grow outwards from a central clump into a fan shape. Mature plants may rarely produce upright spikes of fragrant, spidery, pinkish-white flowers

Synonyms
Sansevieria boncellensis

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Pink White Grey Silver Green
Autumn Pink White Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Sansevieria are stemless, erect, rhizomatous, succulent perennials with evergreen, ovate or strap-shaped, leathery leaves often attractively marbled, and short spikes of small fragrant tubular greenish-white flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in bright filtered light, avoiding full summer sun. Grow outdoors, in a sheltered, frost-free environment, in full sun. Pot on only when pot bound. Tolerant of neglect. Protect from winter wet. See houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by leaf cuttings, suckers or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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