Syngonium, the arrowhead plants, are compact tropical vines with arrow-shaped leaves in green, cream, pink and confetti patterns. They grow quickly and are easy to shape.
Quick facts
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light. They tolerate lower light than many aroids, but pink and variegated forms lose colour without enough brightness. Avoid direct sun.
- Water: Water when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of the mix is dry. Syngonium sulk if kept constantly wet, but wilt quickly if left bone-dry for long.
- Soil: Light, well-draining mix with bark or perlite, in a pot with drainage holes.
- Temperature and humidity: 18–29 °C (65–85 °F), with average to moderately high humidity. Keep away from cold drafts.
- Pruning: pinch the growing tips regularly for a bushy plant, or let it trail or climb a pole. As it climbs, leaves become larger and more lobed.
- Sap may irritate skin; wear gloves when pruning.
- Feeding: balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer; none in winter or low light.
- Pets: toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (contains calcium oxalate crystals). Keep out of reach.
Pink and confetti varieties
Pink and confetti types such as Pink Splash, Milk Confetti and Strawberry Milk show their best colour in bright indirect light. In low light they tend to turn greener. Trim all-green growth back to a node with colour to keep the pattern.
Common problems
- Stretched, leggy stems: Not enough light. Move closer to a bright window and prune back.
- Pale, washed-out leaves: Too much direct sun. Filter the light.
- Brown, crispy edges: Dry air or inconsistent watering.
- Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering. Let the mix dry and check drainage.
Just arrived from Indonesia?
A long journey stresses any plant. Follow our first two weeks recovery guide before you repot, prune or fertilise.
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Browse the Syngonium collection or see all variegated plants.
Other care guides: Monstera · Philodendron · Scindapsus · Aglaonema · Anthurium · Epipremnum