Goosefoot-plant Syngonium podophyllum
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Pests
Spider mite, Diaspididae, Coccidae, Mealybug, Aphid
Diseases
Root Rot, Powdery mildew