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 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. More information on Dracaena .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Leaf color
Green; Purple/Lavender; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Waxy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, > 6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
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.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower detail
The flowers are fragrant, white, and grow in clusters.
Bloom time
Summer
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Distribution
formerly known as the Belgian Congo or Zaire
Play value
Easy to Grow; Textural
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants
Garden tags
#partial shade tolerant #problem for dogs #houseplant #herbaceous perennial #drought tolerant #problem for cats #container plant #poisonous if ingested #problem for children #erect #interesting leaves #poor soil tolerant
Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs
Resistant to
Drought; Dry Soil; Heat; Humidity
Propagation
Division; Leaf Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Flowers; Fruits; Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems
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.