BOTANICAL NAME: Syngonium podophyllum
COMMON NAME: Arrowhead plant, Arrowhead vine, African evergreen
ORIGIN: Southern Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America
GOOD FOR: Beginner plant parents
HEIGHT: 3-6’ vines
LIGHT: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light conditions. Varieties with pink, burgundy or white leaves do better in brighter light conditions. Varieties with green leaves will do fine in medium to lower light conditions.
WINDOW PREFERENCE: East and west windows work best.
WATER: Once the top ½ of the soil is dry, water thoroughly around the base of the plant until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. At this point you can stop. During the winter months, you can let the soil dry out more between waterings, but never completely.
HUMIDITY: This plant loves humidity. Keep on a pebble tray or use a humidifier. Plant collectors can group with other plants for some self-made humidity. These plants like a good misting every few days. Remember to always mist in the morning.
TEMPERATURE: 65-75 degrees is preferred. Keep away from drafts and heat vents.
SOIL / REPOTTING: Well-draining, acidic soil mixture with additional peat moss mixed in. When grown indoors, Nephthytis are slow growers. Once the roots have filled the container, repot into pot one size larger. They do not need large containers, and the maximum size will most likely be an 8 inch pot or hanging basket. Once this size is reached, top dress with fresh soil in the spring.
PLANT FOOD: In spring and summer, feed once a month. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Houseplant Plant Food. Stop feeding in fall and winter due to slower growth and dormancy.
PRUNING: Prune trailing vines to keep the plant bushier and more full in the center. Prune any discolored, dead or damaged leaf as they occur.
PESTS: Mealybugs, Scale and Spider Mites
TOXICITY: Toxic if ingested. When cut, sap may cause irritation to the skin.
ANGRY PLANT PROBLEMS: Yellowing leaves – underwatered or overwatered. Brown leaf tips – not enough humidity in the air. Mist every few days, and place on a pebble tray.