What is a Witches Finger Plant?
Witches Finger is a trade name used for an unusual cylindrical Snake Plant, commonly sold as Sansevieria 'Spaghetti' or Sansevieria cylindrica 'Spaghetti'.
It's recognised by its narrow, pointed green leaves that grow upwards in a closely grouped arrangement.
Like other Snake Plants, it's an evergreen succulent houseplant with relatively straightforward growing requirements.
Why is it called Witches Finger?
The name comes from its long, narrow, pointed leaves, which can look rather like a collection of green fingers reaching upwards from the compost.
It's a descriptive name rather than a separate botanical classification.
The plant is also sold as Spaghetti Snake Plant, a reference to its slender, upright foliage.
Is Witches Finger the same as Sansevieria Spaghetti?
Yes, Witches Finger is used as a common retail name for plants sold under the Spaghetti name.
The RHS lists Sansevieria 'Spaghetti', although the cultivar name status is currently unresolved.
It's worth checking the supplier's identification when comparing plants sold under similar names, as several cylindrical Snake Plant selections can look alike.
Is Sansevieria Spaghetti now a Dracaena?
The parent species traditionally known as Sansevieria cylindrica is now botanically classified as Dracaena angolensis.
However, Sansevieria remains widely used by growers and retailers, and the precise cultivar naming of Spaghetti isn't fully resolved.
You may therefore see different botanical labels for closely related plants. This doesn't change the basic care required.
How is Witches Finger different from Starshooter?
Witches Finger is generally sold for its slender, mostly upright spears that grow close together.
Starshooter is recognised for a broader arrangement, with its cylindrical leaves spreading outwards from the centre.
Both belong to the cylindrical Snake Plant group and have similar care requirements, but their overall appearances are noticeably different.
Is Witches Finger easy to care for?
Yes. It's a good choice for beginners and anyone who prefers a fairly relaxed plant care routine.
Give it suitable light, warmth and a freely draining growing mix.
The main thing to avoid is watering too frequently. Allow the compost to dry thoroughly before giving the plant another drink.
How much light does Witches Finger need?
Bright indirect light is ideal.
A position close to an east facing window works well, while bright south or west facing rooms can also be suitable with protection from intense summer sunshine.
Gentle direct sunlight may be beneficial once the plant has adjusted, but avoid sudden changes that could scorch the leaves.
Can Witches Finger grow in low light?
It can tolerate lower light levels, although growth will usually become slower.
The compost may also remain damp for longer, increasing the importance of checking before watering.
If you want to encourage strong, healthy new spears, a reasonably bright position is preferable.
How often should I water Sansevieria Spaghetti?
Allow the compost to dry thoroughly before watering again.
The exact interval depends on the pot size, light, temperature and growing mix, so there's no single schedule that works for every plant.
During winter, watering may be needed much less frequently. Always check the compost rather than watering because a certain number of days have passed.
How do I know when Witches Finger needs watering?
Check whether the compost has dried throughout the pot.
You can use a wooden stick, feel the compost through the drainage holes or lift the nursery pot to get an idea of its weight.
If moisture remains, leave it a little longer. The plant's fleshy leaves help it tolerate occasional dryness.
Why are my Witches Finger leaves wrinkling?
Wrinkled leaves may indicate prolonged dryness, but they can also occur when damaged roots are unable to absorb water.
Check the compost first. If it's completely dry and the roots are healthy, watering may help.
If the compost is wet or the leaf bases feel soft, inspect the roots for possible rot instead.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing may result from excess moisture, cold damage, root problems or the natural decline of an older leaf.
If several leaves turn yellow together, especially near their bases, check whether the compost has remained too wet.
One older leaf gradually declining isn't always a cause for concern, but widespread yellowing deserves investigation.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips can result from physical damage, prolonged dryness, root stress or previous changes in growing conditions.
The narrow pointed tips can be particularly vulnerable to accidental knocks.
A small dry mark that isn't spreading may be cosmetic rather than a sign of a serious problem.
Why are the bases of the leaves becoming soft?
Soft or mushy leaf bases can indicate rot, particularly if the compost has remained wet for too long.
Check the roots and underground rhizomes for soft, discoloured or damaged tissue.
Remove severely affected sections where appropriate using clean tools, and correct the drainage or watering problem before continuing normal care.
Why are my Witches Finger leaves leaning?
A little variation in the angle of individual leaves can be normal as the plant grows.
However, sudden leaning accompanied by softness or collapse may indicate damaged roots or rotting tissue.
Check the firmness of the leaves and whether the plant is securely rooted in its pot.
How tall can Sansevieria Spaghetti grow?
The RHS lists Sansevieria 'Spaghetti' as potentially reaching around 50 to 100cm tall.
Individual indoor specimens may remain smaller, depending on their maturity and growing conditions.
This is an eventual growth estimate rather than the size of the plant currently being sold.
How quickly does Witches Finger grow?
Witches Finger is generally a slow growing houseplant.
New leaves and offsets are more likely to appear during warmer, brighter months, although established plants can still develop gradually.
During winter, there may be very little visible growth. That's normal provided the foliage remains firm and healthy.
Will Witches Finger produce baby plants?
Yes. Established cylindrical Snake Plants can produce new shoots from underground rhizomes.
These may appear beside the existing foliage and gradually develop into additional leaves or offsets.
You can leave them attached to form a fuller clump or separate established offsets during repotting.
Can I propagate Witches Finger?
Yes. Division is a useful option when the plant has produced established offsets.
Carefully separate a healthy shoot with its own roots and a section of rhizome, then repot it into a freely draining growing mix.
Leaf cuttings are also possible with cylindrical Snake Plants, although they can take considerably longer to produce complete new plants.
Can I trim the leaves if they become too tall?
You can trim a leaf, but cutting off its pointed tip won't cause it to grow a new point.
The cut end will remain visible and may dry or turn brown.
If the plant becomes too large, it's usually better to move it somewhere with more space or divide an established clump rather than shortening healthy leaves.
What compost is best for Witches Finger?
A freely draining cactus or succulent compost is a good choice.
You can also improve peat free houseplant compost with perlite, pumice or coarse grit.
Use a pot with drainage holes and avoid heavy compost that stays wet for long periods.
When should I repot my Witches Finger?
Repot when the roots or underground rhizomes genuinely need more room.
Spring is usually a good time. Choose a pot slightly larger than the existing one with suitable drainage.
There's no need to repot every year if the plant is growing well and its roots aren't overcrowded.
Does Witches Finger need high humidity?
No. Witches Finger is comfortable in ordinary household humidity and generally prefers conditions that aren't excessively damp.
It doesn't require regular misting or a humidifier.
Suitable light, warmth and freely draining compost are much more important than raising humidity.
Can Witches Finger flower indoors?
Yes. Mature cylindrical Snake Plants may occasionally develop flowering stalks carrying small, pale greenish white flowers, sometimes with a noticeable fragrance.
Flowering is uncommon in ordinary UK homes and isn't guaranteed.
Witches Finger is primarily grown for its unusual foliage, so flowering is an occasional bonus.
Is Witches Finger safe for cats, dogs and children?
No. Witches Finger is harmful if eaten and toxic to cats and dogs.
Like other Snake Plants, it contains naturally occurring saponins that may cause digestive upset if swallowed.
Its pointed leaves also deserve consideration when choosing a position. Keep the plant out of reach, contact your vet if a pet eats any part and seek medical advice if a child swallows some.
A closer look at the Witches Finger Plant