Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow'

Origin of Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow'

Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' is a named cultivated selection of Syngonium erythrophyllum.

Syngonium erythrophyllum is native to Panama. The cultivar's breeder and introduction date are still uncertain.

Care for Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow'

A hanging pot gives 'Red Arrow' room to trail. For upward growth, attach lengthening stems loosely to a pole, leaving the leaf stalks free to move.

Choose medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from cold draughts. As a practical humidity target, aim for about 50–60% humidity. Keep the growing area in the 18–27 °C range and prevent sustained drops below 15 °C.

An airy blend of equal parts coir, vermiculite and perlite is one option; the pot must have drainage holes. Water when the pot feels lighter and the mix around the roots has dried slightly. The mix should still feel faintly moist. For containers that are awkward to lift, you can check moisture deeper in the mix with a wooden stick. Water evenly through the pot, drain and empty the collected water.

Feeding and slower growth: Feed lightly about monthly during active growth with balanced houseplant fertiliser, following its dilution directions. Pause feeding when growth stops and allow longer between waterings as drying slows.

Repotting: Repot when roots densely fill the container, choosing a pot only slightly wider than the root ball.

Use a healthy stem cutting with at least one node; an existing aerial root can help it establish.

When Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' looks unhealthy

• Thin stems with widely spaced leaves: Too little light may be limiting new growth. Move the plant into brighter indirect light.
• Leaves wilt and the mix feels dry: A dry root ball can cause the vine to droop. Water slowly and thoroughly, let excess water drain and empty the cover pot.
• Leaves wilt while the pot stays wet: Check drainage and remove standing water before adding any more. If decline continues, examine the roots. Soft, decaying roots should be cut back to healthy tissue using disinfected scissors, disinfecting between cuts and afterwards. Discard the rot and affected mix, then repot the remaining plant with its healthy roots in fresh mix and a clean pot with drainage holes.
• Cottony white clusters on the vine: Mealybugs can shelter where the leaves meet the stems. Isolate an infested plant and remove visible insects with a damp swab. Clear dead leaves and check weekly for returning insects. Repeat removal; consider discarding only when infestation and damage are severe.

Syngonium erythrophyllum ‘Red Arrow’ 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.

The meaning and history of Syngonium erythrophyllum

The name Syngonium comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “reproductive organs”, referring to the united ovaries in its flowers. The epithet erythrophyllum combines Greek erythros, meaning red, with phyllon, meaning leaf, referring to the reddish leaf undersides.

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

George Sydney Bunting first described Syngonium erythrophyllum in 1966 in Baileya, volume 14, page 17; Monroe Roberts Birdsey had proposed the name.