Sansevieria, or Starfish Snake Plant, is a popular multipurpose houseplant recognized for its hardiness and low-maintenance requirements.
Among the different Snake Plant varieties, the Starfish Snake Plant, also known as the Starfish Sansevieria, stands out for its distinct and eye-catching look. This article will go into the Starfish Snake Plant’s qualities, advantages, and care needs, making it a must-have for every plant fan.
An Overview of the Starfish Snake Plant
The succulent plant Sansevieria cylindrica is endemic to Angola. In China, it is a popular and cherished houseplant that symbolises the eight attributes of the Eight Gods. It has striped, smooth, elongated grey/green leaves and is highly resilient. They may grow around 1 inch (2.5 cm) broad and up to 7 feet long (2 m.). It forms a fan with stiff leaves that emerge from a basal rosette. It features tubular leaves rather than strap-like sub cylindrical leaves. It is drought-hardy, requiring water only every other week or so. It may grow in full light to moderate sun, although it will bloom with inch-long (2.5 cm.) greenish-white tubular blooms tinged with pink if grown in full sun.
Choosing the right location for Starfish Snake Plants
Starfish Snake Plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and tolerate low-light conditions. However, avoiding direct sunlight is important as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Water requirements for Starfish Snake Plants
These plants are drought-tolerant and can go for long periods without water. When watering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Snake starfish plants require water like any plant but will not suffer tremendously from a forgotten watering. It’s best to plant in a container with drainage holes, and it is recommended to water the plant at least twice a month – wait until the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Soil for Starfish Snake Plants
You can pot a snake starfish plant in cactus potting soil; it likes well-drained soil and can tolerate sandy soil. When the Sansevieria plant grows [during the summer months], feed it monthly with cactus plant food diluted to ⅓ or ½ the recommended dosage. Please do not use a strong fertilizer on a snake plant, as it can burn the plant.
Temperature and humidity for Starfish Snake Plants
These plants tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefer temperatures between 15.56 -32.22°C (60-90°F). They are also tolerant of low humidity levels.
Fertilizer for Starfish Snake Plants
Starfish Snake Plants do not require regular fertilization. However, if you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season.
Propagation for Starfish Sansevieria
Sansevieria Starfish plants will eventually develop rhizomes or little pups that poke out from the soil close to the plant. Cutting one of these offshoots from the mother plant and planting it in a new container is the simplest way to reproduce it. If there is no rhizome, reproduce by cutting a leaf off at the base and allowing it to dry. The clipped edge might take weeks to dry and turn white on a big plant like this. Plant it in the soil, and spray the leaf when it has dried. After another 2-3 weeks, roots should develop.
Repotting
These plants do not require frequent repotting, but if the roots become cramped in the pot, you can report them in a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix.
Pests and Diseases
Vine weevils are the most common pests to attack this plant. If you notice edges of the leaves “eating away”, look for an adult vine weevil on the plant. Spraying the plant and soil with neem oil may save the plant if you catch it early enough.
Root rot is a common issue in starfish sansevieria care. Prolonged exposure to water will cause root fungal infections and the leaves to turn yellow.
Remedy of Root Rot
• Remove the slimy, discoloured roots.
• Fungicide application
• Allow time for the soil to dry between waterings.
Growth Season
It’s a slow-growing plant. The Sansevierias actively grow during the spring to the summer season. Flowering time can be irregular, but it can mostly happen during spring.
Benefits of the Starfish Snake Plant
One of the Starfish Snake Plant’s biggest benefits is its ability to purify the air. Studies have shown that the plant can remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for a home or office. In addition to air purification, the Starfish Snake Plant also helps to improve air quality by increasing humidity, which can help to alleviate dry skin, colds, and other respiratory issues.
Another benefit of the Starfish Snake Plant is its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It can tolerate even the dimmest of indoor lighting, making it a great choice for rooms with little natural light. It also requires minimal watering, making it a great choice for people who are often away from home or busy.
Caring for the Starfish Snake
- It is important to note that it requires well-draining soil, and it should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot, which can be fatal. It is also important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below (10°C) 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The Starfish Snake Plant also prefers moderate temperatures and should be kept away from drafts or extreme temperatures. It is also important to keep the plant away from direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Instead, place the plant in a location that receives indirect or filtered sunlight.
- When it comes to fertilizing the Starfish Snake Plant, it is important to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. It is important to follow the fertiliser package instructions and not over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to leaf burn.
- The Starfish Snake Plant is relatively easy to propagate. One method of propagation is through leaf cuttings. To do this, cut a leaf from the plant and allow it to callus for a few days. Once the leaf has callused over, you can plant it in well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, bright location until roots have formed and new growth appears.
- Another method of propagation is through rhizome division. To do this, remove the plant from its pot and divide the rhizome into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one leaf and one root. Plant the sections in well-draining soil and keep them in a warm, bright location until new growth appears.
Kinds of starfish
The common name “Starfish Plant” is not a specific plant species. Still, it is often referred to as a Snake Plant cultivar (Sansevieria trifasciata) with variegated leaves with a unique starfish-like pattern.
Some other cultivars of Sansevieria trifasciata that are also sometimes referred to as “Starfish Plants” include:
- Sansevieria trifasciata “Laurentii” – This cultivar has a yellow border around the leaves.
- Sansevieria trifasciata “Hahnii” – This cultivar is a dwarf variety, reaching a maximum height of around 8 inches.
- Sansevieria trifasciata “Futura Superba” – This cultivar has wider and shorter leaves than the typical Sansevieria trifasciata and has a unique pattern on the leaves.
- Sansevieria trifasciata “Black Star” – This cultivar has dark green leaves with a yellow border and a unique pattern on the leaves.
It is worth noting that different cultivars may have slightly different care requirements and may look different, so always check the specific care instructions for the cultivar you have.