Syngonium podophyllum 'Brocante'

The tropical vine behind ‘Brocante’

‘Brocante’ belongs to Syngonium podophyllum, a vine found from Mexico southwards across tropical America. Wild plants climb through wet forest vegetation and attach at their nodes.

‘Brocante’ is known for bronze leaves and pink midribs. Its flexible stems, aerial roots and changing leaf shape come from the wild species.

Growing Syngonium ‘Brocante’

Keeping colour and natural twists clear

Bright filtered light shows the bronze-green leaves and pink midribs without scorching them. A gentle bend or twist is normal for this cultivar. Leave healthy curved foliage in place, and guide lengthening stems loosely so new leaves have space to open.

When to water ‘Brocante’

Water after the upper 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried. Wet the whole root ball, then allow complete drainage. An airy blend of coir or peat, fine bark and perlite works well. Do not let the mix dry out severely again and again, as this can stall twisted new leaves. Water less when the vine slows.

Climate and propagation

Maintain 18 to 27°C and moderate humidity. Cold conditions below 15°C can blacken tender leaves, especially in wet substrate. Give a modest feed as fresh leaves develop. Shorten long vines just above a node, and use the removed healthy sections as cuttings. Wait for a crowded root system before moving it into a larger container.

Problems that may affect ‘Brocante’

• Leaves twist gently: Mild bends are part of the cultivar. Worsening distortion accompanied by silver scars or black specks points to thrips. Inspect the newest growth closely.
• Bronze colour becomes dull on stretched stems: Move the vine to stronger indirect light and restore contact with a support. Cut back weak growth above a healthy node if needed.
• The plant wilts in wet mix: Check for poor drainage and soft dark roots. Clean away damaged tissue and repot into an airy substrate. If the pot is light and dry, water it fully.
• New leaf edges turn black: Cold, severe drought or dry air can stop an emerging leaf. Return the plant to stable warmth and moisture, leaving the folded blade untouched.
• Pale stippling, cottony deposits or bumps appear: These signs indicate mites, mealybugs or scale. Isolate the vine, remove visible pests and use an indoor treatment labelled for the confirmed pest.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Brocante’ 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: name and meaning

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.