24 Best Plants That Twist and Turn

Some plants grow straight and simple, but others like to show off with twists, curls, and spirals. These unique growers add instant character to any garden or home. Keep reading to discover 24 of the best plants that twist and turn.

Plants That Twist And Turn

Some plants grow in ways that’ll make you do a double-take. Spirals, twists, odd contortions—these shapes aren’t just for show. Sometimes they help the plant climb, soak up more light, or even save water.

Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ Or ‘Corkscrew Rush’)

With its tightly twirling green stems, Corkscrew Rush really grabs your attention. The upright stems spiral wildly, almost like old phone cords, and bring a playful vibe to any spot. It feels right at home in boggy or wet soils, so water gardens are kind of its thing.

No need to fuss too much—full sun or part shade works, and once it settles in, it’ll shrug off short dry spells. Kids and adults alike tend to find it a fun addition to pots or beds. Its curly shape keeps things interesting, even when winter rolls around.

Twisted Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana, Spiral Forms)

Lucky Bamboo gets its signature spirals thanks to growers who slowly rotate the plant toward the light, coaxing those famous curves. Oddly enough, it’s not a bamboo at all but a Dracaena.

It’s happy in water or soil, so you can pick what fits your space. The curly stems symbolize good luck in plenty of Asian cultures and look pretty cool in modern homes. If you want more twists, snip above a node—but keep it out of harsh sun, or the leaves might burn.

Corkscrew Albuca (Albuca spiralis, “Frizzle Sizzle”)

Albuca spiralis, or “Frizzle Sizzle,” gets its name for a reason—thick, green leaves coil up and end in quirky little hairs. Native to South Africa, it likes things warm and bright. You’ll see the tightest spirals with lots of sunlight.

Spring might bring you yellow, vanilla-scented blooms. Don’t drown it, especially when it’s dormant. The curly leaves make it a drought-tolerant pick for sunny windowsills, and honestly, it stands out in any succulent crowd.

Twisted Cactus (Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’)

Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’ is not your standard cactus. Its tall stems twist upward in perfect spirals, each one a bit different—some gentle, some wild.

It’s built for dry conditions and likes sandy, loose soil. Give it plenty of sun. Even if it rarely flowers indoors, the twisty shape steals the show on its own.

Hoya Compacta (Hindu Rope Plant)

Glossy, cupped, and twisted leaves give Hoya Compacta a rope-like look—almost like chunky green chains. Once it’s mature, you might get clusters of sweet-smelling, starry flowers.

Set it somewhere bright but not in direct sun. Let the soil dry out before watering again. Those thick leaves help it handle dry spells, and its curly vines really shine in a hanging basket.

Contorted Filbert (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick)

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is a hazel shrub but with a serious twist—literally. Its branches are all gnarled and curly, looking especially dramatic when the leaves drop. Birds sometimes tuck themselves into the tangle.

It’ll grow in sun or part shade and doesn’t need fancy soil. Snip off any straight shoots to keep the twisty look intact. The branches are a favorite in cut arrangements, too.

Corkscrew Vine (Vigna caracalla)

Vigna caracalla gives off a sweet scent and produces flowers that coil like snail shells. The vine itself climbs fast in warm weather, and you’ll see clusters of white and lilac blooms through summer.

Rich soil and regular water make it happiest. It’s not frost-hardy, so treat it as a tender perennial unless you live somewhere warm. Find a spot where you can really enjoy those wild flowers and twisting stems.

Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Spiral Aloe is a true show-stopper, with its tight, geometric spirals of sharp, triangular leaves. Each plant’s spiral can go either way—left or right. It’s rare and comes from the mountains in Lesotho, southern Africa.

Cool temps and excellent drainage are key. Too much water or soggy soil? That’s a recipe for root rot. It’s a great candidate for pots or rock gardens, and honestly, it’s got a kind of mathematical beauty that plant lovers and designers go nuts for.

Curly Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’ Or ‘Curly’)

‘Bonnie’ is a twisty take on the classic spider plant, with curly leaves that loop and arch along the stems. Little white flowers and baby plants dangle from wiry runners.

Super easy to keep indoors. Bright, indirect light keeps it looking fresh and compact. The ruffled leaves give a fun spin to a familiar favorite.

Twisted Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ Or ‘Corkscrew Willow’)

Long, zigzagging branches set Twisted Willow apart, with green leaves and stems that curl into sculptural shapes. Once winter strips the leaves, those contorted branches really pop in the landscape.

It likes moist soil and lots of sun. Works as a small tree or for dramatic cut branches. Prune as needed to keep the twisty vibe going.

Twisted Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes ampullaria ‘Corkscrew’)

Nepenthes ampullaria ‘Corkscrew’ stands out among tropical pitcher plants with its slightly spiraled pitchers. This odd twist might help it collect water or trap prey in its rainforest home.

It thrives in warm, humid spots with filtered light. The soil should stay damp—letting it dry out isn’t a good idea. Collectors love its twisted pitchers and the splash of color they bring.

Twining Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor And Relatives)

Morning Glories don’t mess around—they climb by wrapping their stems around whatever support they find. Flowers open for just a day, but new blooms keep coming all summer. Their twisting stems help them scramble up fast, no tendrils needed.

