Syngonium podophyllum 'Confetti'

The Florida origin of Syngonium podophyllum ‘Confetti’

Randall E. Strode selected Syngonium podophyllum ‘Confetti’ in Apopka, Florida, in 2003 after it arose as a whole-plant mutation of ‘Regina Red’. The species is a wet-forest liana native from Mexico through Central America to South America.

Care for supported aroid vines

Watering: Water thoroughly when the upper portion dries and let all surplus escape. Small leaves and a modest pot provide less water reserve than a mature climbing Syngonium, so inspect the root ball before it dries throughout.

Growth and support: Give Syngonium podophyllum ‘Confetti’ bright indirect light to support its green leaves and fine pink flecking. Give Syngonium ‘Confetti’ time to settle after delivery before pinching, propagating or changing its compact root environment. Pinch elongated shoots to retain a fuller juvenile shape, or give older stems a support if their natural climbing habit is preferred. Remove a fully green shoot only if it begins to dominate the patterned plant.

Common Care Issues

Healthy pink flecks are flat pigment scattered through intact pale-green tissue. Thrips create rough silver scarring, distorted rolls and tiny black droppings, while bacterial-type damaged patches begin water-soaked and continue enlarging. Use magnification and the behaviour of the mark over time before deciding which problem is present.

Wilt still needs a root check. If dry mix surrounds firm roots, water thoroughly; if wet mix surrounds soft roots, remove the decay before repotting into a looser potting mix. Mites cause fine pale speckling or bronzing on lower surfaces. Set Syngonium ‘Confetti’ apart from nearby plants when insects are confirmed or a wet damaged patch continues to spread. Clean tools between plants.

Speckling can vary from one node to the next, and winter or lower light may produce greener leaves. Select a healthy node with the desired pattern when pruning rather than applying extra fertiliser to force pink. Use the cultivar’s own recurring fine-flecked growth as the reference when comparing later leaves.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Confetti’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Syngonium podophyllum mean, and who first published it?

The name Syngonium comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “reproductive organs”, referring to the united ovaries in its flowers. The species name podophyllum means “foot-leaved”, a reference to the foot-like arrangement of mature leaf divisions.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Syngonium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Syngonium podophyllum in 1851 in Botanische Zeitung (Berlin), volume 9, page 85.