Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow'

Origin of Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow'

Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow' is a cultivated selection whose breeder and introduction date are still uncertain.

Its species, Syngonium podophyllum, occurs naturally from Mexico to tropical America.

Everyday care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow'

Guide lengthening stems up a pole or trellis with loose ties. Repot during active growth once the roots densely circle the root ball, using a container only slightly larger. Water the fresh mix thoroughly after repotting and allow it to drain.

Set 'Arrow' in medium to bright indirect light, with protection from strong direct sun. A warm room around 18–27 °C is suitable; keep it above 15 °C and away from cold draughts. As the working humidity range, use approximately 50–60% as the humidity target.

Grow it in free-draining houseplant compost and a pot with drainage holes. Water when the mix has dried slightly and the pot feels lighter, with some moisture remaining around the roots. Water evenly, let the excess escape and empty the saucer.

Feed lightly about once a month while new leaves are growing. When growth pauses, stop feeding. Water Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow' less often while the mix takes longer to dry.

Choose a healthy stem section with a node, with an aerial root already present where possible.

When Syngonium podophyllum 'Arrow' is not growing well

• Wilting despite moist compost: Check for standing water and empty it. If wilting continues, check the roots. Leave firm roots undisturbed while the mix dries slightly. Cut soft, collapsing roots back to healthy tissue with disinfected scissors. Discard the rot and affected mix, disinfect the scissors between cuts and afterwards, and repot the remaining plant in fresh mix and a clean pot with drainage holes.
• Spreading light flecks or bronzing: Fine new stippling with webbing can indicate mites. Check leaf undersides with magnification or tap a leaf over white paper for moving specks. Isolate an infested plant and inspect those nearby. Rinse or wipe affected foliage weekly while mites remain, bag badly infested leaves and clean hands and tools. Consider discarding the plant if the infestation and damage are both severe.
• Brown, bleached patches: Harsh direct sun may have scorched the leaf. Move into filtered light and retain leaves with healthy green areas. Remove completely dead foliage with clean scissors.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Arrow’ 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.

About the name 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.