Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’, or Starfish Sansevieria, is a striking Snake plant known for its star-shaped clusters of thick, cylindrical, upright leaves.
The starfish plant can survive indoors in low light, needs very little water, and does not have many care problems, making it a great houseplant.
Starfish Sansevieria
The Starfish Sansevieria is a cultivar of the Snake plant cylindrica. It is native to Angola, South Africa where it grows in clusters in dry conditions in sandy, well-draining soil.
Scientific name: Dracaena cylindrica var. patula Boncel (formerly classified as Sansevieria cylindrical Boncel). Common names: Starfish Snake plant, Spear Orchid, Sansevieria cylindrica.
Read More: Succulent care for beginners.
Want to buy a Starfish Snake plant? Find it for sale on Amazon!
Light Requirements
Cylindrical Sansevieria plants can tolerate growing in low light. But for optimal growth, provide your plant with plenty of bright indirect light.
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to slower growth.
Love Snake plants? Check out these popular Sansevieria varieties!
Watering
The Starfish Sansevieria is very drought-resistant. It stores water in the leaves, roots, and underground rhizomes, so it can go without water for a long time.
It is prone to root rot so let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent overwatering.
Healthy leaves should be firm and thick. Signs of an underwatered cylindrica are wrinkled, shriveling leaves with dry brown tips. Signs of overwatering are leaves turning yellow, soft, and mushy from the bottom up.
If you are not sure when to water, you can use a moisture meter to help you.
Read More: When to water indoor succulents.
Humidity
The Starfish Snake plant thrives in warm temperatures and is not very needy regarding humidity. They prefer medium to high humidity levels but can grow in average household humidity conditions.
Related reading: Fun Facts about Sansevieria plants.
Soil and Repotting
The Starfish Sansevieria cylindrica is a slow-growing plant and does not need to be repotted very often.
Over time, it grows pups around its base. It will outgrow its pot when it’s overcrowded with new clusters. Repot in spring in a pot one size bigger than the original.
Plant in well-draining succulent soil. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. Without those, excess water has no way to get out and will drown the roots.
Read More: Guide to repotting house plants.
Starfish Sansevieria Propagation
The easiest way to propagate the Sansevieria starfish is by removing the offsets. The offsets, also known as pups, grow from underground rhizomes around the base of the mature parent plant.
You can gently divide the rhizomes to separate the new starfish clusters. Plant separately and give them more room to grow into independent plants.
Read more: How to propagate your snake plants and 6 ways to propagate all your plants!
Is the Starfish Snake plant Toxic to Cats?
The starfish Sansevieria cylindrica Boncel is considered mildly toxic. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested.
Although it is uncommon for pets to get seriously hurt from eating plants, keep this one out of reach of children and pets.
Further reading: Sansevieria Snake Plants Toxic to Pets?
TRACY MCISAAC
Friday 19th of April 2024
My starfish has a couple of pups that appear to be stagnant. They are not dying but they are not getting any bigger either. The other shoots are thiriving very well. Is there something I could do to encourage growth.
Marilyn Sepich
Saturday 10th of February 2024
My Starfish is dying. The original plant is brown and shriveled more each day. The pup appears to be all right for now. Should I discard the original plant and transplant the pup?