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Variegated Whale Fin

5.0 out of 5 (1 experiences)

Large, lush leaves

About Variegated Whale Fin

Did you know the genus name Dracaena comes from the Greek for ‘female dragon’? Some plants in this genus have thick, red resin which was reminiscent of dragon blood! 🐲 Dracaenas are native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, and are known for being super easy to care for. Some species can go months without water, and many can grow well in low sunlight.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Dracaena masoniana 'Variegata'

Genus

Dracaena

Family

Asparagaceae

Order

Asparagales

Also known as

Variegated Whale Fin and Whale fin snake plant 'variegata'

How to care for Variegated Whale Fin

💦 Water

How often to water your Variegated Whale Fin

Variegated Whale Fin needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Variegated Whale Fin in your home

Variegated Whale Fin can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Variegated Whale Fin in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Variegated Whale Fin

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Variegated Whale Fin: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Variegated Whale Fin after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Dracaena

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Variegated Whale Fin thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Variegated Whale Fin Water Frequency →

Variegated Whale Fin Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Variegated Whale Fin can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Variegated Whale Fin Light Requirements →

Variegated Whale Fin Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

💨 Humidity

Variegated Whale Fin enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Variegated Whale Fin Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Variegated Whale Fin is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Variegated Whale Fin →

When and How to Successfully Repot Variegated Whale Fin →

💩 Fertilizer

Variegated Whale Fin grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Variegated Whale Fin →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Variegated Whale Fin to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Variegated Whale Fin is native to Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.