80 SYNGONIUM | HERB STORIES

80 SYNGONIUM SPECIES | HERB STORIES Syngonium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical rain forests in southern Mexico, the West Indies, Central, and South America. They are woody vines growing to heights of 10–20 m or more in trees. They have leaves that change shape according to the plant’s stage of growth, and adult leaf forms are often much more lobed than the juvenile forms usually seen on small house plants. They require high humidity, including misting the leaves regularly, and good light, but not direct sunlight; they will tolerate low light levels. Water freely from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Feed regularly in spring and summer. If juvenile foliage is preferred, cut off all the climbing stems that develop — the plant will remain bushy, rather than climb, and the leaves will be more arrow-shaped. Repot every second spring. Propagation is by cuttings or air layering. Varieties: SYNGONIUM RED ARROW SYNGONIUM RED SPOT TRICOLOR SYN