# Whale Fin Snake Plant (Sansevieria masoniana)

> Native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sansevieria masoniana (syn. Dracaena masoniana) is a sculptural succulent renowned for its colossal, paddle-shaped solitary leaves that earned it the moniker 'Whale Fin'. The leathery foliage displays mottled light-green marbling on a dark emerald background, often bordered by distinctive brownish-red margins. Its slow-growing, rhizomatous habit makes it an iconic focal point in both contemporary minimalist interiors and specialist xerophytic collections.

- **Scientific Name:** *Sansevieria masoniana*
- **Botanical Family:** Asparagaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Easy (1/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** +10°C (USDA Zone 11). Absolute minimum limit +5°C for brief spells; must be kept strictly frost-free.
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/sansevieria-masoniana
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/sansevieria-masoniana.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_sansevieria_masoniana.webp?v=1793979104

## Light & Sun Exposure

Prefers bright, indirect sunlight, though it is remarkably tolerant of low-light interiors. Shield from intense midday summer sun to avoid scorching the broad leaf blades.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Adhere strictly to the 'soak and dry' method, allowing the substrate to dry out entirely between waterings. Reduce watering substantially in winter and avoid water lodging in the central rosette to prevent crown rot.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% coarse mineral grit (pumice, crushed lava rock, perlite) + 40% well-draining cactus peat and coco coir.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

+10°C (USDA Zone 11). Absolute minimum limit +5°C for brief spells; must be kept strictly frost-free.

## Propagation Methods

Most reliably propagated by division of underground rhizomes or basal pups in spring/summer; leaf cuttings are also viable, though slower to form new pups.

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Balina Yüzgeci Sukulenti (Sansevieria masoniana)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/sansevieria-masoniana.md)
- [DE: Walfischflossen-Bogenhanf (Sansevieria masoniana)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/sansevieria-masoniana.md)
- [ES: Lengua de Suegra Aleta de Ballena (Sansevieria masoniana)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/sansevieria-masoniana.md)