Syngonium Neon Robusta

Although commonly known as the arrowhead plant, that really only tells you a little about this amazing plant. In the wild, it typically grows in rainforests. It’s actually a vine and will climb up trees and through the canopy to reach the sun. Wild versions can grow to 20 metres or more. That’s not the really interesting part. 

As this plant ages, its leaves change completely. Young leaves have the distinctive arrow shape, but as they mature they begin to separate and become multi-lobed (that means they’re divided into several ‘fingers’). Leaves high up a stem can look totally different from those at the bottom. You’d have to let a houseplant version get really big to reach the multi-lobed stage, but there’s a challenge for you. 

There are many syngonium varieties. Neon robusta is easily one of the most beautiful, with dusky pink leaves that add stylish colour to any room. It’s very easy to care for as a houseplant. If you give it a nice bright spot, away from direct sun, it can grow pretty quickly. You can either let it trail - it would look amazing on a high bedroom shelf - or trim it back to keep it compact. It will be very happy either way. Giving it a monthly feed in spring and summer will help it grow healthily.

Did you know?

Another common name for this plant is ‘goosefoot’. We’re not sure its leaves look especially goose-y, but it sure is a cheering name.