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Dracaena zeylanica
Ceylon Bowstring Hemp
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) — now reclassified under {Dracaena} from the former {Sansevieria}
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Dracaena zeylanica (formerly Sansevieria zeylanica) is Ceylon bowstring hemp — a snake plant native to Sri Lanka, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Dark green stiffly upright sword-shaped succulent leaves carry lighter green wavy horizontal cross-banding — the wavy band pattern separates this from the straight-banded D. trifasciata (the more commonly sold snake plant). The species was traditionally used to make bowstrings from the tough leaf fibres in Sri Lanka. Reclassified from Sansevieria to Dracaena in 2017 based on molecular phylogenetic evidence — still commonly sold under the old Sansevieria name. Tolerates any light from near-darkness to full sun. Water only when completely dry — the succulent leaves store water. A strong air-purifying houseplant per the NASA Clean Air Study, removing several common indoor pollutants. Mildly toxic to pets.
Native Range
Dracaena zeylanica is native to Sri Lanka (Ceylon).Suggested Uses
Used in any indoor setting — bedrooms, offices, bathrooms. Air-purifying. The wavy-banded snake plant. Among the toughest houseplants in cultivation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Rarely flowers indoors. The upright banded foliage is the year-round display.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white (rare indoors)Foliage Description
Dark green with lighter green wavy horizontal cross-banding, stiffly upright, sword-shaped, thick and succulentGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Any light from near-darkness to full sun. Water only when completely dry. Well-draining mix with sand or perlite. Mildly toxic to pets. Formerly Sansevieria.Pruning
Remove damaged leaves at the base. New growth from underground rhizome.Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons