Syngonium Podophyllum Care: Complete Plant Guide & Care Tips

syngonium podophyllum care

Syngonium Podophyllum Care: Complete Plant Guide & Care Tips

Are you looking for a beautiful vine plant that is extremely versatile and that you can display anywhere? Look no further than the Syngonium Podophyllum for a colorful, tropical plant to brighten up any room! Also known as the Arrowhead Vine, learn everything you need to know about Syngonium Podophyllum care and how to make this plant thrive!

 

 

What is a Syngonium Podophyllum?

This Syngonium Podophyllum is a plant naturally found in the wet rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Other names this plant is known by are the White Butterfly Plant, Arrowhead Plant, and Goosefoot Plant. Arrowhead Vines can grow up to 6 feet high and about 2 feet wide.

 

The nicknames are derived from the shape of its lush foliage, which grows beautiful arrowhead-shaped leaves. The colors of this plant can vary from dark to light green with a mix of white and even pink. If you take the time to observe the leaves, you will notice their shape resemble an arrowhead, feet of a goose, or wings of a butterfly.

 

When properly cared for, this plant can mature and grow almost anywhere. The stems and leaves can extend and trail down or grow up a pole or wall. The cluster of leaves with their elegant patterns easily elevates the appearance of a living room, office space, or any other location.

 

 

Are Syngonium Podophyllum Plants Easy to Care For?

Yes, Arrowhead Vine and its many varieties are very easy to care for! They are low-light tolerant plants that can handle a little neglect. If you water this plant regularly, it will survive and still experience growth.

 

Their ability to handle low light settings allows them to be grown almost anywhere. Of course, certain conditions still need to be met, such as growing at the proper temperature and sufficient watering. Of course, those conditions are simple enough to meet for plant owners of all experience levels!

 

 

light green leaves in grey pot

 

 

Can You Grow Syngonium Podophyllum Plants Indoors and Outdoors?

Arrowhead Plants can technically grow indoors and outdoors, but this plant is typically more manageable as an indoor houseplant. Unless you are an experienced gardener with an outdoor greenhouse or lives next to a tropical rainforest, you might be better off growing this plant inside your home.

 

Under the tall trees of the rainforests, this plant thrives in the shade and high humidity out in the wild. The leaves and stems extend and look like they are climbing or hanging from a tree. However, most people won’t be able to replicate that in their backyard, much less an apartment building.

 

When grown outdoors, it is important to avoid leaving these plants in direct sunlight or cold temperatures. The Arrowhead Plant is sensitive to those conditions and most likely will not survive.

 

You’ll probably have a far easier time growing this plant indoors as you can control many of the growing conditions. As long as you stayed on top of the watering and placed it where it can receive indirect bright light, the Syngonium Podophyllum will be able to thrive!

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Syngonium Podophyllum Plants?

Besides being a botanical ornament, the Syngonium offers a wide array of benefits. It is more than just an indoor plant; it will be your new best friend with all it can do for you and your family.

 

  • Purifies the Air: Did you know the air pollution indoors can be just as bad as the air outdoors? Indoor plants can help clear the air inside your home from harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. It literally provides a breath of fresh air!
  • Reduces Dry Air: Have you been dealing with a dry throat or dry skin? The Nephthytis houseplant helps increase the moisture content in the air. The improved humidity may keep your skin from drying out, especially in colder seasons.
  • Promotes Sense of Well-Being: Are you feeling a little down in the dumps, dealing with stress, or having difficulty focusing? Caring for an indoor plant has been shown to improve overall mental bliss. Having a few indoor plants like the Arrowhead Vine may help put you at ease.

 

 

Syngonium Podophyllum Care Tips

Did you receive a Syngonium Podophyllum plant as a gift but are worried about making sure it is properly cared for? With these simple few tricks, you will transform from novice to Mother Nature’s personal assistant! Make sure you checkmark each of these tips. If you want to dive further on a particular tip, read on ahead!

 

Choosing the Right Soil

Think of the soil for the plant as if it were the foundation of a home. They both provide a base for an object from the ground up and lay down its roots.

 

Choosing the right soil for your Arrowhead Plant does not require hunting down the finest potting mix in the world. Any regular potting soil will do as long as the pH scale is between 5.5 to 6.5 and is well-draining.

 

You can even create your own potting soil blend! A great mixture you can try is mixing two parts of potting soil, one part coconut coir, a little bit of charcoal, and pumice. You can also add some compost to your mix.

