Guide to Syngonium Varieties: names, pictures and care tips for common syngonium plants

A Guide to Popular Syngonium Varieties

The syngonium is a beautiful vine-like plant known for its heart-shaped leaves and low-maintenance care. Within the genus Syngonium, there are over 50 different cultivars that come in a variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors. If you’re looking to add some unique foliage to your indoor jungle, a syngonium may be the perfect plant. In this guide, I’ll cover 11 of the most popular syngonium varieties and provide photos so you can identify the perfect one for your space.

Syngonium Podophyllum (White Butterfly)

Syngonium podophyllum, commonly called the white butterfly syngonium, is one of the most common varieties. It features light green, heart-shaped leaves with pale veins that give the foliage a lacy, delicate appearance. The white butterfly syngonium is a vigorous grower that thrives in low to medium light. Its vines can reach several feet in length, making it perfect for trailing over the edges of shelves or hanging baskets. From my experience, this syngonium is very forgiving of occasional neglect and rebounds well with just a drink of water.

Syngonium Pink Allusion

The syngonium pink allusion has vibrant pink leaves, especially when young, that mature to a soft blush tone. Its heart-shaped foliage remains small, only reaching 3-4 inches in size. I’ve found this miniature syngonium works well in terrariums, mixed planters, or as a tabletop accent. While the pink allusion enjoys medium to bright indirect light, be warned that too much sun can cause the leaves to lose their rosy hue.

Syngonium erythrophyllum (Red-Leaf Syngonium)

With deep crimson leaves, syngonium erythrophyllum, also called the red-leaf syngonium, really stands out from the crowd. With high light, the leaves maintain their striking red pigment. However, in low-light conditions they will fade to green. Aside from its bold foliage, the red-leaf syngonium is similar to other syngoniums in terms of care preferences. It makes an eye-catching statement plant where a pop of color is desired. Just be aware that young red leaves are more fragile than green leaves.

Syngonium Albo-Variegatum

With white and green variegated leaves, syngonium albo-variegatum offers a frosty, elegant look. Although the portion of white vs green can vary between individual plants, the white flecks and stripes provide lovely contrast. Similar to other syngoniums, the albo-variegatum grows well in medium to low light. It’s a popular choice for table tops or hanging planters where its dappled foliage can really shine. Just use care when acclimating an albo-variegatum, as the white patches are more susceptible to sunburn than solid green leaves.

Syngonium Crispum (Spearhead Syngonium)

Featuring narrow, pointed oval leaves, syngonium crispum is easily identified by its “spearhead” shape. Unlike heart-shaped syngoniums, the spearhead leaves form a tight rosette. This compact syngonium variety stays petite, only reaching 6-8 inches tall. Its crisp foliage holds its shape well and looks beautiful spilling over containers. In my experience, the spearhead syngonium is less vining than other syngoniums but makes a wonderfully fuller, bushier houseplant.

Syngonium Aconitifolium

With distinct arrowhead-shaped leaves, syngonium aconitifolium has an immediately recognizable profile. Similar to the common heart-shaped syngoniums in terms of care, its arrowleaf foliage grows to around 6 inches in length on succulent green stems. The aconitifolium makes an impact with its dramatic foliage shape and texture. I find it stands out among heartleaf syngoniums while retaining an easygoing demeanor. It adds an exotic twist without fussiness.

Syngonium macrophyllum

As its name suggests, syngonium macrophyllum has impressively large leaves that can span over 6 inches. Not only do the broad heart-shaped leaves dwarf other syngonium varieties in size, but they also emerge boasting bold, silver veining. Mature specimens trail lengthy vines with gigantic foliage. I was stunned the first time I saw a mature macrophyllum – it’s truly a architectural, statement-making syngonium. While its leaves demand attention, it is otherwise low maintenance like other syngoniums.

Syngonium Strawberry Ice

With velvety heart-shaped leaves splashed in pink, white, and green, syngonium ‘Strawberry Ice’ is a real showstopper. With excellent variegation, no two leaves are exactly the same color combo. It maintains a compact size and wins admiration for its eye-catching foliage pattern. While Strawberry Ice appreciates medium to bright light indoors, strong sun will bleach out its hues somewhat. I find the variegation retains well indoors on a windowsill.

Syngonium Neon Robusta

If you want a syngonium with seriously high-contrast foliage, then syngonium ‘Neon Robusta’ is for you. Its heart-shaped leaves emerge a striking lime green with deeper veins before maturing to chartreuse above and silvery white below. The rich color difference really makes the Neon Robusta a stunner. Like most syngoniums, it makes for a vigorous, low-maintenance vining plant. While it needs decent light for color, I have luck with Neon Robusta on a south- or west-facing windowsill as well.

