Key Facts
- Succulent houseplant with stiff cylindrical leaves
- Drought tolerant and stores water in its leaves
- Tolerates low light but thrives in bright indirect light
- Slow to moderate grower when potted
- Will rot if kept in poorly drained, waterlogged soil
- Occasional fragrant tubular flowers reported in cultivation
- Native to parts of tropical Africa including Angola
- Commonly propagated by division, pups, or leaf cuttings
The African Spear Plant is an upright succulent prized for stiff cylindrical leaves and low maintenance habit. It makes a striking architectural houseplant and a patio specimen in warm climates, but will rot if kept in poorly drained soil.
Identification and appearance
Clumps of smooth, cylindrical leaves rise vertically from a short rhizome. Mature plants commonly reach about 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread near 1 to 2 feet, depending on cultivar and pot size. Leaves store water, giving a fleshy, drought tolerant look.
Where to grow and best uses
Use as a sculptural indoor plant, a low maintenance office plant, or a container patio plant in USDA zones 9 to 11. In cooler regions keep it as a houseplant year round. Avoid planting where drainage is poor or where soil stays wet.
Light and placement
Bright indirect light produces the healthiest, most upright growth. The plant tolerates low light with slower growth, and some morning or filtered sun is usually fine. Protect leaves from prolonged hot afternoon sun which can scorch them in some climates.
Soil and watering
Use a free draining cactus or succulent mix with grit or coarse material for good drainage. Water only after the top inch or two of the mix has dried out. Overly frequent watering or waterlogged soil leads to soft leaves, root rot and sudden collapse.
Potting and maintenance
Choose a pot with drainage holes and avoid heavy, moisture retentive mixes. Repot to a slightly larger container when the plant becomes rootbound, typically every few years. Remove any rotting or mushy roots and reduce watering if root rot appears.
Propagation
Propagate by division or by separating pups for the fastest, most reliable results. Leaf or rhizome cuttings also root but are slower and may produce variable offspring. Let cut surfaces callus before planting to reduce the risk of rot.
Problems and toxicity
Root rot from poor drainage is the most common issue. Pests are uncommon on healthy plants. The species contains saponins and is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested causing gastrointestinal upset, so keep away from pets and children.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does African Spear Plant grow?
- It is a slow to moderate grower when potted, with growth depending on light, pot size and watering.
- Will it survive low light?
- Yes, it tolerates low light but growth will slow and plants may become leggier.
- Can I grow it outdoors?
- Yes in USDA zones 9 to 11, otherwise keep it as a houseplant where frost occurs.
- How often should I water?
- Water sparingly and allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid letting the pot sit in water.
- How do I propagate it?
- Division and separating pups are fastest. Leaf and rhizome cuttings work but take longer and can be variable.
- Does it flower?
- Occasional tubular flowers have been reported in cultivation, but flowering is irregular and not common in many homes.
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