Syngonium Podophyllum Silver Pearl Air Purifier Plant

Syngonium or the Goosefoot Plant is a simple but elegant and versatile houseplant. On our scale of Easy, Intermediate or Difficult, we ranked it Intermediate. It's actually "Easy" to look after in most homes, however because it has a unruly nature and tendency to creep quietly around your home (if allowed), it needs a certain amount of maintenance and pruning that other plants ordinarily don't. This is needed to keep Syngonium indoors looking great and to avoid the ugly flop effect, also because all parts of the plant are poisonous you really do want to know where all parts of the plant are growing and creeping around, especially if you have curious children or hungry pets around.

So let's get down to business and lay down the plus points of this interesting plant. Firstly, it ranked in Dr Wolverton's top 50 houseplants to clean the air. Secondly it is rarely troubled by pests and doesn't object too much if you throw the occasional bit of neglect it's way. Thirdly, it has amazing foliage with a variety of different variegation on the leaves. The cultivars you can buy are quite diverse although "White Butterfly" (below) is considered one of the best looking and consequently is the most popular.

Syngonium Planting & Care

Light

However Syngonium's are displayed, when it comes to light requirements they will do well in a position where they receive good light but no direct sunlight.

Watering

Just remember to water well and then wait. Simple.

The soil needs to be evenly moist when you water, waiting for the soil to dry a little before evenly watering again. This means you should avoid the "little and often" approach, just remember to water well and then wait. Simple. In Winter the "wait" period will increase as the plant will take longer to dry out so adjust accordingly.

Humidity

Humidity is some what important for Syngoniums because very dry air will encourage brown leaf crisping which on mass will distract from the beautiful leaves. All the usual ways of increasing humidity can be used to prevent this.

Feeding

It's good to try and feed an established plant a few times a month. Like most house plants Syngoniums do "rest" in Winter but for only a short period, so even in the middle of the coldest months outside (providing the indoor room is warm) it's usual to see new leaves emerging. Therefore it's fine to feed in Winter too if you want. But only if the plant is actually growing and therefore has need of the fertiliser. If in any doubt don't bother.

Temperature

This is one house plant which needs to be at the heart of your home because it demands warmth, even in cold months. An unheated conservatory in Winter for example is a no no. A minimum of 16°C / 61°F.