Syngonium

Helping orphans the way you would do it

Syngonium is a genus of about 30 species, from tropical rain forests in Central and South America. These woody climbers have leaves that change shape according to the plant's stage of growth, and adult leaf forms are often much more lobed than the juvenile forms usually seen on small pot plants.

Syngonium podophyllum has foot-shaped compound leaves, arrow-shaped on young plants. There are several variegated varieties, the main differences being in the position and extent of the cream or white markings. Some leaves are almost entirely white or yellow. Grows to about 1.8m (6ft) with a suitable support.

Care instructions

Temperature: Winter minimum 16 c (60 f)
Humidity: Mist the leaves regularly.
Position: Good light, but not direct sun. Tolerant of low light levels.
Watering and feeding: Water freely from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Feed regularly in spring and summer.
Care: If you prefer juvenile foliage, cut off all the climbing stems that develop - the plant will remain bushy, rather than climb, and the leaves will be more arrow-shaped. Repot every second spring.
Propagation: Cuttings; air layering.