foliage
DecorativeArrowhead Plant (Syngonium)
Syngonium podophyllum
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
The arrowhead plant is an easy, fast-growing vine with arrow-shaped leaves in green, pink, and variegated forms. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
About Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)
The arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) comes from the tropical Americas, where it grows as a climbing vine on the forest floor and up tree trunks. It starts bushy and compact, then lengthens into a trailer or climber that reaches a metre or two with support. Its arrow-shaped leaves come in green, pink, and variegated forms, and a 3-litre pot is plenty to start. That small footprint and fast, easy growth make it a sound choice for a renter or a tight shelf.
Give it medium indirect light and let the top of the soil dry partway before watering. Brighter light keeps the pink and variegated types coloured. Pinch the stems to keep it full, or hand it a moss pole to climb. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so site it accordingly.
What it’s like to grow
Syngonium is easy and quick, which makes it kind to a beginner. In low light it grows leggy and sparse, sending out long stems with gaps between the leaves, and yellowing foliage usually means it has been overwatered. Let the surface dry partway before the next drink, give it medium to bright indirect light, and pinch it back to stay compact. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach where pets might chew on it.
What to expect
It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) →
Tips
- Let the top of the soil dry partway between waterings.
- Pinch the stems to keep it compact, or give it a pole to climb.
- Brighter indirect light keeps pink and variegated forms coloured.
Common problems
- Leggy, sparse growth in low light.
- Yellowing leaves from overwatering.
Common questions
Is Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) toxic to cats and dogs?
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) need?
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)?
Water Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) need?
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) is happiest around 18–27 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 13 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) need high humidity?
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) without a sunny window?
Yes. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) get?
A bushy young plant that becomes a trailing or climbing vine; reaches 1–2 m with support.
How do I propagate Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)?
Root a stem cutting with a node in water until roots form, then pot up.
What pests affect Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)?
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) easy to grow?
Yes. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.