One of the classics for indoor plant collection, Whale Fin Snake decorates mostly desktops, convenient corners of saloons, kitchen counters, and so on. Indeed, the stunning look of this houseplant gives off great vibes. It has other well-known names, for example, Shark Fin Snake and Mason’s Congo Sansevieria. Its scientific name is Sansevieria Masoniana Victoria. Also, a familiar variation of Sansevieria Black Coral, this ornamental plant is indigenous to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. What’s more, according to NASA’s testing, this single-leaf purifies airborne toxins.
General Information
Whale Fin Snake Plant typically consists of the single colossal oval leaf, with pale white mottled, growing vertically. What makes this houseplant famous is absolutely its single leaf. However, its group of greenish-white flowers is significant in terms of displaying the beauty of the plant in question. Furthermore, these flowers emit their aromatic fragrances after blooming. But when the plant blooms once, the second leaf never develops. When it comes to the max length of this ornamental plant, it changes if the plant grows in nature or indoors. This houseplant can reach up to 4 ft (1,2 m) in natural conditions, whereas it grows less indoors. Like Rose Painted Calathea and Aluminum Plant, it is just an evergreen perennial. Meanwhile, Whale Fin Snake is a toxic plant. Hence it is inevitable that your pets show some symptoms.
How to Care for Whale Fin Snake
Sunlight
To a certain degree, Whale Fin Snake tolerates one or two hours of direct sunlight in general. In case of exceeding these certain hours, this ornamental plant could experience unintended consequences. Alternatively, semi-shade locations or bright and diffused sunlight would probably have a positive-oriented effect on the plant.
Watering
This slow-growing plant needs weekly watering, and its potting soil should remain slightly dry in-between waterings. However, stagnant water poses a serious threat to this plant, and over-watering is a big mistake. In winter, it needs to be watered sparingly due to the plant’s dormancy. For that reason, it would be enough to keep the potting soil from fully drying.
Humidity
Generally, average room conditions would suffice for this plant. Rather than the tropical humidity, it prefers dry air conditions much more.
Temperature
This impossible-to-kill plant likes temperature range between 65°F – 70°F (18°C – 21°C). But this temperature shouldn’t go below 50°F (10°C). According to the USDA plant hardiness map, this water drop-like plant thrives better in zones 9 – 11.
Soil Type
Sandy or rocky soil would be proper for this houseplant. But the draining of the poured water is crucial. To ensure draining, you can open a couple of drainage holes or reinforce the potting soil with pumices.
Planter Type
For this plant with a single big leaf, selecting small planters is a good choice. Rather than upper spots of your room, putting it in appropriate places such as a table, corner of any room, near any bookshelf would be in place.
Fertilizer
As a general rule, to fasten the plant’s development, you must use fertilizers in the plant’s growing seasons (spring and summer). For that, all kinds of fertilizers will work.
Propagation
There are three propagation ways for Whale Fin Snake Plant. These are division, water propagation, and soil propagation respectively. But the division is recommended for better propagating.
Repotting
Even though it looks like a decent single leaf, it isn’t like that in the potting soil. In case of long-term neglect, the roots creep from the drainage hole of the pot’s bottom. For that reason, it should be repotted yearly or bi-yearly in spring. Meanwhile, terracotta pots and clay pots are ideal for this plant because of liking to go dry.
Common Problems
Root rot: They stem from, for example, overwatering, stagnant water, irregular watering, and being incapable of absorbing a sufficient amount of water.
Leaf curling: This problem stems from underwatering and too dehydration in general.
Pest problem: If neglected for a long time, it could have trouble with some pests.
Suggestions for problems
First of all, the root mustn’t get heavy damage for any reason. If the plant’s roots are alright, maintaining their routine care will be reasonable. On the other hand, leaf curling isn’t a big deal. But yet, you should reconsider its watering frequency. No matter how it is drought-tolerant, Whale Fin Snake Plant cannot resist harsh conditions much. When it comes to the pest problem, you can use alcohol-based wipes, neem oils, and pesticide soaps. After troubleshooting the pest problem, you can clean its leaves with a damp cloth.
Suggestions for beginners
Direct sunlight may hurt this houseplant. For that reason, it should stay under sunlight for two hours at most. Too much of this could harm leaves and other parts of the plant. Therefore, sheltered locations, semi-shade spots, and west-facing window sills would be a proper place for them.