 

Finding the Right Pot Your Syngonium Podophyllum Plant

Finding a pot is like adding the right accessories to your outfit. Sure, you can use the plain old pot the plant came with, but you can customize your pot to better compliment the location you place it at.

 

Regardless of the color pot you choose, it must have drainage holes. Trapping the water inside a pot without holes will flood the roots and has a higher chance of developing fungal infections.

 

You can also plant in clay or terra cotta pot because they are porous materials that allow moisture to evaporate. If your pot does not have drainage holes, then you can place small pebbles at the bottom so that the water can filter away from the roots.

 

The versatility of the Arrowhead Vine allows it to be potted in a hanging basket. You can also add a moss stick near your pot so the vines can climb your wall or hang from it.

 

Watering Your Syngonium Podophyllum Plant

Name a combination of molecules more important than water. Along with oxygen, water is one of the most important things for life on Earth. Plants are no different and require water to keep on living.

 

The amazing thing about watering the arrowhead plant is how simple it is. During the spring and summer, water it whenever the soil is completely dry. Water it less during cold weather, especially during winter.

 

Feeding Your Syngonium Podophyllum Plant

Besides fresh soil, water, and light, there is another way to ensure proper Syngonium Podophyllum care. Fertilizer is not mandatory, but feeding it to your plant can promote stronger growth.

 

Feed your arrowhead plant with half-strength complete liquid fertilizer once or twice a month during spring and summer. Another option is using a slow-release fertilizer with worm casting or compost at the beginning of the growing season.

 

Syngonium Podophyllum Plant Placement and Lighting

One of the best things about Syngonium Podophyllum care is its versatility to grow in different light conditions. This amazing indoor plant can thrive in low-light settings to bright indirect sunlight.

 

It does not matter where you decide to place it in your home, as long as you avoid leaving it to sit in direct sunlight. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn to the leaves.

 

Humidity and Temperature

Although it would be hard to replicate the tropical environment that the Syngonium Podophyllum species is native to, the plant can still grow in most indoor environments.

 

Your Arrowhead Vine grows better and thrives in warmer conditions, but any temperature is fine as long as it is above 60° F. This plant likes plenty of moisture in the air, so try to maintain medium to high humidity.

 

If you live in a dryer area, you can use a humidifier to boost the moisture content in the air. You can also place a bed of wet rocks below the plant to allow the moisture to evaporate slowly and reach the plant. Misting the plant with a spray bottle can also help!

 

Pruning a Syngonium Podophyllum Plant

The Arrowhead Plant can extend its vines and stretch across an entire bookshelf, so you can prune some of the vines to keep it a more manageable size. Experts usually recommend pruning the plant during summer and spring to promote new growth. If you decide not to prune it, the plant may appear bushy and unruly. Remember to use clean, disinfected plant shears to avoid infections.

 

 

dark green and white leaves

 

 

Common Issues Found in Syngonium Podophyllum Plants

Even though Arrowhead Vines are easy to grow and care for, they are still prone to some common issues affecting plants. Below are some of the most common problems:

 

  • Overwatering
  • Underwatering
  • Root rot
  • Lack of fresh soil or fertilizer
  • Spider mites
  • Mealybugs
  • Aphids
  • Scale
  • Dark spots on leaves from bacteria

 

How Do I Know if My Syngonium Podophyllum Plant is Dying?

Unsure about what might be wrong with your Arrowhead Vine? Watch out for these signs that indicate your arrowhead plant may be dying.

 

  • Wilted leaves: This is usually due to possible root rot or too much light. Make sure it is receiving enough water.
  • Brown leaves: One of the first signs your plant is too dry. Try increasing the humidity, change its location, or water it more.
  • Lack of growth: It is possible that the soil mix is dry or pruning has not been done.

 

 

Are Syngonium Podophyllum Plants Poisonous?

Yes, be careful with your Arrowhead Vine around curious pets or small children. Although they are gorgeous houseplants, they are still toxic to animals and humans if accidentally ingested. If you notice any of the following symptoms in either your pet or child, seek medical attention immediately!

 

  • Visible pain
  • Vomiting
  • Sores or rashes inside the mouth
  • Constant irritation
  • Decreased appetite

 

 

Final Thoughts

With time and patience combined, you should be to master Syngonium Podophyllum care. This beautiful rainforest plant can match the decor of any household. Give yourself or your loved ones the amazing gift of a new houseplant by starting with the Arrowhead Vine. If you haven’t purchased one yet, check out our awesome selection at PlantedPot!

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