Syngonium spp.
arrow-head vines
Overview
Syngonium spp. is a genus of about 36 evergreen climbing plants in the arum family, Araceae, native to tropical Central and South America. Young plants form compact clumps of arrowhead-shaped leaves, while mature plants climb by aerial roots and develop larger leaves divided into 3-11 lobes. Stems reach 3-20 feet (1-6 m) where supported, and individual leaves span 3-14 inches (8-35 cm) long. Leaf color ranges from plain green to forms variegated with white, cream, pink, or bronze, depending on species and cultivar. Like other aroids, the flowers are small and crowded on a spadix enclosed by a pale green to cream spathe, though plants flower infrequently in indoor conditions. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral and digestive irritation if chewed by people or pets. The genus grows as a tropical evergreen and is commonly kept as a houseplant in temperate regions, where it tolerates low light but grows elongated without bright indirect light. Outdoors it survives only in frost-free climates, USDA zones 10-12, and can become invasive in tropical regions by rooting along its stems. Sap may irritate sensitive skin on contact.
Native Range
Syngonium spp. is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, from Mexico through Brazil and Bolivia, and in the Caribbean. Plants grow in humid lowland and montane forests, climbing tree trunks from the forest floor. Several species have naturalized in tropical Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.Suggested Uses
Grown as a trailing or climbing houseplant in pots, hanging baskets, and on moss poles. In frost-free climates it is used as a tropical groundcover or climber on trees and walls. Compact juvenile plants suit terrariums and dish gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 20'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering is rare in cultivation and irregular in the wild, occurring mainly in the warm wet season. The inflorescence consists of a short spadix enclosed by a greenish to cream spathe 1-4 inches (3-10 cm) long. Plants flower infrequently when grown indoors.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to pale greenFoliage Description
green, often variegated with white, cream, pink, or bronzeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Syngonium spp. grows in bright indirect light to partial shade in a peat-based, well-drained potting mix kept evenly moist. Direct midday sun scorches the leaves, while deep shade produces sparse, elongated growth. Normal room temperatures of 60-80F (16-27C) with moderate to high humidity suit the genus, and growth stops below 50F (10C). The mix is watered when the top inch (2.5 cm) dries, with less frequent watering in winter. A moss pole or trellis supports the climbing stems and produces larger mature leaves. Plants tolerate average household air but shed lower leaves when humidity is very low.Pruning
Stems are pinched or cut back in spring or summer to limit length and maintain a fuller form, and cuttings root readily in water or moist mix. Cutting away climbing stems keeps plants in the compact arrowhead-leaved juvenile phase. Cut stems release a milky sap that can irritate skin.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons