Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion'

The wild vine behind ‘Pink Splash Allusion’

‘Pink Splash Allusion’ comes from Syngonium podophyllum, a climbing plant found from Mexico through tropical America. The species grows in warm, wet-tropical vegetation.

Fine speckles and freely branching young stems set this Allusion variety apart. Older stems produce aerial roots and can climb a support.

Growing ‘Pink Splash Allusion’

Light and freely branching growth

Bright filtered light keeps the fine pink speckles visible and the young crown compact. Direct sun can bleach pale green leaves. This Allusion cultivar branches readily, so remove only the tips that have become too long and keep several healthy shoots near the base.

Water and an airy root mix

Wait until the upper 2 to 3 cm is dry, then water slowly through the entire pot and drain it. Use coir or peat mixed with fine bark and perlite. A small dense root ball may remain damp below a dry-looking surface, so confirm the pot has lost some weight.

Warmth and renewal

The plant grows steadily at 18 to 27°C. Moderate humidity is adequate; protect it from any cold spell below 15°C. Feed sparingly when the plant is making leaves. Choose a larger pot after the existing one is densely rooted. A pruned stem can be rooted if it includes a healthy node and comes from growth with consistent fine speckling.

Problems on ‘Pink Splash Allusion’

• Fine pink speckles stay fixed: This is normal. Soft translucent marks that grow, or silver scars accompanied by black specks, indicate a separate problem.
• The compact plant opens up: Low light and normal stem extension can create longer gaps. Improve filtered light and prune above a node to renew branching.
• Several leaves yellow: Feel the root ball. A dry pot needs a full soak; a damp heavy one may contain damaged roots. Clean and repot if soft dark tissue is present.
• Young leaves become distorted: Inspect the close growth for thrips, mites, mealybugs and scale. Separate the plant, remove visible pests and match treatment to the insect found.
• Pink-looking marks become wet and larger: Isolate the plant, water only the substrate, increase airflow and remove badly affected leaves. Continued spotting needs diagnosis.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pink splash allusion’ 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.

Syngonium podophyllum: where the name comes from

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.