Syngonium (60 photos) - types, cultivation and care at home

Elegant and graceful syngonium is one of the best decorative foliage plants for novice florists. In nature, it grows like a ground cover, but thanks to its support, you can grow a pretty bush in a flowerpot from it. Let’s tell you how!

general information

Syngonium is a compact African liana, the shoots of which are densely covered with beautiful variegated leaves. Moreover, depending on the type, they can be solid, dissected or lobed. The branches are covered with aerial roots, so that the syngonium clings to any suitable support.

Interestingly, with age, the shape and shade of syngonium leaves can change. There are monochromatic, spotted, striped and variegated species, as well as species with silvery veins. The color range ranges from milky to dark green. Sheet sizes reach 35 cm.

There is a belief that if someone is sick in the house, the syngonium contributes to his speedy recovery. According to another legend, it helps fight insomnia.

general information — Photo: stocvetov.ru

Types of syngonium

Most often, syngoniums differ only in the shape and color of the leaves. Let’s take a look at a few particularly spectacular and popular varieties!

Auricular syngonium

Its leaves really slightly resemble drooping ears, but at the same time they are very elastic. And also – large, wide, and a beautiful glossy green shade.

Pink syngonium

One of the most decorative species with a delicate pastel pink shade of leaves. Moreover, they are not monochromatic, but covered with brighter pink or vice versa – greenish spots.

Syngonium Brokant

Its peculiarity is also in a non-trivial shade, only this time not pink, but chocolate brown. Reddish veins stand out even brighter against the background of elongated leaf plates.

Syngonium Wendland

This type is suitable for growers who prefer slow growing plants. The leaves are smaller here, up to 18 cm, and resemble an arrow in shape. They also have an unusual velvety texture.

Syngonium Pixie

The compact syngonium with heart-shaped leaves is ideal for indoor breeding. It has a delicate shade of light green with a silvery sheen and darker edging.

Knife-leaved syngonium

A tall, thermophilic species that has become the basis for many breeding hybrids. It grows quickly, and in a year it stretches up to 60 cm. The leaf plates really repeat the shape of the foot.

Syngonium Butterfly

The most unpretentious syngonium, even by the standards of this completely undemanding plant. The color can be almost any, depending on the variety.

Syngonium care

Syngonium is a thermophilic and moisture-loving plant, but otherwise it has no specific requirements. Even a beginner can easily handle it!

Temperature

Syngonium feels most comfortable at a temperature of about +20 degrees. Small deviations will not affect the well-being of the plant. In winter, we advise you to lower the temperature to +18.

Lighting

For all its thermophilicity, the syngonium does not like direct sunlight. We recommend choosing slightly shady places or northern windows. Varieties with bright green leaves can even fade with too much light.

Watering

Regardless of the season, the syngonium needs abundant regular watering. Make sure that the ground is constantly wet, but at the same time, so that the top layer has time to dry out.

Humidity and spraying

Syngonium loves high humidity. Wipe and spray the leaves regularly during the warmer months. In winter, move the flowerpot away from radiators and place it in a pallet with wet expanded clay.

The soil

Any neutral or slightly acidic soil is suitable for syngonium. But it must be very loose, because the plant loves moisture, and it is impossible for it to stagnate.

Fertilizers and feeding

Syngonium does not require mandatory feeding, but you can sometimes use liquid mixtures for deciduous plants from late spring to late summer. The optimal frequency is once every 3 weeks. Choose a formula with a minimum amount of calcium.

Support

In order for the syngonium to grow better and look neater, it needs support. It is installed immediately when planting a plant, so as not to damage the root system later. Put the pipe in the middle of the pot, dig in, and then gently spread the roots of the flower from above.

Transfer

Young plants need to be replanted every year, and adults – every few years. This will help freshen the soil and at the same time change the flowerpot to a larger diameter. We recommend to carry out the procedure in the spring. Several syngoniums can be planted in a large flowerpot at once.

Planting and reproduction of syngonium

Syngonium is propagated by cuttings, each of which must have a kidney. They are rooted immediately in loose soil in the warmth – at about +25 degrees. When the cuttings grow, they can be planted in separate pots. At this time, you need abundant watering and regular spraying, and in the summer also shading from the sun. In order for the young syngonium to branch better, it is pinched over the sixth leaf.

Pest and disease control

Syngonium is almost never attacked by pests, but sometimes scale insects and aphids are found. Aphids hide on the back of the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and curl. Scabbards spread throughout the plant and drink juices from it. In both cases, you cannot do without special drugs.

With improper care and violation of the watering regime, the plant suffers from a fungus. There are several diseases that it provokes, but you do not have to distinguish between their subtleties. Modern fungicides have a complex effect. You just need to remove the affected leaves and shoots, and process the plant.