Whale Fin Plant – Sansevieria Masoniana – Dracaena Masoniana Care
Welcome to our care guide to the Whale Fin Plant…
Whale Fin Plant Care Summary
| Light needs: | Medium to bright indirect sunlight. |
| Watering needs: | Check weekly, only water is soil completely dry. |
| Fertilizer: | A dedicated cactus and succulent fertilizer in the summer. |
| Soil: | Cactus and succulent potting mix. |
| Humidity: | They do not need extra humidity. |
| Temperature: | 18-25°C (64-77°F). |
| Where to buy: | Try our list of Rare Plant Shops. |
| Other names: | Sansevieria masoniana. Dracaena masoniana. |
| Common issues: | Overwatering and root rot. |
Introduction
The whale fin plant is known for it’s big fin-like appearance. They used to be know as sansevieria masoniana, but it’s scientific name is now dracaena masoniana, as sansevieria was reclassified. They are a really popular plant due to their unique look, we cover all you need to know.
See also: our snake plant category page, can snake plants live outside?, Propagating Succulents In Water, Succulent Propagation, Snake Plant Care (Dracaena Trifasciata), How Often – Watering Succulents, Dischidia Ovata, Mother Of Thousands, Trachyandra Tortilis, Care For Zebra Cactus (Haworthiopsis Fasciata).
Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.
A note about affiliate links: when you buy a plant, pots, soil, or other goods through links on this article we sometimes earn a commission. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it really helps us out if you do use them. Thanks a lot! An example of this is if you buy a plant on Etsy using this link. Read our privacy policy for more information. Thanks again.
Whale Fin Plant Light Needs
Bright indirect sunlight is ideal, they do well in medium light conditions too, but will grow more slowly.
How Often to Water
They are succulents, so under-water them rather than over-water. The soil should dry out completely between waterings. The best thing to do is to check the soil each week with a finger or a wooden skewer, but only water it if dry all the way down
Fertilizer
Use a dedicated cactus and succulent fertilizer in the summer to encourage growth.
Whale Fin Plant Soil
A cactus and succulent potting mix is ideal, they need a really well draining medium to keep the roots dry.
For more on which cactus and succulent compost to buy or how to make you own, see our guide: Succulent Soil.
When To Repot
They grow very slowly so you won’t need to repot them every often, but check the roots at around Easter time and move the plant up a pot size if crowded.
Humidity
Do not mist this plant. They are fine a lower humidity levels.
Temperature
18-25°C (64-77°F) is ideal. They’ll be fine if the temperature drops off at night as long as it isn’t freezing.
Whale Fin Plant Propagation
You can propagate a whale fin plant by taking cuttings:
- Wait till the plant produces at least one or more smaller plant at it’s base.
- Cut one of the ‘fins’ off, making sure to leave at least one fin on the plant.
- Cut the fin in sections making sure each section is over an inch long (2.5cm). It is worth using a pencil to put an arrow on each cutting denoting which way is up, as they must be propagated the same way they were on the plant.
- Let the cuttings callous over for 3 or 4 days so the wounds heal. This will reduce rot a lot.
- Put the cuttings (the right way up) in a shallow cup of water to root. The bottom should be under the water and the top out.
- Leave them for a couple of months to root, topping up the water when needed.
- Then pot them up into their own pot in cactus soil.
See also: Succulent Propagation.
Whale Fin Plant Curling
They curl up when they lack moisture. Make sure you are not underwatering it.
Whale Fin Vs Snake Plant
The whale fin is a type of snake plant, a really wid variety.
Is It Toxic To Cats?
They are toxic to cats if eaten, and can cause vomiting and numbness. So seek vets advice immediately if your pet eats any.
Whale Fin Plant USDA Zone
Zones 9-11.
Where To Buy
Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other Names
Sansevieria masoniana. Dracaena masoniana, whale fin cactus.
For more on succulents and cacti, see our succulents category with all our care guides.
Whale Fin Plant FAQs and Common Problems
Over watering and root rot is a common issue, make sure you only water them when totally dry from the time before. And be sure to keep them in a well draining medium. Tip any excess water out of the tray at the bottom of the plant after watering so that the soil does not get too soggy.
Whale Fin Vs Snake Plant
You can tell the whale fin apart as it is much wider. Also it is often sold with only one ‘fin’.
How Big Do Whale Fin Plants Get?
They can grow 2 meters in height (7 feet)! But this is unlikely when indoors as a houseplant.
How Fast Do Whale Fin Plants Grow?
They grow very slowly, the progress will be at glacial pace!
Other Articles You Might Like
Hope you found this guide useful, you might also like our other articles: Philodendron Pink Princess Care, Philodendron White Knight. Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight, Jessenia Pothos, Hoya Linearis, Philodendron Camposportoanum Care.
Please follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for regular plant updates and occasional plant giveaways.
