Syngonium podophyllum aka Arrowhead Vine

Taxonomy

Syngonium podophyllum, also known as Arrowhead vine or Nephthytis, is a tropical evergreen vine native to Central and South America. It is known for its arrow-shaped leaves that can be solid green, variegated, or have a marble pattern on them. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide.

The plant produces small, white, and very fragrant flowers that develop into a fruit that is not edible. The plant is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can be grown in a container or trained to climb a trellis or pole.

Syngonium podophyllum is a popular houseplant because of its ability to purify the air and its ability to adapt to different environments. Its leaves can change shape as the plant matures. Juvenile leaves are arrow-shaped, but as the plant grows, the leaves become more lobed or divided. It's a relatively low maintenance plant, it can tolerate neglect, low light and infrequent watering, making it a good choice for beginners and busy individuals.

Common names

Arrowhead Vine, Nephthytis, Goosefoot

How to care for Arrowhead Vine

Difficulty

Arrowhead Vine is a great choice for beginner plant parents because it is easy to care for!

Water

Arrowhead Vine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Arrowhead Vine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Sunlight

Arrowhead Vine can survive in low light conditions, making them ideal for rooms that are far from windows or other light sources. However, for best results, place the plant less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.

Dormancy

The Arrowhead Vine does not display a conventional dormancy pattern. If the growth rate slows significantly, verify that the plant is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight and water for healthy growth.

Toxicity

Arrowhead Vine is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Arrowhead Vine does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Arrowhead Vine has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Arrowhead Vine’s native range is Central America.