Syngonium podophyllum or Arrowhead plant

Care of the indoor plant Syngonium podophyllum or Arrowhead plant

The genus Syngonium, family Araceae, includes about 30 species of plants native to tropical America. Some species are: Syngonium podophyllum, Syngonium sparreorum, Syngonium dodsonianum, Syngonium harlingianum.

Common names: Arrowhead plant, African Evergreen, American Evergreen, Arrow Leaf, Arrowhead philodendron, Arrowhead Vine or Goosefoot Vine.

They are climbing tropical plants with sarmentose stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in length. Young leaves are arrowhead shaped and with age become lobed (3-5 lobes); they are bright green and there are varieties with shades of cream, pink, gold or silver-gray. The flowers have no decorative value but do not usually bloom in pots.

Arrowhead plant is used as indoor and greenhouse plants in hanging pots or in pots with a moss-covered stake. In tropical and subtropical climates it's used to cover walls, pergolas and to climb trees.

Syngonium podophyllum needs semi-shade or shaded exposure, always avoiding direct sunlight during the central hours of the day. It does not resist temperatures below 13 ºC (55.4 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial potting soil for houseplants with a bit of leaf or peat mulch. Transplant in early spring to renew the substrate or if the pot becomes too small.

Water frequently with lime-free water in spring and summer so that the substrate does not dry out completely. In autumn and winter reduce watering. It is important that the ambient humidity is high: periodically spray the leaves with lime-free water in summer and place a tray with wet stones under the pot.

Fertilize in spring and summer once a month with a mineral fertilizer for indoor plants at half the usual dose.

Prune lightly in spring to keep compact or control growth.

Syngonium podophyllum is a plant sensitive to cold, excess moisture in the roots and low humidity.

African Evergreen is propagated in spring or summer by stem cuttings; use rooting hormones.