Plants
Arrowhead Plant
Syngonium podophyllum · Araceae
Syngonium, also known as arrowhead plant, is one of the best beginner houseplants we know: arrow-shaped leaves in green, white or soft pink, fast growth and an astonishing tolerance for care mistakes. Young plants grow compact and bushy; later they begin to vine. We buy our syngoniums in sturdy nursery quality directly at the auction — well rooted and with a dense base of foliage.
- Light
- Bright to semi-shade, no harsh sun; tolerates dimmer corners too, but reverts to green there.
- Watering
- Regular, evenly and lightly moist — water considerably less in winter.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Syngonium podophyllum
What makes syngonium special is its transformation: young leaves are simply arrow-shaped, but with age and when climbing they become multi-lobed and considerably larger. If you prefer the compact arrow shape, just trim the vines regularly — the plant then stays permanently bushy.
The range of varieties is wide. „White Butterfly“ with its brightened leaf centre is the classic, „Neon Robusta“ glows entirely pink, „Pixie“ stays dwarf-small and „Pink Splash“ carries pink speckles on a green ground. The paler or pinker the foliage, the more light the variety needs to hold its colour.
In practice syngonium is remarkably tolerant of different spots. It grows at a north-facing window just as well as a few metres from a south-facing one; only harsh direct sun scorches the thin leaves. It even puts up with the classic semi-shade corners where many plants give up — though variegated varieties will revert to green there.
As a child of the tropics, arrowhead plant likes to be evenly moist but never wet. The most common mistake is an oversized pot with permanently damp soil in which the fine roots rot. Better to keep it in a snug pot and water regularly instead.
Syngonium combines beautifully with other aroids such as philodendron and pothos, or as a bright contrast to dark-leaved calatheas. It also grows reliably in hydroculture and in plain water vessels — a cutting in a glass makes a pretty, lasting windowsill arrangement.
Is Arrowhead Plant toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
As an aroid, syngonium contains calcium oxalate crystals and irritating sap in all its parts. Toxic to cats, dogs and small children — keep out of reach.
Typical symptoms: After chewing: burning and swelling in the mouth, heavy drooling, vomiting; skin contact with the sap can cause irritation.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Bright to semi-shaded spot without direct sun; give variegated and pink varieties more light.
- 02Keep the soil evenly, lightly moist; the top layer may dry out in between.
- 03Avoid waterlogging — better a smaller pot and more frequent watering.
- 04Room temperature not permanently below 16 °C, no cold draughts.
- 05Feed lightly every two to four weeks from March to October.
- 06Trim the vines regularly for a bushy shape; cuttings root easily in water.
Frequently asked
- Is syngonium toxic to pets?
- Yes. Like monstera and philodendron, arrowhead plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting in cats and dogs. In households with nibble-happy pets, place it high up or hanging.
- Why is my syngonium losing its white or pink colouring?
- Almost always the spot is too dark. Variegated and pink varieties produce more chlorophyll in low light to keep photosynthesis going, and so revert to green. A brighter position without direct sun brings the colour back on new leaves.
- Do I have to let my syngonium vine?
- No. Young plants grow compact by themselves; once vines appear you can either train them up a moss pole or trim them regularly. Pruning keeps the plant bushy, and the cuttings root easily in a glass of water.
- How often should I water an arrowhead plant?
- Usually once or twice a week in summer, much less often in winter. The finger test decides: water once the top layer of soil has dried. Permanently wet soil leads to root rot, while drying out completely makes the leaves droop.