Arrowhead Vine

Taxonomic Name: Syngonium podophyllum

Arum Family

Herbaceous Vine

The tropical-plant industry would be in serious trouble were it not for the wonderful arum family, which contains such houseplant stalwarts as the peace lily, the Chinese evergreen, and the philodendron. Yet another family member is the lovely and enduring arrowhead vine. Suitable for hanging baskets, climbing posts, and tabletop planters, this species is still sometimes called nephthytis--a tongue-twisting and obsolete botanical name. The arrowhead vine is native to Central America; its nickname refers to the narrow-triangular shape of its leaf blades. As the plant matures, the foliage often becomes compound--each leaf develops a pair of small side leatflets in addition to the main leaf blade. A large number of cultivated varieties are available. One of the most common, `White Butterfly', has white to pale green leaves; `Infra-Red' has a decidedly pikish cast, at least when the plant is kept in good light. Other striking selections include `Pink Allusion', `Bold Allusion', and the superbly variegated `Freckles'.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Direct morning sunlight or bright indirect sunlight is best; placement in an unobstructed eastern or northern window is good. Most arrowhead vines will also survive in bright artificial light, but keep in mind that varieties that are predominantly pink or white will fade to a dull green if they do not receive some sunlight.

WATERING: Make sure the soil surface dries between waterings. When the soil surface is dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.  

FEEDING: Feed your plant sparingly, and only when it is growing actively. (Arrowhead vines normally do not flower when kept as houseplants, so you won't have to worry about encouraging blooming.) When you do feed, use a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Arrowhead vines are usually pest-free, but check periodically for webbing and tiny white eggs on leaf undersides that signal the presence of spider mites. These pests can be discouraged by keeping the humidity high.