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Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

Arrowhead Plant

Syngonium podophyllum
Care level: Easy

Syngonium podophyllum undergoes a striking transformation as it ages: young plants produce simple, arrow-shaped leaves in a compact rosette, but once mature and given something to climb, the leaves split into deeply lobed, almost hand-like shapes and the plant becomes a true climbing vine, a dramatic shift that surprises many first-time growers.

I have this plant
Varieties and related species
Syngonium Pink AllusionSyngonium White ButterflySyngonium Neon Robusta

Light

Tolerates low light but grows fuller and more colorful in medium to bright indirect light.

Water

Water when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry, roughly weekly.

Humidity

Adapts to average home humidity but prefers slightly higher levels.

Soil

Well-draining, general-purpose potting mix.

Size

Climbing stems reach 0.9-1.8m; the plant spreads 30-60cm.

Best position

  • east / south-east-facing windowanywhere up to 4 m or more from the window
  • north / north-east / north-west-facing windowanywhere up to about 2 m from the window
  • south / west-facing windowabout 1 m from the window or further back

Watch for strong direct sun at south / west windows.

See every window direction Hide window directions
right by the windowabout 1 mabout 2 mabout 4 m4 m or more
north
north-east
east
south-east
south
south-west
west
north-west

works well just about too dark too much direct sun

A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.

Chewing it can irritate the mouth, causing drooling and trouble swallowing.

If your pet has eaten some, contact your vet.

Source: ASPCA

Propagation tip

Arrowhead Plant roots readily from stem cuttings taken just below a leaf node; placed in a glass of water, cuttings usually show new roots within 1-2 weeks and can then be potted up, making it an easy plant to multiply or share.

Spring

Resume feeding every 4-6 weeks and prune leggy vines to encourage bushiness.

Summer

Water regularly and provide a support or trellis if allowing it to climb.

Autumn

Reduce watering frequency and stop feeding as growth slows.

Winter

Water sparingly and keep away from cold drafts.

Soil and pot

A well-draining, general-purpose potting mix in a pot with drainage holes.

Repotting

Every few years, in spring.

Fertilising

Feed every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer. Stop in autumn.

Pruning

Cut the climbing stems off as they begin to develop if you want a compact, bushy plant, and prune leggy vines in spring.

Support

Give it a moss pole or trellis if you let it climb. Climbing brings out the larger, deeply lobed mature leaves.

Propagation

From stem cuttings taken just below a leaf node and rooted in a glass of water, or by division.

Common problems

Leaves changing shape

Most likely cause: Normal. Young leaves are simple arrows; mature leaves become lobed.
What to do: Nothing to do. Prune the climbing stems if you prefer the young leaf shape.

Long, leggy vines

Most likely cause: Low light and a lack of pruning.
What to do: Move it to medium or bright indirect light and cut the vines back.

Bleached or burnt leaves

Most likely cause: Full sun.
What to do: Move it out of direct sun.

Leaf colour fading

Most likely cause: Too little light.
What to do: Give it medium to bright indirect light.

Yellow leaves and soft stems

Most likely cause: Overwatering, which leads to root rot.
What to do: Let the top 2-3cm dry before watering, trim rotten roots and repot in fresh mix.

Pests & Diseases

Spider mites

Signs: Fine webbing and speckled, pale leaves.
Treatment: Increase humidity, wipe leaves, and apply insecticidal soap if needed. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.

Mealybugs

Signs: White cottony clumps at leaf joints.
Treatment: Dab with an alcohol-soaked swab and repeat weekly. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.

Root rot

Signs: Yellowing leaves and mushy, dark roots from overwatering.
Treatment: Remove from wet soil, trim rotten roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining mix.

Why does my Syngonium's leaves look completely different from when I bought it?

This is a natural part of the plant's maturity, since young Syngonium have simple arrow-shaped leaves that become increasingly lobed and divided as the plant ages and, especially, once it is given a pole or support to climb.

Should I let my Arrowhead Plant trail or give it something to climb?

Either is fine, but climbing brings out the plant's more dramatic, deeply lobed mature leaf shape, while a trailing plant kept unsupported tends to stay in its simpler, arrow-shaped juvenile form for longer.

Is the Arrowhead Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, the Arrowhead Plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing it irritates the mouth. Keep trailing stems out of reach of pets.

How often should I water an Arrowhead Plant?

Roughly once a week, when the top 2-3cm of compost is dry. Water less in winter.

How do I keep an Arrowhead Plant bushy?

Cut off the long climbing stems as they start to develop. The plant then stays compact and keeps its arrow-shaped young leaves.

How do I propagate an Arrowhead Plant?

Take a stem cutting just below a leaf node and stand it in a glass of water. Pot it up once roots have formed.

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