If you want to keep your Syngonium podophyllum healthy and happy, you’ll need to follow some basic plant care tips. These will help you keep it looking healthy and vibrant, without having to worry about pests.
One of the most important things to remember is watering. Arrowhead plants are thirsty and can quickly look dramatically sad if they don’t get enough moisture.
Watering
Syngonium plants like a regular supply of water, so make sure you keep them well-watered. You can check this by simply touching the soil with your finger – it should remain slightly moist, but not soggy.
If your plant is looking particularly sad and droopy, it could be thirsty. To avoid this, water in stages and never give them too much.
Ensure you have good drainage and use a potting soil mixture that drains well but doesn’t contain water-retentive crystals as this can cause the soil to remain moist which will lead to root rot.
Unlike many tropical plants, these houseplants can grow quite rapidly so they require regular fertilizer during the growing season (March to October). Choose a balanced NPK fertilizer and make sure it contains both macro and micro nutrients.
Light
Syngonium plants are extremely versatile and adaptable to many different light conditions. They can even survive in a dark corner that other houseplants would struggle with.
This makes them great beginner indoor plants as they’re easy to care for and don’t need any extra watering or fertiliser to grow.
The main thing to remember is that light triggers growth like no other plant nutrient! So, if you want to see your arrowhead plant grow bushier, it’s worth making sure it’s receiving enough light.
In addition to triggering growth, sunlight will also help keep your Syngonium leaves fresh and shiny! Dusty foliage is a common problem that can prevent your plant from photosynthesizing properly, and it’s also an attractive target for pests.
Temperature
Syngonium plants like a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 16degC to 27degC. They are tolerant of low temperatures but not extreme cold so be sure to keep them away from heaters in Winter.
They can also be a bit sensitive to pests so keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids that may be living in your home.
It’s also important to keep humidity levels up, otherwise your Syngonium might start suffering from brown leaf crisping. Simple methods such as misting, pebble trays and humidifiers can help.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a process where sperm and an oocyte (egg) combine and their nuclei fuse to form a zygote which contains all of the genetic material needed for the development of a new organism or offspring. This is usually accomplished inside the female reproductive organs but can also be done outside the body.
Whether you are growing your Syngonium plant indoors or outdoors, it should be fertilized regularly to ensure it receives the nutrients it needs. A balanced NPK fertilizer is a good choice but one that also contains micronutrients will be even more beneficial.
Another important factor when it comes to fertilization is watering frequency. Syngonium plants can crash relatively quickly if they are not receiving adequate moisture. Look for little clues such as a plant that appears thirsty, stunted growth or drooping leaves.
Pruning
Syngonium plants don’t need much care but pruning is necessary to keep the plant looking its best. It also ensures that stray vines grow under control.
The leaves of a Syngonium plant come in many different shapes and colours including green, yellow, pink and white. The pink-coloured leaves are especially popular.
When pruning a Syngonium plant, it is important to prune back dead and discolored leaves and stems. This helps the plant absorb the energy it needs to continue growing.
If you want to propagate a Syngonium plant, you can do so by taking cuttings from the plant and putting them in water or in soil. The key is to keep the cut moist and warm, until the roots grow. Then, you can transfer the plants to bigger pots.