Last updated on June 27th, 2022 at 04:37 am
Sansevieria ehrenbergii, also known as sansevieria dwarf samurai, samurai dwarf snake plant , samurai sword sansevieria, or dwarf sansevieria, is one of the smaller sansevierias, at only 3-6 tall when mature. It’s native to Nigeria, but has naturalized in various tropical areas around the world, including southern Florida and Hawaii. It’s sometimes sold as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ (or just ‘Hahnii’) or Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Samurai’.
Sansevieria dwarf samurai is one of the most popular and easy to care for houseplants out there! Sansevieria ehrenbergii (Sansevieria dwarf samurai) are slow-growing but will be happy living in full sun or part shade with low to medium light levels. Sansevieria ehrenbergii (Sansevieria dwarf samurai) make excellent office plants because they are so easy to take care of!
It is is an excellent addition to any home or office. If you’re looking for an efficient plant that can clean the air and look great in your home or office, the sansevieria dwarf samurai is perfect for you!
Origin and distribution
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It was previously placed in a monotypic genus Maranta, but recent genetic studies have determined that it is closely related to Sansevieria and thus it has been placed in that genus as well.
The common name, dwarf sansevieria, refers to its smaller size compared with other members of its genus. The specific epithet honors German botanist Johann Gottlieb Georgi who collected plants on an expedition to Egypt and Arabia between 1777-1779.
It is native to Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Although usually found growing in sandy soils near riverbanks or lakeshores at altitudes up to 1500 m above sea level.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii propagation
Sansevieria ehrenbergii propagates easily by dividing its clumps. Many people also grow it from stem or leaf cuttings, which can be left to dry and harden for a few days before planting. They are slow-growing plants and can take several years to reach maturity.
They do best in bright but indirect light, such as that found near a south-facing window. The soil should be kept moist at all times, but not soggy. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made with sansevierias. If you’re using tap water, consider filtering it first to reduce your plant’s exposure to chlorine and fluoride.
In addition to watering your Sansevieria ehrenbergii, you should fertilize it once every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. In fall and winter, feed monthly. Never use an ammonia-based fertilizer on any type of snake plant; they are highly toxic to these plants!
Sansevieria ehrenbergii care information
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is a very easy plant to care for. It’s a low-light plant, meaning it will do well in your bathroom or kitchen, especially if you place it in front of a window where there’s little direct sunlight. Like most succulents, Sansevieria requires well-draining soil that’s rich in organic materials like compost and pumice stone.
Light requirement
Sansevieria ehrenbergii prefers low-medium light, but it can withstand high light levels. When grown in brighter conditions, Sansevieria grows more upright. Under lower light conditions, they grow broader and fuller with a greater number of leaves.
Soil/potting mix
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is succulent, so it doesn’t need special soil, just a potting mix that drains well. The kind of potting mix is really up to you. You can use a regular potting mix or buy one designed specifically for succulents. If you decide to use soil, opt for an organic product like Espoma Cactus Soil Mix which contains coconut husk chips and volcanic rock.
Watering
The hardy Sansevieria ehrenbergii requires little to no attention when it comes to watering. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made with Sansevierias. Allow your soil to dry out in between waterings, and take care not to leave your plant in a saucer of water for more than 24 hours at a time, as standing water can lead to root rot over time.
It’s also important to note that Sansevierias are susceptible to crown rot if exposed to excessive moisture. This means that you should avoid wetting or misting leaves directly, as moisture on leaf surfaces can cause fungal growth on plants that are otherwise perfectly healthy.
Fertilizer
Don’t be afraid to fertilize. In fact, you should fertilize your Sansevieria ehrenbergii on a regular basis if you want to ensure that it’s always at its best. We recommend watering your plant with a diluted fertilizer once every two weeks during its active growth season. The dilution ratio is 1/4 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water. Don’t worry, you don’t need to measure out tablespoons or anything; just eyeball it and pour!
