Syngonium podophyllum 'Panda galaxy'

Care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Panda galaxy'

Medium to bright indirect light suits 'Panda galaxy'; protect it from harsh direct sun. Aim for temperatures around 18–27 °C and keep it away from cold below 15 °C. Humidity near 50% is preferable, although lower household humidity is tolerated.

Grow it in free-draining houseplant compost in a pot with drainage holes. Let the root zone dry slightly before watering, checking for a lighter pot and slight moisture below the surface. Wet the mix evenly, allow drainage and empty the saucer or outer pot.

Use diluted balanced fertiliser about monthly while the plant is producing leaves, following the product instructions. Stop feeding when growth pauses. Water less often while the mix takes longer to dry.

Offer extending stems a pole, trellis or stake for upward growth and secure them with loose ties. Check the root ball if the mix dries unusually fast. If roots tightly fill the pot, repot the plant in a slightly larger container with fresh compost.

What to do when Syngonium podophyllum 'Panda galaxy' has problems

• Fresh pale flecks or fine webs: Pale speckles can be normal markings. Check the undersides of leaves with new stippling for moving mites. Use magnification, or tap a leaf over white paper and watch for movement. Isolate infested plants and inspect those nearby. Rinse or wipe affected foliage weekly while mites remain. Bag heavily infested leaves and clean hands and tools.
• Wilting or yellowing in wet mix: Empty standing water and pause watering. If decline continues, inspect the roots. Keep firm roots intact as the mix dries slightly. Trim soft decay back to healthy tissue with disinfected scissors, disinfecting between cuts and afterwards. Discard rot and affected mix; repot the remaining plant in fresh mix and a clean pot with drainage holes. You may need to discard the plant if both roots and stems are extensively decayed.
• New brown or bleached areas: Strong direct sun can scorch or bleach leaves. Check whether direct sun reaches the affected leaves and move the plant into indirect light. Keep foliage with substantial healthy areas and remove fully dead leaves. If fresh damage continues, check moisture and root condition.

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.