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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) is best for the deepest color and fastest growth; tolerates low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) better than almost any other plant, though growth slows significantly. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaf edgesLight
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings - then water deeply until it drains freely. Frequency ranges from every 2-4 weeks in summer to monthly in winter. This plant rots fast in soggy conditions; when in doubt, wait another weekWater
Tolerates low household humidity without complaint; no misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) needed. One of the most humidity-flexible houseplants availableHumidity
65-90F (18-32C) is ideal; temperatures below 50F (10C) cause dieback. Keep away from cold windows and drafts in winterTemperature
easyDifficulty
Sansevieria parva Parva Sansevieria rosette of narrow leaves

Parva Sansevieria

Sansevieria parva

Easy

Sansevieria parva is a compact, rosette-forming succulent with 6–12 narrow, arching leaves featuring dark green cross-banding on a medium green background. It stays under 18 inches tall and, unlike most sansevieria grown purely for foliage, occasionally sends up fragrant pinkish-white flower spikes that smell convincingly like hyacinth at night. Its stolons produce small plantlets at their tips, which makes it both ornamental and easy to propagate.

Sansevieria parva Parva Sansevieria rosette of narrow leaves
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Sansevieria parva Parva Sansevieria rosette of narrow leaves
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Care Guide

How to grow Parva Sansevieria

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Let the soil dry out

Humidity

Tolerates low household humidity without

Temperature

65-90F (18-32C) is ideal; temperatures

Soil

30-50%

Propagation

Divide offsets (pups) from the

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering is

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Sansevieria parva was reclassified as Dracaena parva in 2018 following a major DNA-based taxonomic revision, though most nurseries still sell it under its old name

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhea. Keep away from pets and small children

Sources

  1. Sansevieria parva (Kenya Hyacinth) - World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Care of Kenya Hyacinth: Tips on Growing Flowering Sansevieria - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Care of Kenya Hyacinth: Tips on Growing Flowering Sansevieria - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Sansevieria Parva - Epic Gardening (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Sansevieria Parva - Epic Gardening (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Sansevieria Parva - Succulent City (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Sansevieria Parva - Succulent City (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Sansevieria parva (Kenya Hyacinth) - World of Succulents (opens in new tab)Reference
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