Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink Perfection' aka 'Pink Dream'

Where ‘Pink Perfection’ comes from

Also sold as ‘Pink Dream’, this variety belongs to Syngonium podophyllum. The wild species is a tropical American climber whose range begins in Mexico.

‘Pink Perfection’ is known for almost solid pink leaves. Its young arrowheads sit close together, then longer stems and larger foliage appear as the vine grows.

Care for ‘Pink Perfection’

Supporting near-solid pink foliage

Give ‘Pink Perfection’, also known as ‘Pink Dream’, bright indirect light. The green parts of the leaves feed the plant. Keep shoots with a healthy mix of green and pink. Harsh direct sun can scorch saturated pink tissue. A small pole supports longer growth.

Watering and root protection

Allow the top 2 to 3 cm to dry before soaking the root ball. Drain the pot completely. Use a loose potting mix containing coir or peat, fine bark and perlite. Pale foliage reacts quickly to dry roots and excessive fertiliser, so check moisture and mineral deposits before changing the routine.

Warmth, feeding and pruning

Temperatures from 18 to 27°C suit it, with moderate humidity and regular air movement. Do not expose damp roots to anything below 15°C. Give a weak balanced feed only when the vine is adding leaves. If several new leaves contain almost no green and the shoot weakens, cut back to the last healthy balanced node. Move it on once roots have thoroughly occupied the pot. Each cutting needs a node and a good patch of green.

When ‘Pink Perfection’ has problems

• Several leaves open almost entirely pink: Very low-green shoots can lose strength. Cut the stem back to the last node that produced a healthier balance of green and pink.
• Pink tissue browns: Strong sun, a dry root ball and excess fertiliser can all damage pale areas. Move the plant to filtered light, steady watering and flush salt deposits.
• The plant softens in wet mix: Slide the root ball out and look for dark soft roots or a stale odour. Cut away failed sections, replace the wet substrate with an aerated mix, and soak only when the pot is genuinely dry.
• New growth becomes scarred: Thrips cause silver abrasions and black specks; mites leave stippling and webbing. Look for cottony mealybugs and fixed scale bumps. Separate the plant and use a product labelled for the insect present.
• Wet-looking lesions spread: Keep foliage dry, improve air movement and remove severely affected leaves with clean tools.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pink Perfection’ 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.