Learn How to Grow a Snake Plant in Spiral Shape with simple steps, right care, and patience to create a stunning indoor centerpiece.
Have you ever tried or thought of growing a snake plant in a spiral shape? If not, then try this idea and create a living decoration piece.
How to Grow a Snake Plant in Spiral Shape
1. Start with the Right Plant
Not all snake plants are suited for spiral growth. The best type is Sansevieria cylindrica, also known as the cylindrical snake plant.
It is best to begin with a young snake plant because younger leaves are more flexible and easier to bend into shape. Some varieties also respond better to training, such as Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, ‘Zeylanica’, or the compact ‘Hahnii’ variety, which naturally grows in a rosette shape. Choose a plant that appears healthy, has firm leaves, and exhibits symmetrical growth, as this provides the best chance to create a smooth spiral.
2. Get a Support Frame or Trellis
To create the spiral, you need a central support. A bamboo stick, wooden dowel, or even a sturdy pole can be placed in the middle of the pot. This stick acts as the guide around which the leaves will twist. Gently tie the leaves to the support using soft plant ties, garden tape, or even string. Avoid tying too tightly, as this can damage the leaves.
3. Training the Leaves Step by Step
The spiral shape takes time and cannot be rushed. As the leaves grow taller, guide them slowly around the stick in a circular motion. Every few weeks, adjust the ties so the leaves continue curving around the support. New leaves that appear from the center will naturally follow the spiral if you keep training them early.
4. Encourage Healthy Growth
To help your plant keep a balanced shape, rotate the pot every few weeks so that all sides of the plant get the same amount of light. Keep checking the ties and adjust them as the plant grows taller. This process takes several months, so be prepared to guide the plant carefully over time until it holds its spiral form.
5. Maintain Healthy Care
When shaping your snake plant, you still need to care for its basic needs. Place it in bright, indirect sunlight so it grows steadily. Water only when the soil is fully dry, because too much water can cause root rot and weak leaves that won’t hold their shape.
Use a potting mix that drains well, and always choose a container with drainage holes. In spring and summer, feed the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer, but dilute it to half-strength. This will give the plant enough nutrients to grow strong, flexible leaves for shaping.
6. Remove the Support Slowly
When the plant is strong enough to keep its spiral or circle shape, start removing the ties and support slowly instead of all at once. This helps the plant become accustomed to maintaining its own shape. Keep an eye on it as it grows. If the spiral begins to loosen, reapply the support and continue training until the shape remains firm.