Seeds go in after frost, in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep them watered for the best show. The vines grow fast and bring a riot of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers.

Mandevilla Vine (Mandevilla spp., Twining Habit)

Mandevilla climbs by coiling new shoots around supports, showing off big trumpet flowers in pink, white, or red. The leaves are glossy and deep green, adding to the tropical look.

Give them something sturdy to climb, water regularly, and feed every few weeks during the growing season. In warm places, they’re perennials; in cooler spots, treat them as annuals or bring them inside for winter.

Sweet Pea Vine (Lathyrus odoratus, Climbing And Twining Stems)

Sweet peas wrap slender stems and tendrils around supports, then fill the air with their pastel, scented blossoms in spring or early summer. They’re speedy growers and will cover a trellis or fence before you know it.

Cool weather and plenty of sun bring out the best blooms. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and pick off faded flowers to keep them coming. Netting or brushwood makes a perfect support.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata, Twining Climber)

Thunbergia alata climbs by winding its flexible stems around whatever it can grab. The flowers are bright yellow to orange, each with a bold black center. It’s usually grown as an annual if winters get cold.

Set up a support for it to climb. Full sun helps it bloom best, and the lush green leaves quickly cover fences or trellises.

Passionflower (Passiflora spp., Twining Tendrils)

Passionflower vines twist their tendrils around wires, stakes, or branches, producing wild, intricate flowers with a crown of filaments. Some varieties even give you edible fruit.

They want lots of sun and a solid support. Keep them watered, especially when it’s dry. In the right spot, they’ll grow fast and reward you with weeks of unusual blooms.

Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis And floribunda, Twining Growth)

Wisteria’s woody stems wrap around supports, either counterclockwise or clockwise depending on the species. Late spring brings long, cascading clusters of purple, lavender, or white flowers.

Full sun and a sturdy support are musts. It needs a firm hand with the pruners to stay in check and bloom well. Once it settles in, it can get a bit wild if you let it.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, Twining By Stems)

Stems of climbing hydrangea twine and latch onto walls or trees with aerial roots. Early summer brings big lacecap flower clusters that light up shady spots. The heart-shaped leaves create a thick green cover.

Rich, moist soil and partial shade suit it best. It’s slow to get going, but once established, it’s strong and self-supporting. The twining stems let it climb masonry, fences, or tree trunks with ease.

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp., Twining Or Scrambling Habit)

Bougainvillea climbs and sprawls with arching stems that hook and twist for support. Its vivid bracts—magenta, orange, or white—surround tiny white flowers for a long, colorful show.

It needs a sunny, warm spot and well-drained soil. Prune to shape and encourage more blooms. Bougainvillea handles dry weather well, so it’s great for hot climates. Sharp spines help it cling and deter pests.

Jade Necklace Vine (Crassula marnieriana, Curling Stems)

Thick, succulent stems of Crassula marnieriana are stacked with flat, closely-packed leaves that spiral upward, looking a bit like a jade necklace draped over a pot’s edge.

Bright light and well-drained soil keep it happy. The chunky coils store plenty of water. It’s a fun addition to any succulent collection.

String Of Bananas (Senecio radicans, Winding Trailing Habit)

String of Bananas trails long, slender stems dotted with banana-shaped leaves. The wiry growth naturally twists and tumbles, forming mats or curtains in baskets or pots.

Likes bright, indirect light and doesn’t need much water. Let the soil dry out between drinks to avoid rot. The twisting stems send out aerial roots, so it’s easy to propagate if you feel like sharing.

Chain Of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii, Twisting Trailing Stems)

Chain of Hearts is all about those slender, purple stems and tiny, heart-shaped leaves. The stems twist, tangle, and cascade, making long, decorative chains in no time.

Let the soil dry almost completely before watering again, and set it somewhere bright. Tubers pop up along the stems, adding a quirky touch and making propagation a breeze.

Twining English Ivy (Hedera helix, Twining As It Climbs)

There’s something a little mysterious about the way those stems snake their way up walls, trees, or even a rickety old fence—gripping surfaces with those stubborn aerial roots. The leafy tangle that forms can turn a shady corner into a secret garden, almost overnight.

If you don’t keep an eye on it, ivy will happily take over more than you bargained for. Pruning now and then isn’t just a good idea—it’s pretty much a must. Honestly, those wiry stems are surprisingly strong, and they’ll shoot upward and outward whenever conditions are right.

Twisted Euphorbia (Euphorbia tortilis)

With its slender, spiral-patterned stems dotted with tiny spines, Euphorbia tortilis is pretty hard to mistake for anything else. You’ll notice the new growth tends to twist even tighter than the older sections—it’s almost like the plant’s showing off a bit. Out in the desert, this one’s a pro at saving water, tucking moisture away inside those quirky, curved stems.

Honestly, it’s not too fussy, but you’ll want gritty, super-fast-draining soil and as much sunlight as you can give it. Overwatering? Big mistake—rot will sneak up on you. If you’re looking to shake up your succulent display, this plant brings some serious drama with its vertical, sculptural vibe. There’s something about its unusual shape that just draws in collectors and anyone who likes their plants a little offbeat.