It grew just as you see it - no shaping by me. Unfortunately, the well that holds the small amount of soil, dries out very fast. The plant expired within the month. If it got more sun I could use succulents but it doesn't. One year I used an artificial fern, which looked nice, but kept blowing away.
If anyone has any idea for a plant that would survive, I'd be thrilled to hear about it. I have used an abundance of water crystals but they compete for space with the roots and soil.
Thanks, Jennifer and jmorth!