Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Remedies

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Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) blossoms in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Syngonium podophyllum also called Goosefoot Vine, Arrowhead Plant, African Evergreen, Arrowhead Philodendron, American Evergreen or Nephthytis are compact, fast-growing plants 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 may be upto 5 feet long while the leaves become lobed. Arrowhead Vine is one of the best small plants for the limited spaces.

To maintain the Arrowhead Vine in the juvenile form, cut off the climbing stems as they develop. However with age, the stems become leggy requiring to be cutback to rejuvenate growth.

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

Origin

Syngonium podophyllum is native to a wide tropical region of Latin America from Mexico to Bolivia and naturalized in West Indies, Florida, Texas and Hawaii. It is one the popular tropical foliage plants for the home and other spaces.

Varieties

Arrowhead 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. Check out these Syngonium (Arrowhead Plants) Varieties ideal for indoors.

Toxicity

All parts of 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 the plant to protect yourself and avoid touching the eyes while handling it.

Where to Buy

Arrowhead Vine are magnificent plants for your collection, you may get these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Syngonium podophyllum Care Indoors

Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) flourishes in bright indirect light (dappled light), average warmth of 15-28⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soils 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

Arrowhead Vine grows best in bright indirect light (semi-shade). Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves. The variegated varieties may require more brighter light than the all-green varieties.

Where the natural light in not sufficient, you may grow Syngonium podophyllum under grow lights. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent lopsided growth.

Watering

Water Arrowhead Vine liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches 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 as it may result in wilting.

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 and loss of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Average warmth of 15-28⁰C is ideal for Arrowhead Plant. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for the plant. Keep it away from hot and cold drafts to prevent sudden changes in the temperature as they can cause reduced growth and death of the plant.

Average room humidity of 50-55% 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. Too low humidity may lead to brown leaf tips and edges.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as reduce infestation by pests and diseases. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Arrowhead Vine with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing period for a lush growth. Do not feed in 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 Arrowhead Vine should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for the plant.

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. Syngonium podophyllum is ideal for a hanging basket where the the stems can cascade downwards beautifully. Check out these hanging planters with macrame hangers on Amazon.

Pruning

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

Propagation

Arrowhead 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 Arrowhead Vine from Stem Cuttings

Take stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches long from a healthy Arrowhead 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 Goosefoot Vine to be well established before transplanting into individual pots after which normal routine care can begin.

Syngonium podophyllum Growing Problems

Arrowhead 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.

Rotting stems

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

Yellowing leaves

Yellowing leaves in Arrowhead 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. Further, ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.

Brown, papery leaf tips and edges

The are two possible reasons for brown, papery leaf tips and edges in Arrowhead 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. You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other humid areas. Learn more on how to elevate humidity for houseplants.

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. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Weeping at the leaf tips and edges

Weeping at the leaf tips and edges in Arrowhead Vine is caused by too wet soil (soggy soil). Allow the soil to dry out and reduce frequency of watering. In addition, ensure that the soil is free-draining and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

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