Syngonium red and green leaves

Credit: Earthly delights

Red and green leaves of Syngonium erythrophyllum

Credit: Dan Jones

Climbing plant Synognium erythrophyllum

Credit: Warna Angin

Close-up of Syngonium erythrophyllum leaves

Credit: B M

Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow', the green and red creeper

Syngonium erythrophyllum grows in the cloud forests of Panama. Like many species of the Araceae family, it is cultivated in our latitudes as a houseplant. Its green and red evergreen foliage adds a tropical touch to any collection.

How to recognize Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow'?

Syngonium erythrophyllum is an epiphytic vine. In the wild, it uses its aerial roots to wrap around tree trunks. In pots, it adopts a drooping habit, if installed in suspension, or a climbing habit, if guided along a wall or stake. In all cases, it should not exceed two meters in length and one meter in spread.

Leaves appear along a hairless petiole measuring up to 20 centimetres. When the plant is young, they have the characteristic Syngonium crow's-foot or arrow shape: three oval or elliptical segments with an obtuse base and pointed apex. After three years, when they reach maturity, the leaf blades split into three distinct leaflets.

The foliage of Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' is distinguished by its texture and color. The leaves are thick, almost leathery, like those of succulents. Copper-colored at birth, they take on a dark green hue on the upper surface. The underside is the crimson red that gives the plant its name.

Syngonium erythrophyllum flowers in its natural environment. In summer, a green spathe with a white spadix blossoms. Indoors, however, the phenomenon is exceptional.

Like syngonium podophyllum 'Neon Robusta and syngonium podophyllum 'Confetti', Syngonium Red Arrow is toxic. Keep away from children and pets who might touch or ingest it.

Our maintenance tips

Syngoniums are easy-care plants. But beware: their sap is toxic. Wear gloves when handling them or wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Watering

Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow like to keep their feet cool, but can't stand soggy soil. Water when the substrate is dry on the surface, for about three centimetres.

To provide your plant with the nutrients it needs, give preference to rainwater. Avoid tap water, which is often too hard. Finally, to avoid damaging the roots, use water at room temperature.

If you use a saucer or planter, remove any stagnant water. It could rot the root system.

Spray

The air in our apartments is too dry for plants used to high humidity. Mist your Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' with water at room temperature.

Rainwater is preferable to tap water. Tap water causes white spots on the foliage.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Re-pot your Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow' to give it more space. Choose a pierced terracotta or plastic pot that will allow it to continue growing.

At the bottom, place a draining potting soil and then transplant your plant. Pack the rootball to prevent it from becoming too airy.

Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow like to climb. You can support their development by providing them with a stake to hang on.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Applying indoor plant fertilizer helps your Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow to grow.

Cleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that syngonium erythrophyllum 'Red Arrow are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

Prune

You can shorten stems that are too long and bald. Simply cut them with a sharp instrument (pruning shears or scissors). Don't forget to disinfect the blades beforehand to prevent disease transmission.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Rhizomes are underground stems. To access them, you'll need to dig up your plant. Proceed delicately so as not to damage the roots.

Observe the root system to detect the natural demarcation between rhizomes. Once you've identified two distinct roots, gently separate them using your hands.

Once you've obtained your graft, place it in a vase or glass filled withwater at room temperature. Make sure the node is completely submerged.

Place your cutting in a bright spot, but without direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Syngonium - Syngonium
Species	Syngonium erythrophyllum - Syngonium erythrophyllum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Climber Interior Herbaceous Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Toxic
Origin	Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	12a
Leaf color
Flower colors