Arrowhead plants, also known as Syngonium, are a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. These plants are native to tropical regions of Central and South America and are known for their arrow-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Arrowhead plants are easy to care for and can thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for indoor spaces.
In this article, we will explore the top 21 types of arrowhead plants, including their unique characteristics and how to care for them. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, there’s an arrowhead plant for everyone!
Emerald Gem
If you are a fan of two-toned plants and their beauty, the emerald gem is one of the perfect syngonium varieties for you. It is notable for having relatively bigger foliage, short stalks, dark green base leaf color, and pale green leaf venation. Sometimes, the leaf has paint-like splotches and swatches of light green to creamy white color.
The emerald gem arrowhead plant tolerates different light exposure and is beautiful all year round. As it matures, it reaches up to 15 inches high and produces white showy flowers. It is also a versatile plant and could withstand different humidity levels, which makes it a great houseplant.
To make sure that this plant grows well inside your home, plant it in well-draining soil and a container that has an avenue for drainage. Some pots may be beautiful but they often have no holes underneath, which may promote waterlogging and suffocating the roots of plants. If you wish to make more of this beauty, you can do so by stem cuttings or division of sprouts.
Take caution when having this plant in a home with pets. It contains some calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to your fur babies when ingested.
Holly
In contrast with the emerald green, the Syngonium podophyllum ‘Holly’, also known as arrowhead vine, arrowhead philodendron, has a lighter green to creamy white base plant color outlined with a deep green leaf margin and veins. Holly is perfect for those who have little space available in their homes as it is compact throughout its lifespan.
This perennial houseplant is perfect for busy people as it is versatile and resistant to different light exposures and humidity levels. Although, this is toxic when ingested by pets so be careful when growing this in the presence of cats and dogs.
White Holly
The white holly shares the same characteristics as the holly variety. The only difference is that this variety has a lighter shade of green as its base leaf color, which varies from very light green to creamy white.
Pixie
Don’t we all love it when beautiful things have their smaller version? Well, this variety is the best desk plant for people with little space available. Also, it is so little, it is utilized for terrariums and hanging plants. The plant expands vertically from 6 to 8 inches and spreads for 4 to 6 inches. Aside from its compact size, the plant showcases a beautiful combination of green leaves with lighter veins and midrib.
In terms of propagation, the best way is through stem cuttings but planting the seeds is also an option. If you choose to use the seeds, remember to remove the fleshy part of the fruit and wash the seed because the flesh contains germination inhibitors.
This variety is also toxic to dogs and cats when ingested.
Mini Pixie
This variety is the same as the pixie variety. The only difference is that the mini pixie only grows for 2 to 4 inches both in width and height. Mini pixie’s more compact size makes it easier to plant it in terrariums and hanging gardens. It is also perfect for adding a finer texture to your landscape design.
Banana Cream Allusion
Pastels have become a crowd favorite due to their subtle and simplistic appeal. This made the banana cream allusion arrowhead known for its pastel yellow or creamy yellow leaf color and pink veins. This variety extends up to 14 inches tall and could tolerate as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is utilized for terrariums and indoor landscapes. Some even use it as a ground cover for outdoor landscape designs.
There is no special care needed for this variety. Although, caution is needed due to its toxicity to pets.
Berry Allusion
This perennial arrowhead variety shows a classy muted burgundy red leaf shade with light pink veins. The leaf color is a nice contrast with its green stalk. The berry allusion can grow up to 14 inches tall. In terms of temperature, this amazing variety can withstand cold temperatures in zone 9a. On the other hand, it loves a warm and bright environment for its colors to show well. Also, plant this in a well-draining and slightly acidic or neutral soil.
As it matures, it does bear inconspicuous white flowers throughout all seasons. After that, it bears berry-like fruits containing seeds, which can be used for propagation. In harvesting the seeds, remove the fleshy fruit part, wash the seeds thoroughly with running water, and air dry. In doing so, you will be removing the chemicals that inhibit seed germination.
If you find the harvesting of seeds a bit tedious, you may opt for planting stem cuttings or division and layering.
This variety is also toxic to dogs and cats. Remember to put it in an area where your pets can’t nibble on them.
