The Starfish Snake Plant, also known as the cylindrical Boncel snake plant, is a unique and striking addition to any plant collection. Known for its star-shaped rosette and cylindrical leaves, this plant is visually appealing and exceptionally easy to maintain. Here’s everything you need to know to care for your Starfish Snake Plant and keep it thriving.

A Star is Born

The Starfish Snake Plant is a variant of the Sansevieria cylindrica. Like the cylindrica Snake Plant, it has thick, tubular leaves. The thick leaves of the Sansevieria cylindrica ‘Boncel’ grow in a fan shape from a central point, resembling a starfish. The round leaves taper to a gentle point and have alternating rows of light and dark green variegation. 

This Sansevieria is native to Africa. Most accounts indicate that this particular Snake Plant is native to West Africa, although I have found sources claiming the plant hails from Central Africa or South Africa. It is known for its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements, making it perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers.

Plants in the Sansevieria genus have been classified as Dracaena since 2020, and as such, this plant may be labeled as a Dracaena Angolensis.

Starfish Snake Plant Light Needs

Starfish Snake Plants are highly adaptable when it comes to lighting. Like all Sansevieria, the Boncel variety can live in various light levels, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant in bright, indirect light for optimal growth and vibrant variegation. Keep houseplants clear of direct sunlight. Sansevieria can be conditioned to handle direct sunlight, but houseplants will burn unless they are gradually exposed to direct light.

How Often to Water Sansevieria Boncel

One key aspect of caring for a Starfish Snake Plant is understanding its water needs. Unlike real Starfish, this one likes arid conditions. This plant is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. The plant stores water in its thick foliage, so it is relatively self-reliant. Snake Plants must work through their water reserves before being replenished.

• Frequency: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce the frequency to 6-8 weeks.
• Method: Water Sanseviera Boncel thoroughly, ensuring excess water runs from the pot. Avoid leaving the plant in standing water, which can cause root rot.
• Signs of Water Stress: Yellowing or mushy leaves indicate overwatering, and shriveled foliage indicates underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Best Soil for Starfish Snake Plants

Starfish Snake Plants require well-draining soil. This plant hails from dry conditions and thrives in soil that does not retain much moisture. Use a cactus or succulent mix, or make your own by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite for improved drainage. Select a container with drainage so excess water can drip.

Temperature and Humidity for Sansevieria Boncel

The Starfish Snake Plant prefers warm temperatures between 70° to 90° F. It can handle lower temperatures but should be protected from drafts and anything below 50° F. The Starfish Snake Plant is not fussy about humidity but will thrive in average indoor humidity. Avoid increased humidity, like what you would encounter in a bathroom or kitchen.

Starfish Sansevieria Fertilizer Tips

Feed your Boncel Snake Plant with a balanced plant food monthly during the growing season. Use a water-soluble formula diluted to half-strength. There’s no need to feed your plant in the fall and winter if the plant’s growth slows down.

Does the Starfish Snake Plant Bloom?

When your houseplant care is spot on, your Starfish Sansevieria may bloom. Tubular flowers with a creamy white hue grow from tall stalks. The blooms have a sweet scent for even more appeal. Unfortunately, Sansevieria houseplants rarely bloom. These plants need conditions closely mimicking what they would experience in their native habitat to bloom.

Pruning Sansevieria Boncel

Pruning is rare for Starfish Sansevieria plants. Remove leaves that show extreme signs of root rot or dehydration, such as those that are mushy or extremely shriveled. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this, but if necessary, trim stems as close to the base as possible without damaging other leaves. 

When to Repot Starfish Snake Plant 

Your plant will let you know when it’s time to repot when you notice roots poking through drainage holes or growth coming to a slowdown. Plants grown in bright, indirect sunlight may need an upgraded container and fresh soil every one to two years. Starfish plants in low light will grow more slowly and need a new container every two to four years.

Starfish Snake Plant Propagation

Propagating the Starfish Snake Plant is straightforward and can be done through division or leaf cuttings. Division is the preferred method because it maintains the integrity of the fan-shaped growth habit. Propagating through leaf cuttings is an excellent way to use damaged leaves that had to be removed, but removing a leaf means the star will miss a point.

Starfish Snake Plant Styling Tips

The Starfish Snake Plant’s standout feature is its unique foliage. Select a spot in a busy area so you can readily admire the thick foliage and star-like growth habit. Mature plants stand one foot tall and wide, so the Sansevieria Boncel is a good choice for a tabletop or mantle. Any container material is suitable. Sansevierias like to dry out, so this plant can comfortably live in a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot.  

Starfish Snake Plant Care Tips

The Starfish Snake Plant is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally have trouble with mealybugs or spider mites. Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The  Sansevieria cylindrica Boncel is a charming and resilient addition to any home. With minimal care, it can thrive and add a touch of exotic beauty and unique greenery to your space.