Singonium (Syngonium podophyllum)

Image - Wikimedia / Forest & Kim Starr

There are plants that are as beautiful as they are delicate, such as Syngonium podophyllum. Its leaves, whether green or with white spots, are very pretty, which means that many people want to have a specimen at home. The problem is that it is very demanding.

It needs a lot of light, high humidity, and a substrate or soil that, apart from being rich in organic matter, has good water drainage capacity. How to take care of it so that it does not die?

Origin and characteristics

Image - Wikimedia / Salicyna

Before going into the subject, I am going to tell you a little about its characteristics so that it is easy for you to identify it when you go to buy one. Well, it is a climbing plant whose scientific name is Syngonium podophyllum. It is popularly known as syngonium, arrowhead philodendron, arrowhead plant, or goose foot.

It is native from Mexico to Bolivia, and has become naturalized in the West Indies. It is an evergreen climber with large leaves, up to 20cm long, finished in a point. The flowers, which sprout in winter, and are white.

What are their cares?

Image - Wikimedia / Meneerke Bloem

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

• Location:
  • Outdoors: if the climate is warm and there are no frosts, it can be grown outdoors all year round, in semi-shade.
  • Indoor: when the weather is not good, it will be kept in a bright room, without drafts and with high humidity (this can be achieved with a humidifier, or by putting glasses of water around the plant).
• Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year. Use rainwater or lime-free. Do not spray, as the leaves could rot.
• Substratum: use a specific one for acid plants.
• Subscriber: in spring and summer, with a universal liquid fertilizer following the indications that are specified on the product.
• Multiplication: by cuttings planted in sandy soil, in spring.
• Rusticity: sensitive to cold. The minimum temperature must not drop below 10ºC.

Good luck with your Syngonium podophyllum.