Bold Allusion
The bold allusion is characterized by its somewhat large arrow-shaped leaves that are pastel green or creamy light green and light pink veins. It is often seen planted in containers, either big or small, or hanging baskets. Any container will do, as long as it has good drainage. When cared for properly, this plant can grow up to 14 inches high.
Extra caution around this plant is needed because its leaves, roots, and fruit are poisonous. That is on top of the whole plant containing calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritations and is extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
If you wish to propagate this plant, you may do so through stem cuttings and division.
Cream Allusion
The cream allusion is one of the famous arrowhead plants. It is known for its silver-green leaves with deep pink veins as a gorgeous accent. It is relatively compact but is more unruly, which makes it have a more fluffy appearance compared to the other allusion varieties. In terms of height, this plant can reach up to 12 to 14 inches.
If you plan to reproduce this beautiful cream allusion, the best way to do it is by stem cuttings.
Exotic Allusion
The exotic allusion is a silent but robust grower. This versatile plant is loved for its mottled creamy bright green leaves outlined with dark green and long slender stalks. In terms of height, it can go for 12 to 14 inches. On the other hand, it can spread for 6 to 8 feet. Its vast growth habit makes it need more effort in maintenance. To avoid having a dense and crowded plant, pruning regularly is highly recommended.
If you want to repurpose the pruned parts, you may do so by planting them. Since the main way to propagate this variety is through stem cuttings, you may schedule the pruning before you plan to propagate. Use the trimmed parts as your planting material to reduce waste and produce more beautiful arrowhead plants.
This variety is typically grown in containers and baskets, but it will do great in hanging containers. Since the plant spreads fast, it can easily create a shower-like appearance as the plant trails down from the hanging basket.
Gold Allusion
The gold allusion is famous for its light golden yellow and green gold leaves with red-violet veins. Its leaves also have a more rounded arrow shape. It extends from 10 to 14 inches high.Â
For this plant to grow well, make sure that the soil and the container provide great drainage. This plant is not a fan of too much moisture. Although, no need to worry about not having enough moisture as this plant is drought and humidity resistant.
There are no special maintenance requirements for this variety as it is similar to most arrowheads.
Maria Allusion
One of the newest varieties in the horticulture scene is the Maria allusion. This variety shows vibrant green foliage with hints of brown. Its veins are red orange and create a beautiful contrast with the greens. The edges are slightly wavy. The Maria allusion reaches from 8 to 12 inches high and more than 8 inches wide.
What makes this beautiful plant more appealing is that it is humidity resistant and does not need any special growing instructions. Most growers utilize this variety as a specimen plant or as a part of a group of arrowheads. Due to its leaf colors, it will go well with light-colored arrowhead varieties.
This variety is also toxic to pets and can cause dermal irritation to humans.
Painted Arrow Allusion
This variety got its name from its leaf appearance, which looks like a painted leaf. Its foliage grows to have variegation of deep green, light green, and creamy white colors. It is colored in such a way that it looks like it has splotches of paint. This is a great arrowhead to plant in a group or pair it with a colored variety.
There are no special maintenance requirements for this variety. However, it still has the same toxicity other arrowheads possess.
Pink Allusion
The pink allusion is characterized by having white-washed olive green leaves with striking pink veins. Also, its pink foliage is more elongated than broad. Moreover, the pink allusion is a fast-grower. It can grow vertically for 12 to 16 inches and expands for up to 8 feet wide. Having said this, regular pruning must be done to keep this plant in shape.
This variety is versatile and resistant to drought and humidity, making it a good houseplant. It is often planted in beautiful containers and hanging baskets and placed in an area with bright indirect light. Keep in mind that the color of the leaves will fade in too much direct sunlight.
Although, please take caution when there are kids and pets around as this plant is toxic and might cause accidents.
Trileaf Wonder
Among all the varieties mentioned above, the trileaf wonder is sure to stand out because of its unique leaf shape. Contrary to the popular shape of arrowheads, this variety is more stretched out and slender. Its foliage is also green with off-white veins. The trileaf wonder grows fast and could dominate the landscape easily. To keep it ruled, make sure to regularly schedule pruning. Some growers schedule pruning along with the time they would propagate the said plant to lessen the waste. They prune the stems that are viable for reproduction and plant them.
