Syngonium podophyllum 'Panda galaxy'

Origins of the vigorous ‘Panda Galaxy’ vine

‘Panda Galaxy’ is a patterned selection of Syngonium podophyllum. Wild populations grow from Mexico through tropical America and climbs in wet tropical habitats.

Its aerial roots attach readily as the stem lengthens. That vigorous climbing habit gives later leaves the chance to increase in size and develop the divided mature form.

Growing ‘Panda Galaxy’

Light and vigorous climbing growth

Bright indirect light supports the deep green tissue and protects cream, mint and white markings from scorch. This cultivar climbs readily, so add a pole early and guide flexible stems before they harden. Pruning one tip can encourage a second patterned shoot.

Water and substrate

Check the upper 2 to 3 cm of mix and the weight of the pot. Water thoroughly after the top has dried, then allow complete drainage. Use a porous blend of coir or peat, bark and perlite. A shoot with large pale sections needs healthy roots. Do not leave the potting mix soaked for long.

Climate and preserving vigorous growth

Keep the vine between 18 and 27°C, above 15°C, with moderate humidity. Apply a light balanced feed as the vine makes fresh leaves. Repot when roots occupy the container or the mix dries much faster than usual. For a cutting, use a healthy node from a stem that has shown its pale pattern on several leaves and still carries enough green.

Problems that may affect ‘Panda Galaxy’

• Pale markings turn brown: Cream, mint and white tissue reacts quickly to direct sun, severe drying and fertiliser salts. Filter the light, steady root moisture and flush the mix if deposits are present.
• The vigorous stem produces smaller leaves: Reattach it to a support and improve indirect light. Pruning can encourage another shoot. Reattach the stem to a support to help larger mature leaves return.
• Several leaves yellow in damp substrate: Inspect for a sour smell or soft roots. Remove damaged tissue and repot into airy mix. A limp plant in a light dry pot needs thorough watering.
• New patterning looks scratched: Silver scars, black specks and distorted leaves indicate thrips. Mites produce fine stippling and webbing. Look along the veins for mealybugs or scale. Move the vine away from other plants and match the treatment to what you find.
• Soft spots keep growing: Separate the vine from other plants, keep leaves dry, increase airflow and remove severely affected foliage.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Panda galaxy’ 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.

Why is it called Syngonium podophyllum?

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.