Also known as arrowhead vines, thanks to their interesting leaf shape, Syngonium podophyllum plants are easily recognisable and widely available in the tropics. There are at least 40 species and cultivars in this genus of aroids loved for their colourful foliage.
These fast-growing vines can be trained to climb up a pole or trellis, or left to trail down from hanging baskets or plant stands. They can also be pruned so they grow as compact clumps rather than long vines, or even left to spread out as ground covers for those who have the space.
Leaves are quite thin and may be smooth or ruffled. Leaf sizes vary from a few centimetres small to more than 10cm long, plain or variegated.
When grown in optimal conditions, syngonium plants present adult leaf forms different from the juvenile leaves often seen in nurseries and plant shops.
Some Syngonium varieties
S. podophyllum is the classic and most common species of the genus. It’s a perfect plant to befriend for anyone who wants a luxuriant eye-catcher in their space. Their long arching petioles (up to 30cm) give the plant a graceful appearance.
‘Pixie’ is similar in colour to S. podophyllum, but has more rounded leaves and shorter petioles. It probably looks most attractive when pruned back to maintain a compact appearance.
‘Cream allusion’ has beautiful light green to cream coloured variegated leaves with red veins and plain green undersides.
‘Pink allusion’ has gorgeous pink leaves which turn green when exposed to too much sunlight. It also has green undersides and grows very quickly.
‘Wendlandii’ has eye-catching dark green velvety leaves with white markings around the veins.
‘Albo’ has attractive green leaves with white to cream variegation.
‘Holly ribbon’ does not look like a member of the family at first, because of its slender ribbon-like leaves. But if allowed to just be, it could revert to the more familiar Syngonium leaf shape proving its lineage.
‘Moonshine’ has pretty, delicate-looking white leaves with green undersides. Although it likes a shaded spot, if it doesn’t get enough bright light, its white leaves could turn green.
Where to place your syngoniums indoors and outdoors
Syngoniums are shade-loving plants and so should be protected from direct sunlight. Long exposure to direct sunlight could stress the plant and slow down growth, scorch leaves, or change the original colour of some varieties.
The different coloured varieties available would make stunning combinations in troughs for balconies and porches. They could be used as fillers to add colour and texture to a backdrop of tall plants in container gardens.
When kept indoors they should be given bright indirect light. Watch to see that your plant is getting the right quality and amount of light. Some plants will have the leaf colour revert from white to green if not getting sufficient light, whereas some will change from pink to green if getting too much light. Your job here is to remember what your plant looked like when you first got it.
How much do syngoniums cost?
Syngonium prices vary from very low to very high depending on the variety. The most common variety and therefore the cheapest in Lagos, where I live, is the Syngonium podophyllum. It is also known as African evergreen for a good reason. It just keeps growing!
A small plant containing just one node could be got for N500 ($1). Starting with a small plant not only saves you money but will give you some satisfaction as you see your plant frequently shoot out new leaves and grow to a massive vine in a few months.
New varieties in the market are less common and therefore more expensive. They all do not grow at the same rate, though, so the high price tags are often justified.
How to care for syngoniums
Syngoniums are easy-going plants that most beginner gardeners can handle, by following this simple care guide.
Water:
Syngoniums have thin leaves which are prone to drying out if not well hydrated. Watch out, especially during the dry harmattan months. It’s best to keep the soil of your plant moist but not soggy.
If overwatered, the plant’s roots may begin to rot. The best way of dealing with rot is to cut off the dead roots. If the rot has extended to the vine, simply cut off the healthy section and pop it in water. Ensure that at least one node is submerged to see it grow new roots in a few weeks.
Soil:
Like other aroids, syngoniums like well-aerated soil, but can tolerate heavier soils. Their extensive aerial roots growing out of the pot will also help the plant breathe.
Feeding:
You should feed your plant regularly to maintain growth throughout the year. When planting, mixing some compost in the soil is a good way to start. Subsequently, you can give it some compost tea or a dilute liquid fertiliser every two weeks or once a month.
You should notice how much bigger the leaves get or how often new leaves are produced and adjust the frequency of feeding as needed.
Controlling Pests:
Most varieties are relatively pest-free. Unfortunately, the velvety leaves of the Syngonium wendlandii variety have a special appeal for sap-sucking insects like mealybugs.
Mealybugs often hide under the leaves and so may not be spotted immediately until the leaf curls downward and turns yellow. The infested leaf should be removed immediately and destroyed.
Check under the leaves often for these white-bodied insects. Repeatedly spraying/washing the leaves with soapy water and neem oil should soon take care of the problem. Mealybugs are attracted to wet soft leaves, so keep your plants’ leaves dry.
How to propagate syngoniums
Syngoniums are easy to propagate from cuttings. Simply cut a portion of the vine with a few leaves just below the node, pop that section in water and watch roots appear in a few short weeks. If you are feeling confident, you can also propagate directly into soil. You must keep the soil moist, though. You can tell that your propagation has been successful when a new leaf emerges.
You could keep the small plant growing in water too. As long as it has enough light and you change the water every two weeks or so, it would be fine.
So, are you ready to start a syngonium collection or do you want just one plant? Wherever you are in your plant journey, I hope you can find the syngonium that’s right for you.
Thanks for reading.
