Arrowhead Vine

syngonium auritum

Also known as: ["Arrowhead Plant","Five Fingers"]

Family: Araceae Genus: Syngonium Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A climbing vine with arrowhead-shaped leaves that can vary in color and shape as the plant matures.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Syngonium
Botanical Name: Syngonium auritum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter; mix peat, perlite, and potting soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if plant is overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may reduce growth.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; move to brighter spot in winter.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure proper drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix with good water retention yet drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; refresh topsoil annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates 50–90°F (10–32°C) but thrives in moderate warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil; nodes must be submerged or buried for rooting.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Place in medium.
  5. Maintain moisture.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix or water; peat-based mix with perlite works well.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting; use rooting powder or gel if desired.

Timeline

Roots appear in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, water or soil medium.

Quick Tips

Use multiple cuttings for higher success; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water weekly if using water propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a node or leaf junction; pinch tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy stems, yellow leaves, and overgrown branches to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruning shears, sterilized scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged leaves; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before the main growing season.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning for optimal absorption.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may curl, wilt, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse pot periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Syngonium auritum can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Syngonium auritum may result from water stress, either due to overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which can severely impact plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Syngonium auritum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage, potentially weakening the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Syngonium auritum due to excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Syngonium auritum. Ingestion can result in severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation, with potential for systemic effects if large quantities are consumed.

⚠️ Symptoms:
excessive drooling vomiting difficulty swallowing lethargy respiratory distress
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion occurs, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Syngonium auritum can lead to oral and gastrointestinal irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. The plant can cause significant discomfort and potential obstruction of the airway or digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling pawing at mouth vomiting difficulty breathing loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from pets. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Syngonium auritum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon ingestion. The physiological impact includes mechanical injury to mucous membranes and potential airway obstruction due to swelling.

⚠️ Symptoms:
burning sensation swelling of mouth and throat difficulty swallowing nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Wash hands after handling the plant.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Syngonium auritum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Syngonium auritum?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week.

Q: Can Syngonium auritum grow in low light?

A: Yes, it tolerates low light but thrives in medium to bright indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Araceae
Care: easy
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
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