When it comes to rare and sculptural houseplants, the Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’, often referred to as the “Banana Snake Plant,” stands out for its unusual shape and resilient nature. With its thick, boat-like leaves arranged in a rosette form, this Sansevieria is both visually striking and incredibly low-maintenance, making it ideal for collectors and casual indoor gardeners alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to plant, grow, and care for the Banana Snake Plant like a pro.
What Is Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’?
Before we jump into care and propagation, let’s first understand what makes this plant special.
Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’ is a dwarf cultivar of the species Sansevieria ehrenbergii, native to tropical Africa. Unlike the tall, sword-shaped leaves of most snake plants, the Banana variety has short, thick, crescent-shaped leaves that grow in a stacked, symmetrical pattern, resembling a bunch of bananas. This compact, sculptural look has made it a favorite for desks, shelves, and modern indoor gardens.
Key Features:
- Botanical Name: Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
- Common Names: Banana Snake Plant, Blue Sansevieria
- Plant Type: Succulent, evergreen perennial
- Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall
- Light Requirement: Bright indirect to partial sun
- Watering Needs: Low (drought-tolerant)
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets (mild to moderate)
How to Plant Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
Planting this unique succulent is fairly straightforward, but the right setup will ensure its health and longevity.
1. Choose the Right Pot
Use a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot with drainage holes. Terracotta helps wick away moisture, which prevents the roots from sitting in water—something Sansevieria detests.
2. Use a Fast-Draining Soil Mix
A well-draining cactus or succulent mix is best. You can also make your blend using:
- 2 parts cactus mix or potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part coarse sand
This prevents root rot and encourages healthy airflow around the roots.
3. Planting Depth and Position
Set the plant so that the base of the leaf rosette sits just above the soil line. Avoid burying the leaves or rhizomes too deep, as it can cause rot.
How to Grow Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
Once it’s in the pot, your Banana Snake Plant needs the right environmental conditions to thrive.
1. Lighting Requirements
Sansevieria ‘Banana’ thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. A few hours of early morning or filtered sunlight work best. Avoid direct afternoon sun, it may scorch the leaves.
Pro tip: Rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning toward the light.
2. Temperature & Humidity
- Ideal Temperature: 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C)
- Avoid: Cold drafts, frost, and temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
This plant prefers low to moderate humidity, so average indoor air conditions are perfect. If your environment is particularly humid, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
3. Watering Schedule
The Banana Snake Plant stores water in its thick leaves, making it highly drought-tolerant.
Water only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2–4 weeks, depending on the season:
- Spring/Summer: Water every 2–3 weeks
- Fall/Winter: Water every 4 weeks or less
Important: Always use the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then don’t water again until the soil is bone dry.
4. Feeding/Fertilizer
Feed your Sansevieria ‘Banana’ only during the growing season (once a month from spring through summer) using a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 NPK).
Avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter. Excess nutrients can cause leaf burn and root stress.
How to Care for Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
The great thing about the Banana Snake Plant is that it practically takes care of itself, but a few maintenance tips will keep it looking its best.
1. Pruning and Grooming
You won’t need to prune much, but you can:
- Remove dead or shriveled leaves at the base using sterilized scissors.
- Clean dust from the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to boost photosynthesis.
2. Repotting
Because this plant grows slowly and prefers tight root spaces, you only need to repot every 2–3 years, or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot one size up, refresh the soil, and water lightly after repotting.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Even the hardiest plants can run into a few issues. Here’s how to diagnose and treat common problems with Sansevieria ‘Banana’.
1. Root Rot
- Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
- Fix: Remove plant, cut off mushy roots, repot in dry, fast-draining soil
2. Wrinkled or Curling Leaves
- Cause: Underwatering or intense sun
- Fix: Check soil dryness, move the plant to indirect light, and water deeply
3. Yellowing Leaves
- Cause: Overwatering, poor soil, or sudden temperature drop
- Fix: Allow soil to dry out completely, improve drainage, and avoid cold drafts
4. Pests
Sansevieria ‘Banana’ is largely pest-resistant, but occasionally can attract:
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
Use neem oil or insecticidal soap, and isolate the plant if infestations occur.
How to Propagate Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’
Propagation is best done through division or offset separation, as leaf cuttings do not reliably work for this variety.
Steps for Division:
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Separate the offsets (called pups) from the main rhizome using a sterile knife.
- Let the cut ends dry for 1–2 days to callus.
- Plant each offset in fresh succulent soil.
- Wait 1–2 weeks before watering.
Propagation is slow but rewarding, and it’s the best way to expand your Sansevieria collection or share with fellow plant lovers.
Styling & Placement Tips
This compact and sculptural plant fits beautifully into minimalist or modern decor. Here are a few placement ideas:
- Coffee table centerpiece
- Windowsill accent
- Desktop companion
- Shelf or plant rack filler
Pair it with other snake plant varieties for an attractive, low-maintenance plant display that purifies the air and adds texture.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, space-saving, and visually unique plant, the Sansevieria ehrenbergii ‘Banana’ is a top-tier choice. It’s ideal for:
- Beginners
- Busy professionals
- Collectors of rare succulents
- Anyone who loves quirky, sculptural plants
As long as you give it well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and space to breathe, this banana-shaped beauty will thrive with very little effort.
Allsnakeplant Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your watering habits, less is more with this plant. It’s better to neglect it slightly than to over-care for it.
Your next steps:
- Check your indoor light levels
- Grab a well-draining succulent mix
- Start your Sansevieria ‘Banana’ journey today!
Looking for more unique snake plants to add to your collection? Explore our growing library of care guides at All Snake Plant for everything from Whale Fin Snake Plants to Sansevieria Moonshine and beyond
