- Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum
- Common Names: Goosefoot Plant, nephthytis, elephant ear plants
- Description: Is an evergreen perennial native to Central and South America. This plant grows large, thin, heart shaped leaves which come in a variety of vibrant colors. This particular variety's leaves are a washed out bright green to light grey with a green underside.
- Care: Syngonium tolerates medium light conditions, but it grows better with lots of bright, indirect sunlight. A couple of hours of light per day help this plant to maintain its vibrant variegated colors. Low light conditions may strip off its golden hues, while scorching sunlight might burn the leaves.
Syngonium is perfect for people with busy schedules, as it is mildly drought tolerant. This plant enjoys some moisture in the topsoil but it also tolerates short periods of dry soil when you do not have time to water it. Water thoroughly and let the soil dry out between waterings.
This plant prefers moist, loose, well-draining soils, which you can make by adding some peat moss or perlite to a houseplant soil mix.
Syngonium thrives in temperatures between 60°F-80°F. It does not like temperatures below 50°F. This plant loves warm temperatures and high humidity. Average household humidity level (30-50%) is enough for Syngonium , but Syngonium loves high humidity (about 60%), so mist your plant often and use a humidifier when the weather is dry.
This plant should be fertilized once per month during spring, summer and fall with diluted houseplant fertilizer.
This plant is toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of curious children and pets.