Syngonium podophyllum 'Pink Delight'

Natural background of ‘Pink Delight’

The pink foliage was selected from Syngonium podophyllum. This climbing species occurs naturally from Mexico through much of tropical America. The species grows through warm, sheltered vegetation with roots anchoring along its stems.

Fresh arrowhead leaves represent the young stage. Larger divided foliage may appear once the vine has climbed and established.

Care for Syngonium ‘Pink Delight’

Keeping fresh leaves compact and colourful

Place the plant in bright filtered light. Direct midday sun can bleach the blush and coral foliage, and a dark position produces longer gaps between leaves. Pinch a tip for a fuller young plant or guide a longer shoot upward for larger foliage.

When ‘Pink Delight’ needs water

Wait for the upper 2 to 3 cm to feel dry. Wet all of the substrate slowly, then let excess water escape. Combine coir or peat with bark chips and perlite so the centre remains open. Avoid prolonged drought because soft pink areas tend to show crisp damage early.

Temperature, nutrition and new cuttings

Warm conditions from 18 to 27°C and humidity near 40 to 60% are suitable. Protect the plant below 15°C. Feed lightly when fresh leaves appear. Stop feeding when the vine slows. Repot only after the roots have filled the container. Choose a cutting with a firm node from a shoot that has repeatedly produced a good mix of pink and green.

Troubleshooting ‘Pink Delight’

• Pink foliage becomes greener: Some colour change is normal as a leaf ages. New growth that opens dull and widely spaced needs brighter indirect light.
• Blush areas become pale and crisp: Direct sun can bleach tender pink tissue. Drought and salt build-up may also brown the margins. Filter the light and check moisture and mineral deposits.
• The plant droops: A dry lightweight pot needs a complete soak and drainage. Wilting in wet mix calls for a root inspection and removal of soft dark tissue.
• New leaves are scarred or misshapen: Search for thrips and mites around the growing point. Cottony deposits reveal mealybugs; stationary brown bumps suggest scale. Move the affected plant aside and use a treatment suited to the insect you identified.
• Translucent spots spread: Keep water off the foliage, improve airflow and cut away badly affected leaves with clean tools.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pink Delight’ 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.