Whale fin snake plant care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Whale fin snake plant

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 14 days

Water thoroughly only once the soil has dried right through, as a guide; the thick leaf stores water, so it grows well kept on the dry side.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 20 days

Once it cools, water about a week after the soil has dried.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 30 days

Keep it nearly dry, giving a light watering about once a month on a warm day.

Light and placement for Whale fin snake plant

Generally best in plenty of bright light through a sheer curtain; with too little light the new paddle-shaped leaves come narrow and small, and strong midsummer sun scorches them.

Overwintering Whale fin snake plant

Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above

Tender: as a guide keep it in a bright spot in a warm room above about 10°C, dry, away from cold windowpanes and chilly floors, since cold-damaged leaves do not recover.

Fertilizing and repotting Whale fin snake plant

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; with only one or two new leaves a year it needs little, and none from October on.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Whale fin snake plant

• Watered in winter, the roots rot and the plant collapses from the base.
• Cold leaves brown blotches on the leaf, and the damage spreads from there.
• In poor light the new leaves come thin and small, spoiling the shape.

Tips for growing Whale fin snake plant

• It puts out only one or two new leaves a year, so protect the ones it has.
• Keep it in a smallish pot of fast-draining soil until the roots fill it.
• Wipe the leaf with a damp cloth so its mottled pattern shows clearly.

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