Temperature
Sansevieria ehrenbergii requires warm to hot temperatures and should be kept away from drafty areas. Temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees F are ideal; however, they can survive temperature fluctuations as low as 40 degrees F and up to 95 degrees F. If you live in a climate that gets extremely cold during winter, keep your sansevieria indoors at temperatures no lower than 50 to 55 degrees F.
Humidity
Sansevieria ehrenbergii prefers humidity. Mist your plants daily with a spray bottle, or keep them next to a humidifier or in a steamy bathroom. If you want to use tap water, boil it first, then let it cool before misting or placing it in a spray bottle for easier use. Too much humidity can be problematic; mold will start to grow if you’re not careful!
The ideal humidity range is between 40 and 60 percent. Humidity levels below 40 percent are too dry, while levels above 60 percent will cause your plants to rot. If you can’t measure your home’s humidity, a good rule of thumb is to keep it between 50 and 55 percent.
Pruning
It’s important to note that sansevierias, like most plants, don’t need regular pruning. Though they are often called snake plants, they do not bite or move on their own, they are rarely affected by pests or disease and rarely need additional water.
Because of these reasons and because they grow best with little attention paid to them, we recommend leaving your dwarf sansevieria alone as much as possible!
When to repot
Repot Sansevieria in spring once a year, using a good potting mix. Make sure you prune off any dead or yellowing leaves and be careful not to damage roots when repotting. Check with your local nursery to see if they have any specific instructions for caring for these popular houseplants.
There are more than 200 species of Sansevieria available in nurseries, including snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp, and arrowhead. The most common type is mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), which is also known as devil’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp.
Dormancy
You might know sansevierias as snake plants, but they’re also called mother-in-law’s tongue. This aptly named plant is also known for its dormancy. Although you can still water it when in dormancy, be sure to stop watering it during its active growing season, otherwise, you could cause damage to your plant.
If your plant has been dormant for more than three months, check to see if it needs water. If so, allow it to sit in a sink or bowl of room temperature water for 15 minutes before giving it a thorough drink from a watering can or hose.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii flower & fragrance
Sansevieria ehrenbergii dwarf samurai, as it’s often called, is a small-growing type of sansevieria that makes an excellent choice for containers. It’s also one of my favorite houseplants due to its sword-like leaves and glossy appearance.
Growth rate
Sansevieria ehrenbergii is a slow-growing, dwarf Sansevieria with sword-like leaves. An excellent choice for beginners who are just starting out and have limited space, you’ll find it to be one of the easiest Sansevierias to grow. Also known as a snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, Sansevieria ehrenbergii makes an elegant addition to any home or office decor scheme.
Toxicity
Sansevieria ehrenbergii plants are toxic, containing needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate. It can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. It is also poisonous to pets. Do not allow children or pets around your Sansevieria plant because ingestion can lead to pain, swelling, and vomiting. If your cat eats a Sansevieria plant, seek immediate veterinary care.
USDA hardiness zones
Sansevieria ehrenbergii thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. In zone 10, it can survive outdoors year-round with protection from frost. In zone 11, it can be grown outdoors year-round without protection from frost. It can also be grown indoors year-round as a houseplant in all USDA hardiness zones. However, its leaves may become damaged if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for too long.
Pests and diseases
While sansevierias are generally disease- and pest-free, they can occasionally be susceptible to pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and scale. To keep your plant healthy and strong, frequently check your plants for signs of pests.
Use a magnifying glass to look closely at leaves; inspect stems and buds for webs or eggs. If you spot any pests, remove them with tweezers or wash them off with water.
Also, avoid using insecticides on your sansevieria because they can burn its sensitive leaves. If you’re battling an infestation, consider moving your plant outdoors during warmer months so it doesn’t come into contact with any chemicals indoors.
Conclusion
Sansevieria ehrenbergii, or sansevieria dwarf samurai, is a dark-green ornamental plant that looks similar to a bamboo sword. This plant is native to East Africa but can also be found in other warm regions of Central and South America. Sansevierias are often used as houseplants because they are tolerant of low humidity and irregular watering schedules. Unlike most plants, sansevierias do not require sunlight to survive or grow.
