Dracaena hanningtonii 'Samurai' | Sansevieria samurai. Blue sansevieria
€21,20
🌱 Morphology
From Arabia ...Small, perennial, rhizomatous, and acaulescent succulent plant, with very slow growth and a compact habit, forming low, dense rosettes. New shoots emerge from short rhizomes, allowing small colonies to form over time.
The leaves are extraordinarily thick, rigid, and fleshy, short, lanceolate, and deeply channeled on the upper side, with a cross-section reminiscent of a small boat. They are arranged in two opposite rows (distichous), forming a compact fan. They feature a bluish-green or grayish-green coloration, which can take on more silvery tones under intense lighting.
The margins are thickened and may show whitish, grayish, or reddish tones, while the apex ends in a very sharp point. In the ‘Samurai’ cultivar, the leaves are much shorter and more compact than in the wild species, typically reaching about 10–15 cm in height, although developed specimens can grow slightly larger.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Asparagaceae. ‘Samurai’ is a cultivar of horticultural origin of Dracaena hanningtonii, and therefore does not have its own natural distribution.
The species is native to eastern and northeastern tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it appears in dry environments, xerophytic scrublands, and areas subjected to prolonged periods of drought. Its extraordinarily fleshy leaves are an adaptation for water storage.
For decades, it has been sold as Sansevieria ehrenbergii. Currently, the correct name is Dracaena hanningtonii, so this is the one used in this profile.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 10a–11b. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −1 ºC occasionally when kept completely dry and protected from humidity. For safe cultivation, it is recommended to keep it above 10 ºC.
Cold accompanied by humidity can cause damage to the roots and rhizome. During winter, it is advisable to keep it protected from low temperatures and significantly reduce watering. The Missouri Botanical Garden places ‘Samurai Dwarf’ in USDA zones 10–11.
☀️ Lighting
Indicative DLI PAR: 12–20 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
It prefers abundant light, which favors the compact development of the rosette and helps intensify the bluish and silvery tones of the foliage. It also tolerates bright semi-shade conditions, although growth may be slower.
It can receive a few hours of soft direct sun after progressive acclimatization. In very hot climates, it is best to avoid abrupt changes from poorly lit indoor environments to intense sun.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. Its growth is slow and concentrated mainly during warm periods, slowing down significantly as temperatures drop.
During the active growth period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. Its extremely fleshy leaves and rhizome function as water storage organs, allowing it to withstand long periods of drought.
In autumn, watering should be progressively spaced out, and during winter, the substrate should be kept practically dry. Water should be applied directly to the substrate, avoiding letting it pool in the center of the rosette. Excess humidity is especially dangerous when it coincides with low temperatures.
🌸 Flowering
Flowering is very occasional in cultivation, especially in small specimens. When it occurs, an inflorescence emerges from the base that can significantly exceed the height of the rosette.
The flowers are small, tubular, and cream-white to greenish, grouped along the floral stem, and generally fragrant. In the species, they can appear on floral stems considerably taller than the plant itself.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applied after watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering. Fertilizing is not recommended during winter dormancy.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
10x10 cm gourmet black pot
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
