Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' aka 'Zebrina'

Where ‘Starlite’ comes from

‘Starlite’, also known as ‘Zebrina’, comes from Syngonium podophyllum. The species grows in wet tropical parts of the Americas, with a range beginning in Mexico.

Young plants carry simple arrowhead leaves on short stems. Longer stems climb or trail, and mature supported leaves may split into the narrow sections seen on this variety.

Growing ‘Starlite’ or ‘Zebrina’

Helping narrow frilled leaves develop

Give the plant bright indirect light. Strong sun can scorch the pale centre and ruffled edge, and deep shade lengthens the spaces between leaves. A narrow trellis supports the slender stem without crowding the pointed foliage.

Water and humidity around fine growth

Let the upper 2 to 3 cm dry, then water evenly and drain the pot. Use an airy substrate of coir or peat, small bark and perlite. Humidity around 40 to 60% helps new leaves open, accompanied by gentle airflow. Do not leave water caught among the fine leaf bases.

Temperature, feeding and propagation

Maintain 18 to 27°C and keep the plant above 15°C. Use a mild balanced fertiliser as fresh foliage develops. Repot when the roots have occupied the container. A healthy patterned node can be rooted in warmth. Protect the narrow new leaf from crushing when positioning the cutting.

Troubleshooting ‘Starlite’ or ‘Zebrina’

• Ruffled margins look irregular: Light frilling is normal. Worsening twists with silver scars, black specks or fine webbing call for a pest inspection.
• Narrow pale tissue turns crisp: Strong sun, drought and fertiliser salts can damage the centre and edges. Filter the light, stabilise moisture and flush the pot if deposits are present.
• A new leaf will not open: Restore warmth and even root moisture, then leave the folded blade alone. Pulling it open will tear the fine tissue.
• The plant yellows in wet substrate: Inspect the small root ball for soft dark tissue and repot into a loose mix after cleaning it. A dry light pot needs water.
• Visible pests hide in the frills: Check for thrips, mites, mealybugs and scale with care around the margins and undersides. Isolate, clean and apply a treatment labelled for the pest found.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Starlite’ 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.