Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' ('Grey Ghost')

Origin of Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' ('Grey Ghost')

'Green Splash' and 'Grey Ghost' are names used in cultivation for this Syngonium podophyllum selection, although its breeder and introduction date are still unclear.

The species occurs naturally from Mexico to tropical America.

Care basics for Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash'

Place 'Green Splash' in medium to bright indirect light, without harsh direct sun. Keep temperatures around 18–27 °C and protect it from cold below 15 °C. Humidity around 50% is helpful, although it tolerates lower household humidity.

Water when the root zone has dried slightly and the pot feels lighter, before the entire root ball dries out. Moisten the mix evenly, allow drainage and empty the saucer. Use free-draining houseplant compost in a pot with drainage holes.

During active growth, feed about monthly with diluted balanced fertiliser according to the label. Stop feeding if growth pauses, and wait longer between waterings when the mix dries more slowly.

As stems begin to lengthen, a moss pole, trellis or stake can carry the climbing growth. Attach stems loosely, leaving leaf stalks free. Roots emerging from drainage holes are a reason to inspect the root ball. Repot once roots densely fill the container, using a slightly larger pot and fresh mix.

When Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' is not growing well

• New pale speckling or fine webs: Dark-green flecks and silvery areas are natural markings. Fresh pale stippling accompanied by moving mites or fine webs indicates a pest problem. Inspect undersides and tap a leaf over white paper. Isolate infested plants, inspect neighbours and rinse or wipe affected foliage weekly. Bag heavily infested leaves and clean hands and tools.
• Wilt or yellowing in a wet pot: Empty accumulated water and pause watering. If decline continues, inspect roots: firm roots can remain intact while the mix dries slightly. Trim soft decay back to healthy tissue with disinfected scissors, disinfecting between cuts and afterwards. Discard rot and affected mix; repot the remaining plant in fresh mix and a clean pot with drainage holes. You may need to discard the plant if extensive decay affects both roots and stems.
• New brown or bleached areas: Strong direct sunlight can scorch foliage. Check the light reaching the affected leaves and move the plant into indirect light. Retain leaves with substantial healthy areas; remove fully dead ones. Check moisture and roots if new damage continues.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Green Splash’ (‘Grey Ghost’) 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.