Syngonium podophyllum 'Regina Red'

The tropical roots of ‘Regina Red’

‘Regina Red’ belongs to Syngonium podophyllum. Its wild relatives are found from Mexico through tropical America, climbing through warm, moist vegetation.

Red young leaves with olive speckles along the edges set this variety apart. Its stems lengthen and its leaf shape changes as the vine matures.

Looking after ‘Regina Red’

Light for rose-red leaves

Bright filtered light keeps the young growth compact and the olive speckling easy to see. Avoid hot direct sun on fresh red foliage. A cluster of short shoots maintains a full plant, and a supported vine produces larger leaves as it establishes.

Root moisture and temperature

Water once the upper 2 to 3 cm of substrate has dried. Soak the mix, drain it completely and remove standing water. Use coir or peat with bark and perlite so air can reach the roots. Keep the plant between 18 and 27°C and safely above 15°C.

Feeding and keeping the plant in shape

Moderate humidity is sufficient for clean leaf expansion. Feed lightly when new leaves appear. Stop when the vine slows down. Trim a long stem just above a node to promote branching. Repot when roots fill the pot or cause rapid drying. Propagate from a firm nodal section taken from healthy red-and-olive growth.

Issues seen on ‘Regina Red’

• Older leaves become greener: The strongest red usually belongs to fresh growth. A rapid loss of colour in new leaves, combined with long stem gaps, points to insufficient indirect light.
• Red tissue develops pale dry patches: Direct sun can bleach the leaf. Crisp margins may also follow drought or salt build-up. Filter the light and rinse deposits from the substrate.
• Several leaves yellow in wet mix: Inspect for soft roots and poor drainage. Remove damaged tissue and repot into a loose substrate. A dry light pot needs a full soak.
• New growth is distorted or sticky: Thrips, mites, mealybugs and scale all attack sheltered young tissue. Isolate the plant and treat only after the pest has been identified.
• Dark marks become soft: Keep leaves dry and improve airflow. Remove severely affected foliage using clean tools if the lesions increase in size.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Regina Red’ 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.