Goosefoot-plant Syngonium podophyllum

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Goosefoot-Plant is an evergreen tropical perennial shrub or liana that grows up to 6 feet. It is preferred in interiors because of its low-maintenance green or mottled, long-petioled leaves and cascading, bushy shape. Flowering idoors is rare.
The green or greenish-white flowers are located on the spike and surrounded by a green-white bract. Groups of flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves.
As the plant matures, its leaves change shape. When young, the leaves are ovate, heart-shaped, up to 5.5 inches long. They may have a silvery coloration. Adult leaves have arrow-shaped leaves. Over time, the leaves become pedate (having feet) and contain 5 to 11 leaflets.
There are also lobed leaves, which represent the transition from the juvenile to the adult stage.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Araceae
- Synonyms
  African evergreen, Arrowhead vine, Rowhead plant, Arrowhead philodendron, Goosefoot, Nephthytis, American evergreen
- Common names
  Syngonium podophyllum var. typicum, Syngonium peliocladum, Pothos auritus, Arum auritum, Xanthosoma gracile, Syngonium ruizii, Syngonium vellozoanum, Syngonium affine, Syngonium decipiens, Syngonium gracile, Syngonium poeppigii, Syngonium riedelianum, Syngonium willdenowii, Syngonium xanthophilum, Syngonium amazonicum, Syngonium ternatum
Toxicity
- To humans
  The juice of the plant is poisonous to humans. Ingestion and contact with skin can lead to skin irritation, vomiting and diarrhea.
  Wear gloves when transplanting the plant.
  If swallowing is suspected, contact a doctor.
- To pets
  Goosefoot-Plant contains insoluble oxalate crystals, like other plants in the Araceae family. Chewing or biting on this plant releases these crystals, causing tissue penetration and irritation of the mouth and oral cavity.
  Common signs to look out for are salivation, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, mouth pain, and decreased appetite.
  If you suspect that your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green with white veins
- Flower color
  White or light green
- Height
  7 feet
- Spread
  3 feet
- Plant type
  Climber
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  Tropics of Central and South America

Benefits

General Benefits
Goosefoot-Plant is on the list of "Top 50 houseplants to clean the air";
This plant is rarely bothered by pests;
The plant has amazing foliage with a variety of mottled leaves.
Medical Properties
Leaf and bark extracts have a dose-dependent effect in the treatment of edema, indicating that they are potential sources of principles with high anti-inflammatory activity. Further use in traditional medicine is possible.
Note that this plant is considered poisonous and is not recommended to be ingested or applied to the skin. It may cause serious allergic reactions.
Air-purifying Qualities
Goosefoot-Plant is a great air purifier.
The study made in 2013 showed that the plant Syngonium removes benzene and formaldehyde from the indoor air.
Other Uses
- Goosefoot plant leaves can be used as a natural green dye for fabrics and yarns, offering a sustainable option for textile coloring.
- In culinary arts, the distinctive shape of goosefoot plant leaves can be used to create visually appealing garnishes or to add a unique touch to plated dishes.
- As part of a wildlife-friendly garden, the goosefoot plant can provide a food source for various butterfly larvae, supporting biodiversity.
- The dense foliage of the goosefoot plant can be used in floral arrangements, adding volume and a lush, green backdrop to bouquets.
- For educational purposes, the goosefoot plant can serve as a model to study plant growth patterns, leaf shapes, and photosynthesis in classroom settings.
- In craft projects, the leaves of the goosefoot plant can be pressed and used in botanical paper making, creating textured, eco-friendly paper products.
- As a natural insect repellent, crushed leaves of the goosefoot plant can be rubbed on skin or placed around outdoor seating areas to deter pests.
- The plant can be used in landscape design as ground cover in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- In container gardens, the goosefoot plant can add height and visual interest, especially when paired with flowering plants of contrasting colors.
- The goosefoot plant can play a role in phytoremediation projects, where it helps to absorb and detoxify pollutants from the soil.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Syngonium podophyllum is a Feng Shui plant.
Syngonium foliage changes with age from arrow-shaped to five-lobed, reflecting the five elements of Feng Shui - earth, metal, water, fire and wood, creating a perfect yin-yang balance. It promotes positive energy.
Syngonium will also help reduce stress and anxiety.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
SAGITTARIUS
The plant favors the Sagittarians. It helps them reduce stress and anxiety.
Plant Symbolism
Syngonium podophyllum is a symbol of luck, prosperity and harmony. It is believed to bring good fortune and abundance to its owner. This plant is also thought to bring balance to a home, as its calming energy is said to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Additionally, it is seen as a symbol of growth and renewal, as it is known for its ability to adapt to its environment.

💧

Every 2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Once every 2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

Every summer

Pruning

Water
The soil mixture should be kept slightly moist in the spring and summer and slightly drier in the fall and winter. Do not allow it to dry out completely.
During the growing season (spring and summer), moisten the substrate as soon as the top layer dries out, and in winter two days afterwards.
In spring and summer - abundant watering 2-3 times a week. In the fall, the frequency of watering is reduced, and during the winter months, water very sparingly.
Light
It prefers bright indirect light but can adapt to low light. Direct sun may burn the leaves.
Temperature
In the spring and summer period - from 71 to 80 °F, in the winter time the plant should not be kept under 60 °F.
Pruning
Without pruning, the long stems of the vines will be bare at the bottom and the plant will look ugly. The first manipulation is to prune the top of the stems above the 6-7 leaf plate. Pruning is done in early summer. The tips of the young stems are pruned for better branching. With pruning, you can adjust the shape of the plant yourself: you can make a bush or grow a long liana.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
A loose, well-drained soil mixture is ideal for Goosefoot-Plant.
You can make your own soil: sand, leaf, turf and peat in a 1:2:2:2 ratio.
However, but the plant is undemanding to the soil. Sufficient conditions are floral soil mixture with a small amount of peat.
Repotting
Young plants are actively growing and will need to be replanted annually, while mature plants need to be replanted about every 2 to 3 years.
If the roots have filled the whole pot or if the soil needs to be replaced with fresh - you can transplant in the spring into a larger pot.
The need for another transplant will be indicated by the tips of the roots that appeared in the drainage holes of the pot. Also, if growing in a cramped pot, roots may appear even on the surface of the soil.
Humidity & Misting
Syngonium does not like dry air, it prefers a moderately humid atmosphere.
A container with the plant is placed in a tray with wet stones, keramsite, and the bottom of the pot should not come into contact with water.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  All year round
- Outdoor
  Syngonium is an outdoor plant that relies on larger plants or trees for shade.
  However, to grow the plant outdoors, temperature conditions must be maintained otherwise it will die.
  If you want, you can grow Goosefoot-Plant outside in a pot in a suitable season. For example, summer.
- Hardiness zone
  10 - 12 USDA
Life cycle
The plant grows very fast and can add up to 12 inches of growth in 1 season. Growth is regulated by pruning under room conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- Propagated by cuttings.
  Take cuttings of the desired length just below the node. Remove a few lower leaves from each cuttings. Do not spare, as they will most likely die anyway.
  Place the cuttings in water or soil. Make sure 2-3 nodes are covered with water or soil.
  Propagating in water is more popular, not only because it's easier, but mainly because you can see the progress better.
  Change the water every 5-7 days to refresh and maintain the level. Water the cuttings every 4-5 days. Don't let the soil dry out.
  Once the cuttings are rooted, they can be planted in a basic pot that is the right size.