Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion'

Origin of Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion'

The horticultural name 'Pink splash allusion' is used for a cultivated Syngonium podophyllum, although its breeder and introduction date are still unclear.

The species has a natural range from Mexico to tropical America.

Care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion'

Climbing support: Train the lengthening stem onto a stable pole, plank or trellis before it becomes heavy.

Light and temperature: Give 'Pink splash allusion' medium to bright indirect light, sheltered from harsh direct sun. Temperatures around 18–27 °C suit indoor growth. Move the plant away from colder areas when temperatures remain below 15 °C.

Choose a pot with drainage holes and an airy mix that holds some moisture. For Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion', equal parts coir, vermiculite and perlite are one workable mix. Water ‘Pink splash allusion’ when the pot feels lighter and the mix around the roots has dried slightly while some moisture remains below the surface. For a deep container, you can check moisture farther down in the mix with a wooden stick. Water evenly, allow drainage and empty the collected water.

Humidity: Aim for approximately 50–60% relative humidity and maintain gentle airflow.

Use balanced houseplant fertiliser at a reduced rate about monthly while new growth is developing. Pause feeding when growth stops, and water less often as the mix takes longer to dry.

Repotting: Repot when roots tightly fill the container or emerge strongly at the base or surface. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh mix.

Take a healthy node-bearing section from ‘Pink splash allusion’ and keep any existing aerial root intact to help establishment.

Common problems with Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink splash allusion' and how to solve them

• Curling or limp leaves: Check moisture first. Water a dry root ball thoroughly and drain; empty trapped water and pause watering if the mix remains wet. Cold draughts, dry heat and insufficient light can also contribute. Move the plant away from draughts and heaters, and provide adequate indirect light.
• Persistent wilting in wet mix: Examine the roots for soft decay. Leave firm roots intact and let the mix dry slightly. Cut rotten sections back to healthy tissue with disinfected scissors, disinfecting between cuts and afterwards. Discard the rotten material and affected mix. If the stem base is firm and healthy roots remain, repot the remaining plant in fresh mix and a clean pot with drainage holes. Extensive decay of the roots or stem base may require discarding the plant.
• Spreading dark spots with soft rot: Wet-looking lesions, foul-smelling decay or tissue breaking down into torn-looking patches can indicate disease, including bacterial infection. Isolate the plant and keep its leaves dry. Keep water draining from its pot away from nearby plants. Remove affected leaves with disinfected tools, bag them and disinfect tools between cuts and afterwards. If the damage spreads, ask a plant specialist to assess the plant.
• New pale stippling or fine webs: Pink-cream flecks and splashes are normal. 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, inspect neighbours and rinse or wipe affected foliage weekly. Bag heavily infested leaves and clean hands and tools.

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.