Syngonium erythrophyllum
A tropical climbing aroid native to Panama with velvety dark-green arrow-shaped leaves, burgundy undersides and red veins, easy to grow indoors or as a trailing or climbing plant, prized for striking foliage and air-purifying qualities.
Common Names
Red Arrow, Red Arrow Syngonium, Red Arrowhead Vine
Summary
Originating in Central America, this evergreen climber features aerial roots and dark green leaves with red undersides; juvenile leaves are arrow-shaped and mature to lobed forms, with a growth habit that climbs or trails to about 3 ft tall and 2 ft wide; commonly grown as a houseplant but also suitable as a garden subject in temperate regions.
Cultivation emphasizes bright indirect light and well-draining soil, with the top layer kept evenly moist but not soggy; high humidity and temperatures around 18–29°C support lush foliage; fertilize monthly during the growing season at half-strength and prune or trim to maintain shape; propagation is by stem cuttings or division, and support with a moss pole or trellis encourages climbing; ornamental foliage makes it a striking addition to indoor displays or landscape plantings.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1-6 feet
Spread
1-3 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10-11
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial sun or partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining, moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Tolerates all pH levels
Bloom Color
Cream, green, purple, white
Foliage Color
Dark green leaves with red undersides and red veins.
Fall Foliage Color
Emergence in deep burgundy, maturing to green with red undersides; also green with red and pink variegation on green leaves
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Fast growth; doubling in size; faster in brighter light, especially above 80°F.
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts other pollinators (insects)
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Birdsey ex G.S.Bunting
- Publication
- Baileya 14: 17 (1966)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Alismatales
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Syngonium