Mason's Congo Snake Plant Dracaena masoniana
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sansevieria masoniana
- Phonetic Spelling
- dra-SEE-nah may-so-nee-AN-ah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The whale fin dracaena or whale fin snake plant is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial from tropical Central Africa. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The species epithet honors Maurice Mason, a British grower of succulents who popularized this species, which was known Sansevieria 'Mason's Congo' before it was given a formal scientific name. This plant had been classified in the genus Sansevieria, but after genetic studies, it was determined that it belonged to the genus Dracaena.
This plant prefers bright, indirect light, and is tolerant of low light conditions. The planting medium should include a mix of perlite, coarse sand, and organic matter to encourage adequate drainage and aeration. It is very drought tolerant, and it is best to allow the growing medium to dry out between watering. Most importantly, avoid overwatering. The whale fin snake plant thrives in temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of at least 50%. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Repot when the plant is pot-bound or when the roots grow out of the drainage holes of the container. This plant can be propagated by division or leaf cuttings.
The Whale Fin Snake Plant has an erect habit and grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It is a semi-succulent plant with paddle-shaped leaves that measure up to 3 to 4 feet long and 8 to 10 inches wide leaves. The leaves are dark green, thick, stiff, waxy, and mottled with light green spots. Just below the soil there is a purple banded sheath. The leaf resembles the fin of a whale or shark. The plant has white flower clusters that grow from the center of the plant and appear during the summer.
This plant acts as an air filter and can remove toxins from the air of your home. It requires very little maintenance and is the perfect plant for beginners. Be aware that the leaves and sap are toxic if ingested. Keep the plant out of the reach of pets and children.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, thrips, and aphids. Black spot and root rot can occur from overwatering. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Dracaena
- Species:
- masoniana
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Leaf Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Distribution:
- formerly known as the Belgian Congo or Zaire
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are fragrant, white, and grow in clusters.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are thick, stiff, waxy, and dark green mottled with light green spots. They can measure 3 to 4 feet long and 8 to 10 inches wide. The leaf resembles the flipper or fin of a whale or shark. Below the soil surface is a purple banded sheath.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heat
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- Toxic to humans, if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. The sap may cause skin irritation. The plant is also toxic to cats and dogs, if ingested. Symptoms for cats may include vomiting, difficulty breathing, coughing, or disorientation. Symptoms for dogs include vomiting, lethargy, drooling, diarrhea and seizures.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- saponin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Stems