Syngonium Mojito

A newer hybrid introduced in 2019, syngonium ‘Mojito’ brings a soothing color palette. Its velvety leaves arise splashed in creamy off-whites, soft pinks, and lime greens. The variegation pattern results in dusty, faded hues rather than crisp defined lines like in other varieties. It maintains a petite, bushy habit suitable for tabletops or hanging baskets. In my experience, Mojito seems less fussy about light levels than other variegated syngoniums as well.

Caring for Syngonium

While different varieties may have unique growth habits or color responses, most syngoniums share similar care preferences:

1. Medium to low, indirect light. Too much direct sun can cause leaf burn.
2. Moderately moist soil. Allow top 1-2 inches to dry between waterings.
3. Humidity 50-60%. Mist leaves occasionally if air is very dry.
4. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring-fall with a dilute balanced houseplant fertilizer.
5. Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings in water or moist soil. Roots form quickly.
6. Prune trailing vines to control size or shape the plant.

By following these basic tips, your new syngonium should thrive indoors for many years to come. Let me know if you have any other syngonium questions!

Final Thoughts

I hope this overview of popular syngonium varieties helped give you ideas to select the perfect one for your space. From hardy classics like the white butterfly to variegated showstoppers like Strawberry Ice, there is a syngonium to suit every taste. In my experience as an avid houseplant grower, syngoniums definitely deserve their reputation as low-maintenance indoor plants. Their beautiful foliage, adaptability, and easy propagation make them winners for any home or office. Happy planting – enjoy your new syngonium!

Syngonium Varieties

FAQ

1. What types of syngonium varieties are there?

   There are basically 3 main types of syngonium varieties:

   
   1. Syngonium podophyllum – also called the arrowhead plant or goofy plant. It has heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. A super common variety.
   2. Syngonium albo-variegatum – has big green leaves splotched with white. Looks amazing in my opinion!
   3. Syngonium erythrophyllum – known as the berry allusif. It has smaller leaves than the arrowhead plant but the leaves are like, reddish-pink. Unique!

2. What kinds of patterns do variegated syngonium leaves have?

   Syngonium variegatum varieties can have all sorts of funky leaf patterns. The albo-variegatum I mentioned earlier has big white splotches. But there’s also one called ‘Maria Allusion’ that has tiny white speckles – it’s kind of like looking at stars! My neighbor has a syngonium with a white edged leaf, almost like it’s got a built-in thank you note. So basically the variegation can appear in lots of designs on their leaves.

3. How fast do syngoniums grow?

   In general, syngoniums grow relatively quickly. Given the right conditions, you’ll see new growth and leaves appearing every month or so. They seem to thrive in medium to low sunlight. However, their growth can sometimes be sporadic. I’ve had periods where mine just sat stagnant for a while. Then all of a sudden it totally took off growing! So their pace might not always be consistent. But they’re certainly not considered slow growers.

4. What kinds of conditions do syngoniums prefer?

   Most sygonium varieties do best in partially shaded to medium light areas. Strong direct sunlight can potentially burn their leaves. They like average indoor temperatures around 70-80°F. Soil should be well-draining potting mix. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Syngoniums are very tolerant of lower light and neglect! On the other hand, fertilize monthly in the growing season for shiney healthy growth.

5. How do you propagate syngonium?

   There are some different ways to propagate syngonium cuttings. Basically you can take stem cuttings with a few leaves and root them in water or soil. Simply remove the lowest leaf, and place the stem in a glass of water. Within a couple weeks you’ll see roots forming. Once they have a decent root system, transplant to soil. You can also try rooting leaf cuttings by laying the leaf on damp soil and waiting for it to root and grow new plantlets. Either way works well and let’s you get more syngoniums!

6. Do syngoniums need pruning or trimming?

   While syngoniums are pretty low maintenance overall, some light pruning can keep them looking fuller and thicker. Basically just trim off any non-woody stems that are trailing too long or have become leggy over time. This encourages the plant to branch out from where you cut. You can also trim off any totally yellow or dying leaves. However, syngoniums don’t necessarily require regular pruning – they’ll grow well untouched anyhow. So pruning is an optional thing for upkeep rather than necessity.

   

7. Should I bring my syngonium indoors for the winter?

   It’s generally best to bring syngoniums inside as a houseplant once nighttime temperatures start dipping below 50°F. Outdoors they can survive some frost, but not an extended freeze. Inside over the winter, they’ll go dormant with minimal new growth. Fortunately, syngoniums are very versatile plants – they adapt well to both indoor and outdoor conditions! Place it in a bright spot and it should come back to vibrant growth again in spring.