20 - 30cm Sansevieria Spaghetti House Plant in 12cm Pot

Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’ is a unique, compact variety of Sansevieria Cylindrica known for its thin, tubular leaves that resemble spaghetti strands. This hardy succulent is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfect for beginners. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, making it a fantastic choice for homes and offices.

Below is a detailed care guide to help your Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’ thrive.

1. Light Requirements

Ideal Lighting Conditions:

• Prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
• Can adapt to low light but will grow more slowly.
• Can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially morning or late afternoon light.

Effects of Different Light Levels:

• Too much direct sunlight: Leaves may fade, scorch, or develop brown tips.
• Too little light: Growth slows, and leaves may become thin and stretched (etiolation).

Best Placement:

• Near an east- or south-facing window with filtered light.
• In an office with artificial lighting, as it can tolerate fluorescent lights.

2. Watering Schedule

How Often to Water:

• Spring & Summer: Water every 2–3 weeks, depending on humidity and temperature.
• Autumn & Winter: Reduce watering to once a month or when the soil is completely dry.

Watering Technique:

• Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
• Pour water directly into the soil, not the leaves, to prevent rotting.
• Use room-temperature, filtered water to avoid chlorine and fluoride build-up.

Checking Soil Moisture:

• Finger test: Stick your finger 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) into the soil—if it’s dry, water it.
• Moisture meter: Should read dry (1–2 range) before watering.

Signs of Incorrect Watering:

• Overwatering:
  • Mushy, yellow, or drooping leaves.
  • Root rot (foul smell from soil).
• Underwatering:
  • Leaves become wrinkled or dry.
  • Curling or thinning leaves.

3. Soil & Potting

Best Soil Type:

Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’ prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Use:

• Cactus or succulent mix.
• DIY mix:
  • 2 parts cactus soil
  • 1 part perlite or pumice (for aeration)
  • 1 part coarse sand (for drainage)

Pot Selection:

• Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are best as they wick away excess moisture.
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water retention.

4. Temperature & Humidity

Ideal Temperature:

• Thrives in 18–30°C (65–85°F).
• Avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as cold drafts can cause damage.

Humidity Tolerance:

• Adapts to low and moderate humidity levels.
• Does not require misting.
• Can tolerate dry indoor environments without issues.

5. Fertilising

When & How Often to Fertilise:

• Spring & Summer: Feed with a diluted liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks.
• Autumn & Winter: Do not fertilise during dormancy.

Best Fertiliser Type:

• Cactus or succulent fertiliser diluted to half strength.
• General-purpose houseplant fertiliser with a low nitrogen content.

Signs of Over-Fertilisation:

• Browning leaf tips.
• Salt build-up on soil surface.

6. Pruning & Maintenance

How to Prune Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’:

• Prune to remove damaged, yellow, or rotting leaves at the base.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Cleaning the Leaves:

• Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove dust.
• Avoid leaf shine products, which can clog the plant’s pores.

7. Propagation Methods

Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’ is easy to propagate through division or leaf cuttings.

By Division (Preferred Method):

1. Remove the plant from its pot.
2. Gently separate offsets (pups) with roots attached.
3. Repot each pup in a separate container with fresh soil.

By Leaf Cuttings (Slower Method):

1. Cut a healthy leaf into sections at least 10 cm (4 inches) long.
2. Let the cuttings dry for 24–48 hours to prevent rot.
3. Plant upright in dry, well-draining soil.
4. Water sparingly after 5–7 days.

8. Common Pests & Issues

Pests:

• Spider mites → Tiny red/brown pests that cause speckled, yellowing leaves.
• Mealybugs → White, cottony pests found at the base of the leaves.
• Scale insects → Hard, brown shells on the leaves.

Treatment:

• Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Isolate infested plants to prevent spreading.

Common Diseases:

• Root rot (from overwatering or poor drainage).
• Fungal infections (black or brown spots on leaves).

Leaf Problems:

• Brown tips: Caused by low humidity, underwatering, or over-fertilisation.
• Curling or shrivelling leaves: Sign of underwatering or cold stress.

9. Air-Purifying Benefits

Sansevieria ‘Spaghetti’ helps improve indoor air quality by:

• Removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
• Releasing oxygen at night, making it a great plant for bedrooms.

10. Pet Safety

🚨 Toxic to cats & dogs if ingested. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea.
• Keep out of reach of pets.