The whale fin plant is a member of the Asparagaceae plant family identified by its distinct paddle-shaped leaves and green shade. It owes its name to the resemblance with a whale’s fin shape.
Where Is The Whale Fin Plant Found?
The herbaceous perennial plant can trace its nativity to the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, various variants can be found in other parts of the world, Like Florida.
What Does The Whale Fin Plant Symbolize?
The snake-like shape and the white and green color patches signify uniqueness and a long-lasting bond between two people. You can gift the Whale Fin (Sansevieria Masoniana) plant to your spouse as a symbol of your long-lasting bond with each other.
Does The Whale Fin Plant Have Any Other Names?
It is commonly identified as Sansevieria masoniana in the scientific community; it is also known as Dracaena Masoniana, Mason’s Congo Sansevieria, and Whale fin dracaena.
You will probably see people refer to it as a whale fin snake plant on various websites.
Different Types of Whale Fin Snake Plant
They include:
- Sansevieria Trifasciata
- Variegated whale fin plant
Main Uses of Whale Fin Plants
The Masoniana large flower cluster makes it an ornamental value. When combined with its heterotypic plants, the Sansevieria purifies air by filtering out toxic vapors. It emits a citrusy fragrance that is appealing to visitors to your home.
How to Prune Whale Fin Plants
Under optimum conditions, the whale fin plant may grow up to 3 feet. The length may interfere with house spacing, mainly if grown as an indoor plant. Droopy leaves and leggy roots are a sign for you to prune. Make small cuttings about ½ inch below the node and remove ⅔ of the growth for a fuller horizontal appearance. You can use the waste foliage as compost fertilizer for newly propagated plants.
Best Soil for Whale Fin Plants
Native to stony soils in The Congo, the whale fin plant does well in most soils. However, the ideal soil condition is porous soil with more grit than organic matter and a neutral soil pH. A mixture of 2 parts of cactus soil and 1 part pumice is ideal for Sansevieria’s growth.
Ideal Pot for the Whale Fin Plant
Whale fin plants grow to high elevations and develop broad leaves. Small pot size will hinder its growth, and the ideal pot size is 8 inches with good drainage. It would be best if you used terra cotta pots for your masoniana.
How Much Light Do Whale Fin Plants Need?
Sansevieria responds well to direct and filtered light conditions. However, the ideal light conditions are partial sunshine when grown in the garden and filtered light if grown indoors. It is imperative to note that low luminescence slows down the whale fin plant’s growth.
How Often To Water Whale Fin Plants
The succulent plant ironically needs infrequent watering. 2 Inches of lukewarm water are enough for the Masoniana. When the temperatures are drier during summer, the plant gets thirsty and may require you to water it once a week. Wilting leaves indicate the need for water. You can water your whale fin plant once or twice a month once the soil starts; however, allow the plant to soak up adequate water in between waterings.
Ideal Temperature Conditions for Whale Fin Plants
60-70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. During winter, you can house the plants to prevent slow growth.
Humidity Conditions for Whale Fin Plants
Whale Fin Plants are naturally forgiving to extreme conditions. However, they are susceptible to frost. Optimum humidity conditions are 40 to 50%. You can use a humidifier to balance the humidity in your house, especially during the winter season. Alternatively, place your pots in the bathroom or the kitchen where there is sufficient moisture.
Best Fertilizer for Whale Fin Plants
General-purpose fertilizers improve the growth rate of verdure in most plants. However, you’ll want to use a lower nitrogen fertilizer to supplement the whale fin plant’s light needs. Mix water with equal parts of fertilizer and spray it into the soil, taking care not to spill the mixture on the leaves. Fertilizer, however, is not a substitute for poor culture.
Inhibitors for Whale Fin Plants Growth
Overwatering causes root rot which is detrimental to its support. Too little light discolors whale fin plants. Mealybugs are a common pest that hinders the Masoniana’s growth. Mild pesticide and neem oil can prevent the bugs from infesting the Sansevieria.
How to Propagate Whale Fin Plants
Sansevieria grows relatively slowly, and it may take a very long time to grow a significant foliage size. Propagation helps you grow the whale fin plant in other locations for a more lush appearance. The most effective way for propagating Sansevieria is by division at the roots. Snip through the root up to the node and stick it in soil with about an inch’s length of water. However, you can use water propagation which prevents newly developed roots from breaking off. Water propagation procedure
- Make leaf cuttings at the nodes.
- Tape the leaf-cutting to the sides of a water trough
- And put it in the sun.
After a few months, the long roots will grow, signifying maturity and readiness for soil implantation.
Repotting Tips for Whale Fin Plants
Over time the whale fin plant depletes nutrients in the soil and necessitates repotting. Replant your Sansevieria masoniana in a well-drained pot with cactus soil mixture and water.
FAQ
Are Whale Fin Plants Edible?
No, they are not edible due to saponins that cause stomach upsets.
Are Whale Fin Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, they are toxic but not deadly toxic. Whale fin plants contain saponins which are toxic as classified by the ASPCA. The may cause
Is the Whale Fin Plant Poisonous?
They are not deadly poisonous. However, they may cause nausea, excessive salivation, and diarrhea if ingested.
Do Whale Fin Plants Prefer To Grow Indoors or Outside?
Whale fin plants prefer to grow outside due to sunshine to enhance their photosynthetic process. However, they can be grown indoors with sufficient lighting for ornamental purposes.
Other Great Outdoor Plants To Read About
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What Is The Cost for A Whale Fin Plant?
The price for a standard six-inch pot of Whale fin plant ranges from $30 to $50.
