Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Plant Mom Care
Syngonium Albo Variegata, also known as the Arrowhead Vine belongs to the Araceae family which is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America.
The vine is in high demand by gardeners due to its attractive white and light green leaves growing out of green stems. It has a reputation for being a fast grower that can grow around 6 – 10 feet tall and about 2 feet wide, which makes it somewhat difficult to control when it grows indoors.
The plant begins to vine as it matures, therefore considers growing it in hanging baskets.
Some breeders have established several dwarfs and miniature varieties more suitable for growing indoors.
While this is a flowering plant, flowers will only appear on mature plants that grow outdoors. The flowers grow inside a spathe, similar to the flowers of Peace lilies or Philodendrons. Flowers will also not grow if you keep the plant bushy and small by pruning.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Light Requirements
These plants rely on larger plants and trees for shade in their natural environment, usually on forest floors the plants receive dappled light. Try to provide similar indirect bright light.
Considering that it’s important to pick a location with the right light and shade settings. This encourages more vibrant and variegated foliage, too much exposure to direct sun can burn and bleach the leaves.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Watering
Ideally, water the plant when the topsoil feels dry. A moist but not soggy soil is what to aim for. The plant will grow rapidly with regular watering.
Let the vine partially dry between watering cycles but never let it become completely dry in spring and summer as this could result in yellowing leaves. Reduce watering when winter begins.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Humidity
It prefers humidity levels between 50% and more, mimicking the environment the plant comes from. Humidity levels can be raised by misting and keeping it near a water-filled pebble tray or a humidifier.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Temperature
It prefers temperatures between 60 – 80°F. It will grow faster if room temperatures stay above 60°F. However, keep note that warmer temperatures require more watering. The plant grows well in hardiness zones 9 – 11. Temperatures below 50°F will kill the plant.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Soil
It thrives in a slightly acidic mix of potting soil, organic matter, and perlite or coco coir. This helps keep the soil lighter in texture and helps prevent water-logging – which frequently causes root rot.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Repotting
Repotting is usually done every second year however, if you want the plant to grow larger you can repot it to a bigger container with fresh soil and good drainage capacity.
Start by gently taking the plant from its container and removing any soil around the roots, untangling them if necessary. Fill the larger pot halfway from the top with a suitable soil mix, insert the plant and fill the empty spaces with more soil.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Propagation
Propagating cuttings is the best method to grow new vines. Cut sections of apical shoots from the stem choosing sections that have at least 1 or 2 leaves.
Place the cuttings in a water-filled container and keep them under bright indirect light. It will take a few weeks before the roots properly develop. Rooting powder can also be used to hasten the rooting process.
Once the roots form and new foliar growth emerges, transfer the cuttings to small pots filled with well-draining soil and keep them under bright indirect light.
Additional Care
This plant is not a heavy feeder but it needs some moderate feeding. Once spring begins feed it with a diluted balanced fertilizer once every month after you water the plant. Stop feeding it in winter when growth slows down.
The beauty of this plant is that you can either let the vines trail down from a hanging basket, or you can prune down the vines to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the tops of shoots to form a crown and trim back long stems to reduce their spread to make the plant more compact. Try to not damage the aerial roots while pruning. Make sure you wear gloves since the milky sap of the plant causes skin irritation.
Syngonium Albo Variegata Common Problems
Common pests that can attack this plant include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale. But with proper care and maintenance and with the use of neem oil or insecticidal soap, these pests can be controlled or eliminated.
Overwatering is a problem that often causes either stem or root rot therefore, always check the soil before watering. This plant can tolerate under-watering but overwatering creates problems that will affect the health and growth of the plant.
Yellowing leaves can be caused either by over- or under-watering or by insufficient light. Keep a watchful eye on your watering habits and the soil. After you identify the problem, adjust your watering pattern if that is the issue or repot the plant in well-draining soil. If this is caused by insufficient light, move the plant to a brighter area.
Leaf tips might brown in dry conditions. Increase humidity levels by misting the foliage every day until the condition disappears after that make sure you keep misting the plant at least twice a week.
If the plant appears to be growing slowly, this could be caused by not enough light lack of nutrients, or the plant has become root-bound. Identify the problem and correct it either by feeding the plant, increasing light, or repotting the plant. Don’t worry if growth slows down or stops in winter – this is natural.
Types of Syngonium (Arrowhead Vine) Plants
Is Syngonium Albo fast-growing?
Yes, this is a fast grower and grows rapidly under the proper care and maintenance when all its needs are met. That said, growing this plant is very easy – sufficient moisture and light are enough to keep it growing happily.
How can I make my Syngonium Albo grow faster?
Never let the temperature drop below 60°F. Warm temperature ensures faster growth.
How do you make Syngonium grow bigger leaves?
Fertilizing the plant will help increase leaf size. Always follow the proper instructions and don’t over-fertilize the plant.