Syngonium podophyllum aka Arrowhead Vine

Syngonium podophyllum is an evergreen vine in the arum family. Gardeners call it arrowhead vine or arrowhead plant. Its native range runs from Mexico through tropical America. It grows in dense forest and more open regrowth. Young plants form a small bush with trailing stems. Older plants climb as their stems lengthen. Growth is fast where conditions suit the plant.

Cultivated plants reach about 3–8 feet (0.9–2.5 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 1–3.3 feet (0.3–1 metre). In tropical settings, stems may reach 33–66 feet (10–20 metres). Fleshy green stems make roots that cling to tree trunks. Leaves and stems hold a milky sap. Young leaves have an arrow shape and long leaf stalks. Their upper sides look darker than their lower sides. Some leaves show pale silver or white marks. Leaves become lobed as the plant grows older. Mature leaves can divide into five to eleven leaflets.

Flowers may appear in summer, but indoor plants seldom bloom. Small flowers crowd onto a spadix in each flowerhead. A cream or green-white spathe wraps around the spike. Flowerheads grow in groups where leaves meet the stem. Insects pollinate the flowers. Round berries form an egg-shaped cluster after flowering. The fruit can turn black or brown as it ripens. Both the flowers and fruit have ornamental value.

Grow this vine in warmth, with shade and high humidity. Bright light without direct sun suits indoor growth. Strong sun can scorch leaves or drain their colour. Use fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. Water more during growth and less during winter. Feed every three to four weeks while it grows. Keep winter temperatures at or above 59°F (15°C). Sources list USDA zones 10–12 and UK rating H1A. Pots, hanging baskets, and climbing supports suit its growth. It also grows as a seasonal plant in shaded borders.

Care needs are low, though pests and rot can occur. Watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Bacterial leaf spot and soft rot are possible diseases. In Florida, escaped plants crowd out native growth. UF/IFAS classes it as invasive and discourages outdoor use statewide. No edible uses are known. Calcium oxalate crystals make it harmful to people and pets. Eating it can cause mouth pain, swelling, and trouble swallowing. Its sap can irritate skin and eyes.