Dracaena zeylanica

Ceylon bowstring hemp

A rosette-forming 'sansevieria' native to Sri Lanka and southern India, better known as Sansevieria zeylanica. It is leafier than the common snake plant, with 10-16 leaves per rosette and no distinct petiole. Most plants sold under this name are actually plain green Dracaena trifasciata, and the true species is uncommon in cultivation. Both need the same care: bright light, warmth and sparse watering.

At home, aim for

Day Warm-growingTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry

Light Bright, filtered lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows in the ground

Where it grows wild

The sources consulted give no habitat detail. Sansevierias of the Indian subcontinent generally grow in dry, open scrub and rocky or sandy ground in hot lowlands, often in the partial shade of shrubs; this is assumed here but not confirmed.

No elevation data were found. It is presumed to be a lowland plant.

Sri LankaIndia

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

Grow Dracaena zeylanica? Add it to a free garden and its full profile opens. Pro opens all 38,374 profiles in the library, plants and fungi.

Start free Sign in

More Dracaena

Dracaena trifasciata Dracaena fragrans Dracaena cinnabari Dracaena draco Dracaena reflexa Dracaena pinguicula Dracaena halapepe Dracaena sanderiana Dracaena angolensis Dracaena mannii Dracaena tamaranae Dracaena aletriformis All 237 →

Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.