Both Sansevieria Fernwood and Sansevieria Cylindrica are different from each other, but they do have a resemblance. If you are not that familiar with these plants’ characteristics, you might find it difficult to compare them. Sansevieria Fernwood is one of the popular plants due to its unique appearance and lush green leaves.
In comparison, Sansevieria Cylindrica is another plant of the same genus but with different physical characteristics. The leaves of the latter plant are cylindrical, and they have a creamy appearance of leaves compared to lush green.

Sansevieria Fernwood has the concave channeled leaves that make it a favorite choice of the growers, and also, it is not a cultivar of Sansevieria Cylindrica. The guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the physical characteristics and the growth and care requirements of these plants. Let us have a look at these plants individually.
What is Sansevieria Fernwood?
Sansevieria Fernwood is a lush green and attractive snake plant with dark green leaves. The plant is attractive due to the tiger print striping and has an appealing fountain-like shape. You will love to grow this modern vibe plant in your garden, and the virtual look of the plant makes it a perfect choice for the growers.
Check Complete Guide Sansevieria Fernwood Care – Best Tips to Grow Better

What is Sansevieria Cylindrica?
The curious-looking cream-colored plant is a perfect choice to grow indoors. It is a succulent stemless plant with a fan-shaped appearance. The erect and fleshy leaves of the plant make it a perfect choice to grow indoors. Sansevieria Cylindrica can grow up to the length of 2 to 3 feet, and they love to grow in warm areas with plenty of sunlight.
Check Complete Guide Best Sansevieria Cylindrica Care Guide # 1

Sansevieria Fernwood vs Sansevieria Cylindrica
The following table will compare the characteristic features of these plants. So, have a quick look at the differences between these plants.
Features | Sansevieria Fernwood | Sansevieria Cylindrica |
Common names | Fernwood snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, Snake plant | Spear Cylindrica, African spear plant, cylindrical snake plant |
Native area | Africa | Africa |
Type of the plant | Succulent | Succulent |
Genus | Sansevieria | Sansevieria |
Size | 2 to 4 feet tall | 4 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide |
Sunlight preferences | Bright indirect light | Partial exposure (sometimes complete exposure in the morning sun). |
Soil type | Loose and well-drained soil | Well-drained sandy soil |
Soil pH | Neutral | Neutral |
Flower color | White | |
Toxicity | Toxic to both humans and animals | Toxic to both humans and animals |
What are the critical differences between Sansevieria Fernwood and Sansevieria Cylindrica?
Growth Rate:
The growth rate of Sansevieria Cylindrica is relatively slow if placed indoors. However, the growth rate gets to increase indoors in plenty of sunlight. It means that the growth of Sansevieria Cylindrica depends on sunlight.
While Sansevieria Fernwood is a slow-growing plant that needs years to reach its mature height, whether the plant is indoors or outdoors, the average height of the plant ranges from 2 to 6 feet. In winter, the plant does not show any growth.
Sunlight
The sunlight requirements of both these plants are slightly different from each other. Sansevieria Cylindrica loves to grow in a lot of bright sunlight, and it can also bear direct light. The plant is native to Africa, due to which it loves to grow in warm weather. So, it would help if you kept an eye on the sunlight preferences of these plants.
Sansevieria Fernwood does not love to grow indirect light. The perfect light to let these plants grow fast in bright indirect light. Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can result in leaf burn.
Soil Preferences:
Soil requirements also differ in both these plants. Sansevieria Cylindrica prefers to grow in sandy and well-draining soil. So, you’re your plant in sandy soil with an effective drainage level. Long-term association with the wet soil can result in causing root rot. So it would be best if you kept an eye on these conditions.
While Sansevieria Fernwood grows in the loose, well-draining, these plants do not love to grow in wet and muddy soil. The pH of the soil needs to be between 6.1 to 7.8.
Water Preferences:
Sansevieria Cylindrica can bear slight negligence in water as they are succulents and can survive prolonged periods of drought. But overwatering can cause challenges for the plant resulting in root rot. The plant needs water once every week.
While Sansevieria Fernwood cannot survive long exposures of drought, watering once in 2 to 3 weeks will be enough to let these plants grow well. This plant does not prefer overwatering as it can result in root rot and an increased risk of a fungal attack.
So, be kind to your visually appealing plant and let them thrive.
The Texture of the Leaves:
Sansevieria Cylindrica is an evergreen perennial plant that has both while and yellow strips on it. The texture of both these leaves is different, due to which you can differentiate among them. It is more of creamy green color and shows growth in the upward position. The texture of the leaves is sword-like.
While Sansevieria Fernwood is always a demanding plant by plant enthusiasts due to its snake-like appearance, it is of more green color than Sansevieria Cylindrica. The leaves of the plant are elongated in shape.
Fertilizer Preferences:
Sansevieria Cylindrica requires fertilizers only in the growing season, despite that they do not need much fertilizer. You only need to fertilize the plant once a month in the growing season.
While Sansevieria Fernwood loves to grow in a healthy environment, so, make sure to fertilize the plant properly, and domestic fertilizer is usually preferred to let these plants grow well.
Also Check: Calathea Rufibarba Care # 1 | Best Tips to Grow
What are the similarities between Sansevieria Cylindrica vs Sansevieria Fernwood?
- Both these plants face similar plant problems, and root rot is usually common due to overwatering.
- The nature of these plants is toxic, so you need to keep an eye on your pets and kids.
- The potting requirements are also exact, and the plant prefers a well-draining pot.
- Humidity is not loved by these plants, due to which you need to place them in dry weather.
- The preferable method of both these plants is stem cuttings.
Final thoughts:
Both these Sansevieria Cylindrica and Sansevieria Fernwood are a perfect choice for plant enthusiasts. You can quickly grow these plants both indoors and outdoors at your convenience. The nature of these plants is slightly different, due to which it is sometimes difficult to differentiate among them.
Sansevieria Cylindrica and Sansevieria Fernwood are similar to each even in growth and care preferences. You can differentiate among them by analyzing the texture and color of these plants.
The above guide presents a detailed overview of Sansevieria Cylindrica vs. Sansevieria Fernwood so that you can choose any one of them as per your demands.
Frequently asked Questions about Sansevieria Fernwood vs Sansevieria Cylindrica
What are the critical differences between Sansevieria Cylindrica and Sansevieria Fernwood?
These plants are different in the sunlight, water, and fertilizer preferences. Also, their growth rate is different.
What is the growth rate of Sansevieria Cylindrica?
The growth rate of Sansevieria Cylindrica is relatively slow if placed indoors. However, the growth rate gets to increase indoors in plenty of sunlight. It means that the growth of Sansevieria Cylindrica depends on sunlight.
What are the sunlight requirements of Sansevieria Fernwood?
Sansevieria Fernwood does not love to grow indirect light. The perfect light to let these plants grow fast in bright indirect light. Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can result in leaf burn.