Syngonium Care Guide


Syngoniums are wonderfully versatile houseplants, prized for their arrow-shaped leaves and vibrant variegation. Whether you're drawn to the bubblegum tones of Syngonium 'Milk Confetti' or the deep green and white marbling of a 'Mottled Mojito', these plants bring colour and easy charm to any indoor space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to help your Syngonium thrive.

beautoful syngonium houseplant on a shelf, shabby chic styling

Plant Profile

Feature Details
Botanical name Syngonium podophyllum
Common names Arrowhead Plant, Goosefoot Plant
Family Araceae
Plant type Evergreen climbing or trailing plant
Size 20–90cm depending on variety and pruning
Toxicity Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
Difficulty Easy

 

rare syngonium plant, close up of pattered syngonium leaves

Syngonium Light requirements
Syngoniums prefer bright, indirect light. They’ll tolerate lower light but may lose some of their variegation. Too much direct sun can bleach or scorch the leaves. Variegated types, such as Syngonium ‘Milk Confetti’ and Mottled Mojito, benefit from brighter conditions.

Syngonium Watering
Water when the top 2–4cm of soil feels dry. Syngoniums like lightly moist soil but hate sitting in water. During the growing season, check them weekly and reduce watering in winter. Always ensure your pot has good drainage.

Syngonium Repotting
Repot annually in spring or whenever the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining houseplant mix. Add perlite or orchid bark for extra aeration. Keep them in a snug pot to encourage lush top growth rather than leggy stems.

Syngonium Native habitat
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Syngoniums grow as climbers, using aerial roots to scale trees in search of light. Their natural habitat is warm, shaded, and humid—conditions you can replicate at home with indirect light and moderate humidity.

Styling ideas for Syngonium
Syngoniums are incredibly flexible when it comes to styling. Let vines trail from a shelf, train them up a moss pole, or grow them compact with regular pruning. Varieties like the Syngonium Red Heart look beautiful in minimalist ceramic pots. Try grouping different varieties for a bold, botanical display.

Wellness benefits of houseplants, like Syngonium
Caring for a Syngonium encourages mindfulness—checking its leaves, pruning back wayward stems, and watching it transform under your care can become part of a calming daily rhythm. Its vibrant foliage adds colour and life to rooms that need a lift.

syngonium red heart, rare syngonium

Common Syngonium problems
Yellowing Syngonium leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Crispy leaf edges: Usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Leggy growth: Not enough light—move your plant to a brighter spot.
Brown leaf tips: Could be due to tap water or dry air—try filtered water or boost humidity.

Quick care summary

Care Element Recommendation
Light Bright, indirect light preferred
Water Let top few cm of soil dry out
Humidity Moderate to high
Feeding Fortnightly in spring/summer
Temperature 18–27°C
Pet safe? No – mildly toxic if ingested

FAQs

Are Syngoniums easy to care for?
Yes—especially varieties like Syngonium Arrow. They’re adaptable, forgiving, and grow fast with basic care.

Can I propagate my Syngonium?
Definitely. Just snip a healthy stem with a node and place it in water or moist soil. Roots appear within a couple of weeks.

Do Syngoniums climb?
Yes, they’re natural climbers. Give them a moss pole or support and they’ll reward you with larger, more mature leaves.

Why is my Syngonium turning yellow?
Most likely due to overwatering or lack of drainage. Let the soil dry slightly and repot if needed.

Is Syngonium a good plant for beginners?
Absolutely. They're one of the best beginner-friendly houseplants, with lots of colourful variation and quick growth.

Why choose this plant?
Syngoniums are ideal for plant lovers who want an adaptable, low-maintenance plant that’s also visually striking. Whether you go for a classic green Arrowhead or a rare collector’s variety like Variegated Syngonium podophyllum, you’ll be adding vibrancy, movement, and interest to your indoor jungle.

red blush syngonium

Featured Syngoniums from Happy Houseplants

Syngonium ‘Mottled Mojito’
A rare and much sought-after plant with unpredictable green and white marbled leaves. Fast-growing and full of personality.
Shop Mottled Mojito

Syngonium ‘Red Heart’
Soft pink foliage with heart-shaped leaves. Compact, elegant, and perfect for desks or shelves.
Shop Syngonium Red Heart

Explore more
Want to discover more beautiful, easy-care plants? Browse our indoor houseplant collection, or explore care tips and styling advice on our indoor plant blog. And if you're gifting, remember you can always add a free gift message at checkout.


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