Dracaena angolensis ‘Inti’ (formerly Sansevieria cylindrica)

Seasonal tropics of south-central Africa

‘Inti’ belongs to Dracaena angolensis, a species native to Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Most rain in this region falls during one part of the year, followed by a drier season.

The wet-and-dry rhythm of its species means ‘Inti’ is accustomed to warmth during growth and a distinctly drier root zone once rainfall eases.

Dracaena angolensis ‘Inti’: warmth and drying between waterings

• Light: Choose bright, indirect light; a little direct sun is fine once the plant is acclimated.
• Watering: Allow nearly all of the mix to dry, then water thoroughly and empty any excess.
• Substrate: Choose a coarse, freely draining mix with plenty of mineral material.
• Temperature: Warm indoor conditions suit it best. Aim for 18–29°C and protect it from temperatures below 12°C.
• Humidity: No extra humidity is normally needed; dry any water that collects between close-set leaves.
• Feeding: Feed lightly about once a month during active growth.
• Repotting: Repot after roots or rhizomes have filled the container, often at intervals of 2–3 years.
• Propagation: Separate a well-rooted offset at the rhizome and pot it independently. This is the most reliable way to reproduce the parent plant’s form.
• Winter: Reduce the watering frequency whenever growth slows in low light.

Common problems with Dracaena angolensis ‘Inti’

• Dark, soft tissue at the base: This indicates rot, usually after the substrate remained wet in cool conditions. Stop watering, unpot the plant and inspect the roots and rhizome. Use a disinfected blade to remove soft tissue back to a firm section, let every cut dry fully, then repot in fresh, dry, freely draining substrate.
• A deep crease in a thick leaf: A hardened fold caused by pressure or bending will not straighten. Protect developing leaves from contact with shelves, sleeves and packaging, and judge recovery from undamaged new growth.
• Wrinkled or less firm leaves: Check both the substrate and the roots before watering. A dry root ball with firm roots points to thirst; damp substrate, a loose base or soft roots points to root damage, which must be corrected before the plant can take up water again.
• New growth leaning to one side: Leaves angle towards the strongest light source when usable light is limited or comes from one direction. Move the pot closer to bright light and rotate it occasionally while new growth develops.

Dracaena is toxic to cats and dogs and has sharp leaf tips

Dracaena contains saponins. Eating the leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy; cats may also have dilated pupils. Firm, pointed leaves can also scratch skin or eyes. Keep the plant away from eye level and busy routes, and contact a veterinarian if a pet eats it.

An Angolan species with a familiar former name

Angolensis means ‘from Angola’. The accepted name is based on Sansevieria angolensis. The widely used Sansevieria cylindrica is a separate historical synonym of the species.

Linnaeus validly published Vandelli’s genus Dracaena in the 1767 Mantissa Plantarum. The species history starts with Welwitsch’s Sansevieria angolensis, validly published by Carrière in Revue Horticole in 1861. Byng and Christenhusz transferred that name to Dracaena in Global Flora in 2018. Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer ex Hook., published in Botanical Magazine in 1859, is a separate synonym.