Syngonium wendlandii, also known as the Arrow Head Syngonium plant, Arum-leafed Goosefoot, and Syngonium podophyllum, is a beautiful indoor houseplant. It has large green arrowhead-shaped leaves with pale leaf veins. The variegated variety has white stripes in the leaves. These plants are easy to care for and look best in a hanging basket.
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Syngonium Wendlandii Overview
Syngonium Wendlandii is an evergreen perennial herb, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows in the understory of wet forests, often close to rivers. Although it can grow at altitudes over 1000 m above sea level, it requires a very warm temperature all year round. If you want to grow it as a houseplant, try to mimic its natural habitat.
Its common names include Arrowhead plant, Arum-leafed Goosefoot, Syngonium podophyllum.
There are only two types of Syngonium Wendlandii: the green variety with pale leaf veins and the variegated one, which has white stripes running throughout the leaves.
| Botanical Name | Syngonium Wendlandii |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Syngonium |
| Origin | Mexico and Central Americ |
| Sunlight | Bright filtered light or partial shade |
| Watering | Once every two weeks |
| Soil | A mix of peat and perlite |
| Temperature | 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C) |
| Propagation | Division of clumps |
| Re-Potting | Once every two years |
| Pests and Diseases | Generally trouble-free |
| Toxicity | Toxic for animals and humans |
Syngonium Wendlandii Features
It is a small, evergreen perennial with a height of up to 15 cm and a 30-60cm spread. In the right conditions, it can grow taller. If kept as a houseplant, it grows best in hanging baskets where its leaves hang down and show their beautiful shape.
Syngonium wendlandii is popular with gardeners because it is deer and rabbit resistant. It also attracts butterflies. However, be careful when handling it as its sap may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
The leaves are large and lanceolate-shaped. They have pale leaf veins running along their length. The leaf size is up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide.
Interested in Syngoniums? Take a look at Syngonium Erythrophyllum here!
Syngonium Wendlandii Care Guide
Syngonium wendlandii prefers near room temperature. During the growing season, early spring until autumn, it is best to keep it in bright filtered light or partial shade conditions. You can move it outside for the summer months providing you bring it back indoors when nighttime temperatures fall below 15 °C (60 °F).
During the winter months, it is best to keep it at 1-4 °C (34-39 °F) for at least four weeks. If you live in a temperate climate, it is vital to bring them indoors before the first frost of autumn.
Ideal Growing Place
Syngonium wendlandii grows best in bright, filtered light such as under a tree or on the shaded side of a building. It also does well if grown indoors near a window with eastern exposure, where it will catch the morning sun before other plants wake up.
You should protect Syngonium wendlandii from the direct, hot afternoon sun. Moving this plant to a cooler spot during the day is no problem if it receives too much direct sunlight.
If grown indoors, provide adequate humidity by misting daily or placing your plants on trays of moist pebbles. If grown indoors, keep the soil damp but never soggy and never let it dry out completely.
Water
Most plants have a water requirement of 1-2 cm of water a week, especially during the flowering and growing seasons. For Syngonium wendlandii, this is particularly important during the flowering and growing seasons, spring until autumn. Place on a tray with moist pebbles or water it from below when inside. Be sure to let the soil dry properly before watering again.
Reduce regular watering during winter months to once every two weeks. If you are using rainwater, distilled water, or untreated tap water, be sure to let the water stand overnight before watering your plant. This allows any chlorine present in the water to evaporate.
The suggested frequency is only a general guideline because watering practices vary based on location and weather conditions. You will need to water your plant when the potting medium becomes dry and starts to feel light. Syngonium wendlandii has large fleshy roots that store water for later use, so they can go more than a week without water in mild weather.
Sunlight
During the growing season (spring until autumn) and winter, keeping both young and mature plants in bright filtered light or partial shade conditions is best. You can move your Wendlandii plant outside for the summer months, providing you bring it back indoors when nighttime temperatures fall below 15 °C (60 °F). The temperature requirement for Syngonium Wendland is near room temperature.
Leaves will turn yellow if Syngonium wendlandii is not getting enough sunlight. Dark brown patches appear as the leaf dies and drop off within a few days.
Temperature
Syngonium wendlandii is a tropical plant that can handle a range of temperatures from 10-30 °C (50-86 °F). You can move it outside for the summer months, providing you bring it back indoors when nighttime temperatures fall below 15 °C (60 °F). An indoor temperature of between 15-27°C is preferred.
Soil
A mix of peat and perlite suits Syngonium wendlandii best. You can also use an orchid potting mix that is light and free draining. You can also try a standard compost mix. A good rule of thumb is to make your soil as rich as possible; you don’t want nutrient deficient plants after planting!
