Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' aka 'Zebrina'

Origin of Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' aka 'Zebrina'

'Starlite' and 'Zebrina' are names used for this cultivated Syngonium podophyllum, although its breeder and introduction date are still unclear.

The wild species occurs from Mexico to tropical America.

Care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' (aka 'Zebrina')

Give extending stems a pole, trellis or stake for climbing, using loose ties around the stems.

Keep 'Starlite' in medium to bright indirect light, protected from harsh direct sun. Aim for temperatures around 18–27 °C and avoid cold below 15 °C. As the working humidity range, keep relative humidity around 50–60%.

Grow Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' aka 'Zebrina' in well-drained houseplant compost in a pot with drainage holes. Let the mix around the roots dry slightly before watering. Check that the pot feels lighter and a little moisture remains below the surface. Water evenly, drain and empty the saucer or outer pot.

Feed lightly about monthly while leaves are developing, using balanced fertiliser at modest strength. Stop feeding during a growth pause and water less frequently as drying slows.

Repotting: Move up one pot size when roots densely fill the container. Use fresh compost, water after repotting and let excess drain.

Take a healthy cutting from the plant with a node, ideally one that already has an aerial root.

Common problems with Syngonium podophyllum 'Starlite' and how to solve them

• Wilt in moist mix: Empty standing water and pause watering. If wilting continues, check the roots. Firm roots can remain intact as the mix dries slightly. Cut 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. Keep the mix slightly moist while the roots recover, and stop feeding until new growth appears. Recheck promptly if wilt worsens or the base softens. You may need to discard the plant if extensive decay affects both roots and stems.
• New pale stippling or fine webs: Inspect undersides with magnification and tap foliage over white paper to check for moving mites. Isolate infested plants and inspect neighbours. Rinse or wipe affected foliage weekly while mites remain. Bag heavily infested leaves and clean hands and tools after handling. Check new leaves for returning mites.
• Brown scorch or shrivelled areas: Check whether the affected leaves receive strong direct sun or heat from a nearby source; either can cause this damage. Move the plant into indirect light or away from direct heat. Retain leaves with substantial healthy tissue and remove fully dead leaves. If fresh damage continues, check the moisture in the mix and the condition of the roots.

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.