As a fast-grower, the trileaf wonder is often planted in larger containers, 3 gallons or more. Remember to choose a container that has a drainage hole at the bottom to avoid waterlogging.
Strawberry Cream Syngonium
As sweet as the sound of this name, this pink Syngonium gives off a beautiful subtle pink hint in the middle of the leaves, which gradually fades into creamy green leaves. In addition, the margins of this plant’s foliage are outlined by a deep green color. Moreover, younger leaves appear to be pinker.Â
For the plant to show off the vibrant pigments, it is best to place it in an area where there is bright light.
Emerald Green
This variety of arrowheads differs from the emerald gem by having its entire leaf green, unlike the emerald gem having white variegations. This variety is simply green with lighter green veins. It is compact and perfect for small containers. Some growers love to propagate this variety to serve as a desk or bedroom plant.
Erythrophyllum
Contrary to popular belief, this is not under the Syngonium podophyllum. However, it is from the same genera. The Syngonium erythrophyllum is also known as the nephthytis. It is a perennial plant that prefers a light exposure that varies from partial to full shade. It also prefers acidic soil conditions with pH 5.6-6.5. It has the ability to reach 8 to 12 feet high, making it visible on tree trunks. It thrives in USDA zones 11-12.
What attracts growers are its dark green leaves with a burgundy red underside. It also produces flowers with a white spadix and deep green spathe. The flowers show during summer.
If you wish to make more of this plant, you may do so through the stem and tip cuttings. It is also not reported to be toxic.
Albolineatum
If you have more space to spare, you can opt for the albolineatum. This variety is relatively taller and bigger than the common varieties. It has light green leaves that develop white variegation as it matures. It is suitable for bigger containers with great drainage.
There is no special care for this plant.
Wendlandii
The wendlandii is famous for its air-purifying properties. Aside from that, it is also sought after because of its beautiful elongated deep green foliage with white venation. It is also a fast grower, wherein it reaches more than 6 feet high. It thrives when planted in soils with a pH that ranges from 6.1-7.8. Moreover, the lowest temperature it can tolerate is 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Albovirens
This variety showcases light green foliage with red-violet veins. Some leaves develop darker green margins and some white specks. It also grows compact and dense, which makes it a great household plant. There are no special maintenance requirements for this variety.
Tips on Choosing the Right Arrowhead Plant Varieties
Now that you know the different types of arrowhead plants, you may now start selecting. However, you might feel overwhelmed with different arrowhead plant varieties and we have some tips for that.
First, know your area. Ask yourself, where would you like to place the arrowhead plant you are about to get. This will help you know whether you should get a more compact plant or you can go for the bigger varieties. Also, this will determine how much light is available for your plant. There are brightly colored arrowheads that need to be exposed in bright lights for their pigment to develop.
Second, know your color preferences. Arrowheads come in different colors and sizes. Determine whether you want a deeper and darker shade or a lighter and creamy shade.
Lastly, identify how much time you can give for your plant. Despite the arrowhead’s versatility, some may require extra attention. For example, some types of syngonium tend to grow faster than others which leads to more frequent pruning needed.
FAQs
What is the rarest Syngonium?
The specific rarity of Syngonium varieties can vary based on local availability and demand, but one rare Syngonium is the “Syngonium wendlandii,” known for its unique, velvety, dark green leaves with silvery veins.
Is Arrowhead and Syngonium the same?
“Arrowhead plant” is a common name often used for Syngonium species, referring to the arrowhead-shaped leaves. Syngonium podophyllum is a popular species within this genus and is commonly known as the arrowhead plant.
What is the difference between Syngonium Podophyllum and Auritum?
Syngonium podophyllum and Syngonium auritum are two distinct species. Syngonium podophyllum, commonly called arrowhead plant, has arrow-shaped leaves and is popular as a houseplant. Syngonium auritum, also known as “Aurora” or “American Evergreen,” has broader, heart-shaped leaves and is a separate species within the Syngonium genus.
*image by nalinrat/depositphotos