Humidity
It is a tropical plant that does best in the 50-80% humidity range, so it likes humid conditions!
Fertilizer
The fertilizer you select should be rich in nitrogen and potassium. Adding a small amount of organic slow-release fertilizer to your potting mix will give your plant a good start. You can then continue to feed it every month from spring until autumn with a weak, diluted houseplant fertilizer solution. During the winter months, give it a break from fertilization. This will provide your Syngonium wendlandii plant with adequate support to help it thrive.
Pinching/Pruning
In the spring, pruning requirements suggest pinching out the growing tips to promote branching. In summer, pinch or cut off any dead leaves and growth. This provides more room for new leaves to grow.
Potting and Re-potting
If planted in small pots, Syngonium may need replanted sooner rather than later. Re-pot your Syngonium wendlandii once every two years or as the pot becomes crowded and needs a bigger pot. Use a light soil mix that is fast and free draining with some organic matter to ensure good drainage. If using clay pots, remember to choose deep rather than shallow pots to allow sufficient root space.
If you are looking for an easy houseplant, Syngonium wendlandii fits the bill. It is tolerant of low light, infrequent watering, and irregular feeding. When the plant begins to outgrow its pot, it is time for re-potting. It is imperative that the pot used has adequate drainage holes to keep the syngonium wendlandii soil from retaining water until the next watering.
Growth Zone
Syngonium Wendlandii is hardy in USDA zones 11-12. If you live outside these zones, you will need to grow your plant indoors to ensure protection from cold weather.
The plant tolerates a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit). If your plant falls below this temperature, it can be grown indoors or under glass in a warm sunny position.
Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems
The Syngonium wendlandii plant is generally trouble-free. They do not attract many pests, but you may find mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and thrips. Syngonium wendlandii is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Some common problems are brown spots, leaf drop off, root rot, and stem rot.
Your Syngonium wendlandii requires porous soil that allows the water to drain freely from the pot bottom. It is best to promote good drainage if your container has a few large openings to promote good drainage. The use of clay pots also helps to prevent water stagnation.
If your tap water is fluoridated, use distilled or rainwater for feeding to help keep the levels low. Do not use water from a reverse osmosis unit as it lacks essential minerals for good plant growth.
Propagation
Syngonium wendlandii is generally a slow growing plant. Propagation is generally by the division of clumps from the parent plant and/or leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings can be taken at any time of year, and if kept warm, they will root and grow within a month.
Syngonium Wendlandii Mature Timeline
To determine if your plant has achieved its full size, you will need to look at the plant’s mature height. The mature height of Syngonium wendlandii ranges from 40 inches to 60 inches.
Syngonium wendlandii is a long-lived houseplant; some specimens have reportedly grown for 50 years or more.
Syngonium Wendlandii FAQ
Is Syngonium Wendlandii Poisonous?
Yes. It is poisonous like other members of the Aroid family. If ingested, it can cause ulcers in the mouth, irregular salivation, and other allergy symptoms such as skin irritation.
Is Syngonium Wendlandii Rare?
No, it is not rare. It is widely available and easy to care for. Syngonium can be bought at local nurseries or through popular plant distributors.
Does Syngonium Wendlandii Climb?
Yes. Syngonium wendlandii is a climbing aroid that grows upward and outward as the plant matures. Its aerial roots anchor the plant to help it maintain stability as it grows tall.
Why Are My Syngonium Leaves Turning Yellow and Big Leaves Have Yellow Spots?
Long-term exposure to cold or heat has damaged your plant if it has developed yellow leaves. Keeping Syngonium plants at room temperature with plenty of light, but not direct sun, is best.
What Plants Are Good Companions for This Syngonium?
It does not have any plant companions that are particularly complementary to its growth.
Why Is My Syngonium Plant Drooping?
Your plant may be dropping due to draughts or too much sunlight. Syngoniums prefer average room temperatures, but may overheat or dehydrate if exposed to direct sun. As a tropical plant, your Syngonium prefers a humid environment and may need more water.
The Bottom Line
The Syngonium wendlandii plant is a beautiful indoor houseplant that is ideal for beginners. In its variegated form, distinct off white markings can be found along the major veins and amongst the foliage. This species doesn’t need much special care or watering and is very hardy. Whether it’s grown in hanging baskets or a pot on the floor, it is sure to grab attention wherever you place it. Taking care of this plant is very easy and requires little time. It is a great plant for beginners who are into houseplants.
Good luck and happy house planting!
Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by Gustaf Johansson
