Syngonium podophyllum

The American evergreen is a tropical perennial shrub or vine in the Araceae family climbing to 6 feet. It is desired in interior settings for its low-maintenance, green or variegated, long-petioled leaves and bush-like habit with some cascading stems.  Its blooms are rare in interiors. 

The ideal location will include a warm setting with high humidity.  Avoid locations with full sun, as direct sunlight will tend to burn or bleach the foliage.  Typically a perennial, it can be grown as an annual for your containers or other bright but shady locations.  Young plants will have a shrubby habit, but as the plant ages it will take on a vine like habit.  If you wish to retain the arrowhead foliage, cut off the stems  as they begin to develop.  That will allow the plant to keep a more shrub-like habit.   Repotting every few years and trimming the root system can keep the plant managable.

Its flowers are green to greenish white and form on a spike and are encompassed by a green-white sheathing bract called a spathe.  Groups of flowers form in the leaf axils.

As the plant matures, it leaves change shape.  Its juvenile form has ovate, heart shaped leaves up to 5.5 inches long.  They may have a silvery variegation.   The adult form has arrow shaped leaves.  The leaves will eventually become pedate (having feet) and contain 5 to 11 leaflets.  There are also lobed leaves representing a transition from juvenile to adult stage. 

This plant is typically sold in its juvenile form.   Its uses include use in a hanging basket, as a ground cover, climber, or as a small shrub.

Quick ID

• Juvenile leaf arrowhead-shaped, adult leaf lobed
• Leaves have long petioles, are subpeltate
• Bush-like habit with some climbing or trailing stems

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:   Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.  Bacterial leaf spot and soft rot can occur.