Family: Araceae
Common Name: Arrowhead Plant, Arrowhead Vine
Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum
You may by a syngonium as small compact bush from the store, thay will soon vine and grow in all directions. This is how they got their nick name arrowhead vines was coined. Syngoniums come in countless varieties, all with unique colors and sizes. If you are looking for a plant thats easy to grow and that will brighten up ypur space, look no further! If you like pink, syngoniums have you covered with tons of species that produce bright pnk foliage. Pink allusions even stay small and compact if vines aren't your style. The Syngonium ALbo is even a cheeap and more managable alternative to one of the most popular plants, a Monstera Albo. If you like yellow more than white variegation, try out the Syngonium Aurea. no matter your taste, you will be able to find a syngonium that you love. ANd the best part? They are forgiving and easy to grow!
Syngoniums can be trined to grow in any way you like as well. If you prefer a bush style, cut your syngonium when it begins to vine. it will start a new growth point further down, and if your lucky it may give you more than one growth point. These plants can also grow up stakes or trelises. They have arial roots that will attach to wood or a moss pole as they grow up it. if you prefer a hanging plant, you can leave it alone and the plant do the work for you.
Important! Syngoniums are poisonous if you ingest them. This goes for pets and children as well so keep them out of reach. The sap can cause skin irritation as well.
Light
Syngoniums are tolerant of low light conditions, but of course prefer bright indirect light. If they get proper light, a syngonium will grow much faster with more vibrant colors. if you are growing a syngonium with splashes of color like a Syngonium Confetti or Syngonium Panda, the more light you get, the more splashes of color it will get. In contrast, light will not cause a plant with variegation like a Syngonium Albo to get more color. That is all dependent on genetics! More light is still important for these plant, though, because they don't have as much chloraphyl. Most syngoniums to do have paper thin leaves so this means they burn easily. It's important to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Water
Most syngoniums grow up side of trees in their natural habbitats. They are watered by daily showers washing over their arial roots. they also have very thick and sturdy root balls. Therefor, syngoniums can mostly dry out between waterings. let them dry out 70-80% before giving your plant another drink. If they are left in drought for too long, the lower leaves will die off quickley. As always, you want to make sure that your plant isn't getting to much water. if the soil stays wet for too long the roots will not be able to get oxegen. They will then rot and slowly kill your plant. The best way to prevent this is to make sure your plants soil drys out in a timely manner.
Soil
Potting soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, but still has the ability to drain well is the perfect growing medium for all Syngonium. Most coco coir or peat-based bagged potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to continually stay moist causing root rot.
Temperature
Arrowhead Vines will grow in most household temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They do not like the temps to drop below 50℉. Keep them away from drafts and doorways during the winter months.
Humidity
Average household humidity 40-50% is adequate for these indoor plants, but most houseplants benefit from humidity over 60% if you can provide it. There are a few ways you can increase the humidity around your arrowhead vines, so find the way that best suits you and your aesthetic.
Fertilizer
Arrowhead vines should be fertilized during the growing season with ½ - ¼ strength complete liquid fertilizer twice a month. Or use a slow release fertilizer or top dress with worm castings or compost in early spring. These are fast-growing plants and they benefit from fertilization as this will help them develop large leaves and a healthy root system.
Pro Tips
- Try letting these indoor vines grow long and display them as a hanging plant as it matures.
- If you like a compact full plant, then prune the foliage back to maintain its form.
- Propagate the cuttings in water as these indoor vines grow roots very quickly. Please note that some plants are patented and propagation is prohibited! Check the patent status of all houseplants before you propagate.
- Clean the leaves of your arrowhead vines every few weeks with a medium-soft watering. This will remove dust and potential pests from accumulating!
- Rotate your syngonium ¼ turn, every time you water it, or pamper it. This will encourage it to grow balanced and evenly.
- If you notice white fuzzy spots appearing on the leaves and stems of your syngonium this is a sign of mealy bugs. Treat both the soil and the foliage with diluted neem oil once a week until they have disappeared.