Goosefoot Vine(Syngonium podophyllum) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems

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Goosefoot Vine, Arrowhead Plant, Syngonium podophyllum

Botanical name: Syngonium podophyllum
Synonym: Nephthytis podophyllum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Arrowhead Plant, Arrowhead Vine, African Evergreen, Arrowhead Philodendron, American Evergreen, Nephthytis

Description

Syngonium podophyllum also called Goosefoot Vine, Arrowhead Plant, Arrowhead Vine, African Evergreen, Arrowhead Philodendron, American Evergreen or Nephthytis is a popular plant whose leaves dramatically change in shape as the plant ages.

Goosefoot Vine young leaves are arrow-shaped and borne on erect stalks, the variegation is boldest and brightest at this stage.

With age the stems acquire a climbing habit and require support while the leaves become lobed.

To maintain the juvenile form of Goosefoot Vine, cut off the climbing stems as they develop. After a few years, it becomes leggy and requires to be cut back to rejuvenate growth.

Varieties

Goosefoot Vine has many variegated cultivars; the main difference being in the position and extent of the cream or white markings. Some leaves are almost entirely white, pink or yellow.

The varieties with variegated leaves require a well-lit spot but the dark green leaved ones can grow in darker spaces.

Origin

Syngonium podophyllum is native to a wide region of Latin America from Mexico to Bolivia and naturalized in West Indies, Florida, Texas and Hawaii.

Toxicity

All parts of Goosefoot Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) are toxic to humans and pets and can cause severe pain in the mouth if eaten.

The plant sap contains oxalic acid which can cause severe burning sensations on the skin and eye damage.

Always wear gloves when handling Arrowhead Vine to protect yourself and avoid touching the eyes while handling.

Where to Buy

Arrowhead Plants in various sizes are available online at Etsy. Buy Syngonium podophyllum online from Etsy.

Syngonium podophyllum Care Indoors

Goosefoot Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) blossoms in bright light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Syngonium podophyllum requires pruning to keep it neat, to minimize pest and disease infestations and to rejuvenate growth. Annual repotting is necessary for a lush growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Goosefoot Vine grows best in bright light away from direct sunlight for the variegated varieties. The all-green varieties require bright, indirect light (semi-shade).

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the Arrowhead Plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.

Syngonium podophyllum will also thrive under a grow light where natural light in not sufficient.

Watering

Water Goosefoot Vine liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.

Cut down on watering during the cold season to maintain the soil moderately moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Make sure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth between 15 and 28⁰C is ideal for Goosefoot Vine. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for the plant.

Keep Arrowhead Plant away from hot and cold draughts to prevent sudden changes in the temperature as they can negatively affect growth.

Average room humidity is ideal for Goosefoot Vine. Where the temperature is too high resulting in very dry air, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and reduce infestation by pests.

Fertilizer

Feed Goosefoot Vine with a balanced, liquid fertilizer once monthly during the growing period for lush growth.

Do not feed Arrowhead Vine during the cold season as growth is minimal and it can lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Goosefoot Vine should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Most potting mixes designed for aroids are ideal. Buy quality Aroids Potting Soil from Etsy.

Repotting

For a large vigorously growing Arrowhead Plant, repot once a year during the growing season into a pot one size larger than the current one.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the vine.

Pruning

Pruning Goosefoot Vine involves removal of dead leaves to reduce pest and disease infestations and pinching off the growing tips to encourage a compact growth. Cut back the stems when the vine becomes leggy to rejuvenate growth.

Propagation

Goosefoot Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) propagation can be done from stem cuttings during the growing period when the plant has enough food reserves which are necessary for faster establishment of the new plant.

How to Propagate Goosefoot Vine from Stem Cuttings

Take stem cuttings of about 4-6 in. long from a healthy Goosefoot Vine and ensure it bears at least one leaf and some aerial roots. The stem cuttings root easily therefore there is no need of a rooting hormone.

Insert the cuttings in moist rooting soil, place the set up in a warm well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges.

Allow the new Arrowhead Plants to be well established before transplanting into individual pots after which normal routine care can begin.

Syngonium podophyllum Growing Problems

Goosefoot Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) problems include yellow leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, weeping at the leaf tips among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.

Yellowing leaves

Yellowing leaves in Goosefoot Vine are caused by overwatering or too wet soil (soggy soil) due to poor drainage.

Reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil moderately moist. Also, ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Brown, papery leaf tips and edges

The are two possible reasons for brown, papery leaf tips and edges in Goosefoot Vine. One possible reason is too dry air.

To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

The second possible reason brown, papery leaf tips and edges in Arrowhead Vine is that the plant may be pot-bound and needs to be repotted into a larger-sized pot.

Weeping at the leaf tips and edges

Weeping at the leaf tips and edges in Goosefoot Vine is caused by too wet soil (soggy soil).

Allow the soil to dry out and reduce frequency of watering. Also, ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Rotting stems

Rotting stems in Goosefoot Vine is an indication of the crown and stem rot disease which is enhanced by high moisture and too little warmth.

You can save the Arrowhead Plant by repotting and keeping the soil dry and warm for some time before resuming watering. Read more on how to treat crown and stem rot disease in houseplants.