Syngoniums, also known as arrowhead plant or goosefoot owing to the striking shape of their leaves, are fast growing house plants. They are easy to care for, just requiring some pruning to keep them a manageable size. There are many varieties of syngonium available, with a range of leaf colours and patterns to choose from.
Syngonium are toxic if ingested so keep away from children and pets.
How to grow syngonium
Grow syngoniums in bright, indirect light, avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. Water regularly in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Where to grow syngonium
Syngoniums are very adaptable house plants, you can train them to trail or climb, depending on the effect you want to create, whether that be hanging over the side of a shelf or growing up a support. Older plants will need tying onto supports but as new growth appears, it will adhere to the support on its own. Syngonium will be happy in most rooms of the home, and are tolerant of low light, although they will maintain their vibrant leaf colour and grow much faster in indirect, bright light.
How to care for syngonium
Water regularly in spring and summer, just make sure that the compost has dried out in between waterings. Syngoniums originate from rainforests in Central and South America, so do best in humid conditions. Mist regularly and keep away from sources of dry heat such as radiators.
Owing to their trailing habit and vigorous growth, syngoniums can become out of hand so don’t be afraid to trim them back, pruning will also result in a bushier plant. During the growing season, they benefit from feeding with balanced fertiliser every few weeks.
The size that you want your vine to grow will influence how often you need to repot syngonium. For a bushier, more compact plant you’re unlikely to need to repot it more than once every two years. For a larger vine, you might need to repot it every year.
How to propagate syngonium
You can easily propagate syngoniums from cuttings placed in water or directly into compost. Cut a stem from a healthy plant just below a node, ensure that the stem has at least one leaf. Plant the stem into moist compost or into water, ensuring that the node is submerged. New roots will appear within two weeks. Propagate syngonium in spring or summer, to give the new plant the best chance for survival.
Pests and diseases
Syngoniums are not prone to any pests and diseases.
Advice on buying syngonium
- Syngonium may be available from your local garden centre or nursery, but you will have more options online
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting
