Sansevieria Masoniana – Snake Plant Care

Sansevieria Masoniana exhibits strikingly different foliage than a typical snake plant. Their distinct wide leaves make these plants stand out from many other houseplants. They have a purple-banded basal sheath below the soil level. It was initially known in the cultivation under the name ‘Mason Congo’. This plant is now categorized under the genus Dracaena from the Asparagaceae family. Sansevieria Masoniana also has a variegated version.

Also Known As

Dracaena Masoniana, Whale Fin Snake Plant, Mason’s Congo, Sansevieria Masoniana Chahin, Whale’s Fin, Shark’s Fin.

At A Glance

Features

Origin

This species is native to Africa. Originally found in the Democratic Republic of Congo by Maurice Mason, a renowned plant collector from England.

Size

Usual maximum height of the plant is 3-4 feet. In rare cases, it can grow 6 feet tall. Leaves are 4-7 inches wide. Flower stalks can rise up to 2 feet from the base.

Foliage

Bright green, broad, leathery and upright leaves grow 1-2 per shoot. They are smudged with pale green spots. Margins of the leaves are fibrous, wavy, reddish brown to purple in color.

Flower

Upright flower stalk rise from the leaf base, usually once a year. It forms clusters of greenish-white tubular shaped flowers.

Toxicity

Whale's fin plant can be poisonous when chewed or ingested. In general Sansevierias are mildly toxic for human and pets. Consumption in large doses can cause stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting etc.

Growth Season

This evergreen plant actively grows during spring-summer season. It can flower anytime of the year, but mostly in summer to winter.

Pests

The plant is less prone to pest infections and diseases. Spider mites and mealybugs are potential threats.

Propagation

These plants can be propagated by root division or through rhizomes. Leaf cuttings that are at least 4 inches long can be grown in moist sand.

Growing Conditions

Water

Water once every other week in summer season, and once a month during winters. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.

Light

It grows best and flowers in bright light. Can tolerate anything from full sun to low light. But protect from direct sun in hot summer afternoons. If grown outdoors, it prefers semi-shade to shade.

Soil

Light and fast-draining soil is best suitable for this plant. Recommended soil mix consists of 3 parts loam and 1 part of pumice.

Environment

Well suited for indoor room temperature (60-80°F). Winter frost can kill the leaves, but rhizomes can be saved by keeping them dry. New leaves will emerge from such rhizomes in warmer conditions.