(Also Known As Arrowhead Plants)
Syngonium Podophyllum “Pink Allusion”
This massive plant on sale for about $6, but the downside was that it came without any identification. Originally, “Syngonium Pink,” seemed like the right name, but that name applies, presumably, to the plants with completely pink leaves that do not change color across their lifespan. The present-day closet match is “Pink Allusion.” Regardless of the name, this plant is amazing. Truly, its only weakness is being too close to the heating and cooling vents. Otherwise, it’s very flexible when it comes to its placement and watering timeframe. In the cooler months, it lives in an area where it receives light from an eastern facing window. In the summer, it’s outside. This plant appreciates a thorough misting every once a while. When it comes to watering, less is more. Most Syngonium will wilt when they’re dehydrated. The goal, of course, is to water them right before it comes to that. This plant doesn’t get any special humidity and it’s fertilized monthly in the growing season.
Syngonium Podophyllum Albo-Variegatum
This plant will grow from low to moderate light without protesting much. The key is to give it enough light to sustain the beautiful variegation. Maintaining variegation is big in the houseplant community, and some will cut any growth from the plant that is pure green to ensure a variegated plant. This is the prerogative of whomever is owning and caring for the plant. These can be expensive plants solely due to the variegation, and it’s understandable to maintain that investment. They do appreciate humidity, but don’t keep them moist at all times. They do a bit better when they’re allowed some time for the soil to dry between watering. Syngonium literally grow as weeds in southern areas of the U.S. These are plants that can become invasive, so growth isn’t usually a problem with Syngonium. Fertilizer can be used sparingly or in the event of nutrient deficiencies, but looking at soil and duration since the last repot can be helpful if growth has stalled.
Syngonium Podophyllum “Maria Allusion”
This is an easy plant to come across. It’s easily found in many of the big box stores, and the prices are really reasonable. Considering how low maintenance this plant is, it’s totally worth it. The foliage very different is many other plants both in color and shape. For a few bucks, it can really be a standout in a sea of green.
As for water, water it through the drainage hole when the soil is dry to the touch at a depth of about 1-2 inches. Underwater rather than overwater these plants. They’re good at wilting or getting crisp if they’re trying to tell you something about watering. They’ll wilt completely when they’re in need of water, which is always a major indicator that it’s time. The key is to find the right cadence with Syngonum. They can get root rot or mushy stems if they’re over watered, but they are such vigorous growers that plucking a crisp leaf here and there won’t damage the plant. Obviously, that is something to avoid, but Syngonium are forgiving.
Syngonium Podophyllum “White Butterfly”
This is another Syngonium that came without identification. It took a while to find the right spot for this plant, but it finally found it’s home in the basement under a ceiling grow light. The other locations didn’t seem quite right for this plant. The bathroom floor allowed too much air from the heating and cooling vent, and these plants do not survive well under those conditions. The upstairs hallway wasn’t quite enough light. In the basement, temperatures are generally cooler all year round, but there is no draft and no direct circulation of air hitting the plant. Also, the light is very consistent and this plant responds very well to it. As with all of the plants in the basement underground, this plant is on a weekly schedule that is more consistent than the plants above ground. It is watered once a week, usually the same day of the week but sometimes my schedule doesn’t allow for that. With the conditions being the same every day, I find that the plants’ need for water is generally more predictable. Summer 2020 will be the first warm season for these plants, so we’ll see what adjustments are made to the care.
Summer 2020 Update: The watering schedule has remained the same.
Syngonium Podophyllum “Holly”
“Holly” was $1 on the clearance rack of a big box store in Indiana. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. The white foliage is fun and different, and not difficult to maintain at all. Currently, “Holly” in the bathroom with the Begonias, although we will see if she stays there in the long-term. She had two homes prior to that, just proving the versatility of this plant. Sometimes it takes time. The light “Holly” receives is on the lower end, and she is watered often due to her small pot size and well draining soil. Her room has high humidity from both the shower and the humidifier that is in the bathroom for supplementary humidity whenever there is not a shower in progress.
Syngonium Podophyllum “Berry Allusion”
This plant lives in a spot that most would’ve considered incapable of sustaining a plant prior to meeting “Berry Allusion.” She has been thriving in a recessed area of the bathroom that receives very low light. These plants can live comfortably in lower light conditions, and I can attest to that personally now. She doesn't require water as frequently as the Rex Begonias with whom she shares this home. “Berry Allusion” is in a pot without drainage, so she tends to require watering less frequently despite the season. On average, about 7-9 days between waterings. For fertilizer, a couple of times a month is sufficient.
