Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

Syngonium podophyllum, also known as the arrowhead plant or Nephthytis, is a creeping plant related to Philodendron. It’s much appreciated for its easy care and large leaves that can vary from bright green to a lovely blotchy mix. This plant is pretty easy to grow in your own home. Keep reading for everything you need to know about arrowhead plant care.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Syngonium podophyllum is a species of aroid that is a popular houseplant. Common names include: arrowhead plant, arrowhead vine, arrowhead philodendron, goosefoot, nephthytis, African evergreen, and American evergreen. The species is native to a wide region of Latin America from Mexico through Bolivia, and naturalized in the West Indies, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and other places.

Syngonium podophyllum is the most commonly cultivated species in the genus Syngonium, and is often referred to simply as syngonium. It was originally confused with the similar-looking African genus Nephthytis, and this is still used as a common name for the plant. It was given its own genus in 1879.

The Latin specific epithet podophyllum means “with foot/feet-like leaves”.

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Starr 080610-8101 Syngonium podophyllum Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0

It climbs a few meters tall over the trunks of tropical jungle trees, clinging by its roots. The cultivars cultivated indoors reach a height of up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft). During the year, the plant grows about 30 cm (12 in) and produces 6-7 leaves. Its single leaves, usually arrow-shaped, are up to 30 cm (12 in) long. In the wild, the leaves are dark green and without variegation. Cultivated varieties have leaves in various shades of green, often light green and usually with different types of lighter tannins. There are several variegated cultivars, the main differences being in the position and extent of the cream or white markings. Some leaves are almost entirely white, pink or yellow.

Its flowers are small, greenish or whitish on spadices within light-yellow through green spathes. However, the plants grown indoors do not bloom, aside from the older, well-cared-for specimens.

All parts of Syngonium podophyllum are poisonous and cause severe mouth pain if eaten. It is not unusual to find these growing in Sub-tropical Florida landscapes, where homeowners and Gardeners need to be aware of the severe skin burning sensations caused by the plants sap containing oxalic acid and the eye damage potential from raphides.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Because it’s naturally shaded by taller trees and other foliage, the arrowhead plant doesn’t require direct sunlight.

In fact, you can keep your Syngonium in relatively low light conditions unless you have a lighter colored cultivar. These may revert back to a darker color, so if you want to maintain the creamy white foliage be sure to place your plant in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity

True to its tropical nature, the arrowhead vine prefers warm and humid conditions. If possible, maintain temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While the plant tolerates average humidity, it will thrive best with added moisture in the air. Consider keeping your plant somewhere in your home with naturally higher humidity (such as a kitchen or bathroom), or utilize a method of increasing humidity, like a portable humidifier or placing a bed of wet river rocks beneath the pot.

Watering

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Syngonium podophyllum kanoak CC BY 2.0

A proper watering schedule is a very important part of arrowhead plant care. These tropicals love moisture, so proper watering and humidity are key.

  • Syngonium loves receiving plenty of water but doesn’t appreciate constantly wet soil. Keep it lightly moist during the summer months and let it dry out a good bit more during winter when it’s not actively growing.
  • Syngonium won’t suffer too much if humidity is low, but it does prefer a bit of extra moisture in the air especially if humidity is particularly low in your home.
  • Using a humidifier can help keep this plant happy if it appears to be struggling with overly dry air.

Soil

Plant your arrowhead vine in a traditional soil-based potting mix. Arrowhead vines are prone to root rot, so you’ll want to make sure whichever potting soil you choose is well-draining.

Fertilizing

Feed your arrowhead vine once a month with liquid fertilizer throughout the spring, summer, and fall months, following product label instructions. You can halt feeding throughout winter when the plant will naturally slow its growth.

Propagation

Arrowhead vine plants root readily from stem cuttings and can easily be propagated in the spring or summer months. To propagate arrowhead vine, take these steps.

  • Take a section of the stem with attached aerial roots to increase your odds of success. Use a sterilized snipping tool to take the cutting.
  • Place your cutting into a glass of water—within a few weeks, you’ll notice new roots have begun to form.
  • Continue topping off the water periodically.
  • Wait at least a month until the roots have strengthened.
  • Plant the cutting into the soil as you normally would.

Potting and Repotting

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Starr 080610-8100 Syngonium podophyllum Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0

These plants are aggressive, rapid-growing vines, so the frequency of repotting depends somewhat on how big you want the vine to get. Repot yearly for a larger vine. Otherwise, refresh potting media every spring and repot every other year to ensure the plant does not become root-bound. Additionally, consider planting your vine in a terracotta or clay vessel to wick away extra moisture from the soil.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Arrowhead vine is relatively resistant to pests but when the plant lives indoors, it is exposed to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. If you notice any of these afflictions, treat your plant immediately with neem oil or another natural solution.

Arrowhead plants are highly susceptible to root rot, caused by overwatering. Look for mushy lower stems to identify the problem. The plant may suffer from powdery mildew (whitish leaves) and brown fungal leaf spots, as well. Immediately remove these affected leaves from the plant to stop the spread of the disease.

Common Problems

This easy-going vine does best if left relatively alone. If you’re concerned that your arrowhead vine looks a little off, here’s what may be happening.

  • Turns Pale

If your arrowhead turns pale or yellowish, the plant is receiving too much light. Move the plant to a spot that has less harsh, direct light.

  • Leaves Turn Brown

If the leaves of your arrowhead vine turn brown or begin to wilt, the plant may be underwatered.

  • Won’t Bloom

Arrowhead vines are grown for foliage, not for their flowers. Arrowhead plants that grow in native tropical climates bloom, but rarely, if ever, does the plant flower indoors.

III. Types of Arrowhead Vine

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Starr 080117-1518 Syngonium podophyllum Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0

A wide selection of arrowhead cultivars offers stunning foliage colors and patterns. Here are just a few of the most popular cultivars:

  • ‘Bold Allusion’: Large leaves are tinted with light green and baby pink.
  • ‘Cream Allusion’: Foliage presents with light green, creamy centers, and pinkish veins.
  • ‘Exotic Allusion’: The larger leaves of this arrowhead plant are pale green with cream venations.
  • ‘Pink Splash’: This cultivar’s leaves are bold, deep, bright hot pink on deeper green foliage.
  • ‘Gold Allusion’: The vine offers large heart-shaped golden yellow leaves with pinkish veining.
  • ‘Snow White’: This is a compact arrowhead vine. The green leaves have white speckles.
  • ‘Neon Robusta’: This vine produces foliage with a shiny, dusky pink hue. ‘Pink Allusion’ and ‘Strawberry Cream’ are both similar to this vine with brighter pink-hued leaves.
  • ‘Mini Pixi’: This newer type of arrowhead vine forms petite green and yellow leaves.

IV. Uses and Benefits

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Starr 080610-8099 Syngonium podophyllum Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0
  • Ornamental uses

Syngonium Podophyllum plants are known to have air-purifying properties, capable of removing VOCs such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. Additionally, they also help in absorbing CO2.

Syngonium Podophyllum plants are easy to grow and maintain.

The plant is widely grown as an indoor plant as it also helps boost humidity and reduce dry air in homes.

  • Feng Shui Benefits

Syngonium plants have distinct leaves varying in shape such as arrow shaped and five-lobed patterns that symbolise the five elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Fire, and Wood. They help in achieving an ideal Yin Yang balance and ensure the flow of positive chi energy. Keeping Syngonium plants at home also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Find Where to Buy the Best Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)

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