Troubleshooting
African Spear Plant problems — and how to fix them
African Spear Plant (Sansevieria cylindrica) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot
Nearly always caused by overwatering; allow the soil to dry completely and use a fast-draining mix. Remove rotted roots and repot into fresh dry substrate.
Brown or shrivelled leaf tips
Low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or underwatering can cause tip dieback. Water with filtered or rain water if possible.
Wrinkled or soft leaves
Can indicate either severe underwatering or root rot. Check the roots and soil moisture before deciding on a course of action.
Mealybugs
May shelter at the base of the cylindrical leaves; treat with isopropyl alcohol or a systemic pesticide.
Slow or no growth
Common in low light or very low temperatures. Move to a brighter, warmer position and resume spring feeding.
Prevent african spear plant problems before they start
Most african spear plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
African Spear Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my african spear plant root rot?
Nearly always caused by overwatering; allow the soil to dry completely and use a fast-draining mix. Remove rotted roots and repot into fresh dry substrate.
Why is my african spear plant brown or shrivelled leaf tips?
Low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or underwatering can cause tip dieback. Water with filtered or rain water if possible.
Why is my african spear plant wrinkled or soft leaves?
Can indicate either severe underwatering or root rot. Check the roots and soil moisture before deciding on a course of action.
Why is my african spear plant mealybugs?
May shelter at the base of the cylindrical leaves; treat with isopropyl alcohol or a systemic pesticide.
Why is my african spear plant slow or no growth?
Common in low light or very low temperatures. Move to a brighter, warmer position and resume spring feeding.