Ivy Arrowhead

Syngonium podophyllum

Characteristics

Culture

Arrowhead Ivy is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12. In Zones 9 and below, it is easily grown is a house plant in warm, humidified areas. Prefers bright indirect light. Protect from direct sun. May be grown on a moss pole or in a hanging basket. Water regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering from fall to late winter. Best grown in a soil based potting mix. Likes high humidity, so consider siting plant in a humidified room or place pot on a tray of wet pebbles.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Syngonium podophyllum, commonly called arrowhead vine or ivy, is native from Mexico to Ecuador. It is an evergreen climbing vine that typically grows to 3-6’ long. As a houseplant, it is typically grown for its attractive ornamental foliage which changes shape as the leaves mature. Juvenile leaves (to 5.5” long) are ovate with heart-shaped bases and sometimes with silver variegation. Leaves mature to arrow shape. Later leaves become pedate (to 14” long), each with 5-11 leaflets. Tiny green to greenish-white flowers on a spadix are surrounded by a greenish-white spathe (to 4.5” long). Flowers are born in groups in the leaf axils. Flowers give way to brown-black berries. Plants rarely flower in cultivation. Synonymous with Nephthytis triphylla.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Soft rot, bacterial leaf spot. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, scale and spider mites.

Garden Uses

Good low-maintenance indoor plant. Hanging baskets or train on trellis or mossy growing pole.