Houseplants

Arrowhead plant

SyngoniumAraceae
Also: Syngonium, Arrowhead vine, Goosefoot plant
AT A GLANCE
Bright indirect light Water: average H1aheated glasshouse 30 cm–1.5 m tall · 30–60 cm wide In a pot: yes

An easy, forgiving aroid; like its relatives, it is harmed far more by overwatering than by a missed watering.

Care

Light

Bright indirect light; variegated and pink forms need more light to keep their colour.

Water

Medium — water when the top few centimetres are dry; less in winter.

Soil

Peat-free houseplant compost with bark or perlite.

Pruning

Pinch or cut back climbing stems to keep it compact and bushy.

Feeding

A balanced houseplant feed monthly in spring and summer.

Propagation

Stem cuttings with a node and an aerial root root easily in water or compost.

Month by month

Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.

  1. AprilCut back leggy stems and root the cuttings. how ›
  2. MayGive a moss pole if you want it to climb. how ›
  3. NovemberWater less over winter. how ›

Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.

  1. AprilCut back leggy stems and root the cuttings. how ›
  2. MayGive a moss pole if you want it to climb. how ›
  3. NovemberWater less over winter. how ›

Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.

  1. MarchCut back leggy stems and root the cuttings. how ›
  2. AprilGive a moss pole if you want it to climb. how ›
  3. NovemberWater less over winter. how ›

Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.

  1. MarchCut back leggy stems and root the cuttings. how ›
  2. AprilGive a moss pole if you want it to climb. how ›
  3. DecemberWater less over winter. how ›

Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.

Common problems

Yellow leaves

How to spot it. Lower leaves yellowing.

What to do. Usually overwatering; let the top of the compost dry.

Loss of variegation

How to spot it. New leaves greener.

What to do. Needs more light.

Irritant sap

How to spot it. Sap can irritate skin; toxic if eaten.

What to do. Wear gloves when pruning; keep away from pets.

Questions

Arrowhead plant: is it hardy?

H1a: True houseplant, needs above 15°C. It survives heated glasshouse.

Can it grow in a pot?

Yes — a houseplant.

Arrowhead plant: when do you prune it?

Pinch or cut back climbing stems to keep it compact and bushy. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in April.

When do you feed it?

A balanced houseplant feed monthly in spring and summer. Feeding months, UK: April–September.