Here’s a tip: Plant three small ‘Fernwood’ in one low, wide pot at different heights–it’ll make the spiral effect look fuller without needing any shaping.
3. Mikado
Botanical Name: Sansevieria bacularis ‘Mikado’
You’ll often find this one sold as the Mikado Snake plant. It has pencil-thin, rod-like leaves that grow upright and can bend or spiral slightly as they mature. Many sellers bundle a few stems together for a corkscrew look, and it keeps that shape for a long time.
Just give it filtered or medium light and water only when the soil is nearly dry. Use a tall, narrow pot to match its upright style, as it will highlight the plant’s spiral bundle perfectly.
Pro Tip: If you buy one tied into a spiral bundle, re-tie it gently with soft plant tape. Avoid wire, as it can cut into the foliage over time.
4. Dragon Finger Spiral Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria angolensis
This one has several shoots braided tightly into a neat spiral column, often sold as “Dragon Fingers.” It stays compact for years and adds a clean, sculptural look to any shelf or desk.
It’s very drought-tolerant, so you can skip watering occasionally without harm. Just make sure the potting mix drains well and don’t move it into a new pot too often, as its roots prefer staying a bit tight.
Decor Tip: Keep it on tall shelves or sideboards. Its upright, braided shape looks like a living art piece from every angle.
5. African Spear
Botanical Name: Sansevieria angolensis
Here is the classic type often trained into braids or spirals before sale. Naturally, its leaves grow upright and round like spears, but you can train the young shoots into spiral shapes if you’re patient.
It’s very low-maintenance, so water only when at least the top two inches of the soil is dry. Overwatering is the main mistake to avoid. Other than that, bright, indirect light helps keep its shape firm and color deep.
Pro Tip: Keep the braid or spiral loosely tied while it’s growing, then remove tight ties once the stems harden. This prevents scarring or bending.
6. Spiral Queen
Spiral Queen
Botanical Name: Sansevieria ‘Spiral Queen’
Spiral Queen is actually a hybrid that has leaves that twist and curl as they grow, forming a spiral effect naturally. The foliage often shows strong texture and variegation, which makes the spiral more noticeable.
continued on next page
