Syngonium podophyllum

Common Names

Arrowhead Plant, Arrowhead Vine, Goosefoot, Nephthytis, African Evergreen, American Evergreen, Arrowhead Philodendron, Arrowhead Ivy, Syngonium

Summary

Arrowhead plant is an evergreen climber native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, growing as a climbing or trailing vine with juvenile arrowhead-shaped leaves that become more lobed with age, indoors it reaches 3–6 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide, with foliage ranging from solid greens to variegated forms such as White Butterfly and Pink Syngonium, the leaves forming the plant's distinctive visual appeal, it is valued for air-purifying properties, care emphasizes bright indirect light or tolerance of lower light, well-draining soil kept evenly moist, and warm, humid conditions (typical temperatures 60–80°F/15–26°C), fertilize monthly in growing season and repot every 2–3 years, propagate easily from stem cuttings or division, and prune to maintain bushier growth while training on a moss pole or trellis or using in hanging baskets, common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids, the plant is toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals, so gloves are advised when handling.

Lifecycle

Perennial (annual in cooler zones)

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, acidic loam or soil-based potting mix (peat, perlite, vermiculite) with pH 5.5–6.5

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, Acidic

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, solid green or variegated forms with white/cream or pink markings, and lime green, pink, purple, or silver-veined/silvery-white tones

Fall Foliage Color

Green with white variegation

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing; up to about 0.9 m (3 ft) per year, faster in warm months and slower in winter or low light.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Air layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators