Things have been really slow at waterroots.com, as some of my regular visitors have noticed, but it really can’t be helped. A lot of things have been going on that have taken up way too much time and have robbed me of the opportunity to work on my website, which is something I thoroughly enjoy. Water Roots is more than just an information site; it’s my own personal ‘get-away-from-the-daily-grind’ spot in cyberspace where I can spend some time writing about one of my passions: houseplants. And I need this ‘doing-my-own-thing’ time to keep me sane and content in this overloaded ‘filled-with-responsibilities’ world of mine. Unfortunately, my ‘filled-with-responsibilities’ world sometimes grows too big and overflows into the ‘doing-my-own-thing’ time and I’m robbed of the opportunity to ‘get-away-from-the-daily-grind’. And that sucks. But I managed to find some free time today, so I will write as quickly as possible before the ‘filled-with-responsibilities’ world comes to reclaim me.

So what’s happening, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you in a nutshell what has kept me busy and what will continue to do so.

First, we were away on vacation recently, on one of the most fascinating trips I’ve taken in a long time. We visited three different areas in the United States: Pennsylvania (Hershey & Lancaster), Washington, D.C, and Virginia (Arlington & Virginia Beach). In addition to these three areas, we crossed through a few others on our way there and on our way back: New York, Maryland, Delaware & New Jersey. The trip was amazing, which is evident by the more than 800 (it’s true!) digital images I brought home, some of which I plan to share with you. And I do have oodles to write, even about plants I saw on display indoors and out (yes, I’m always aware of them everywhere I go), but I won’t be doing that today. The reason I mention it now is that the planning, packing and scheduling of the trip kept me busy. And when I returned, the unpacking and getting settled back down after the trip, not to mention the gazillion loads of laundry I did, also took up time. So that’s that.

The next thing, the one that is keeping me busy (and will continue to do so for quite awhile) is our upcoming move. We are planning to move to a new city within the next ten months. Okay, it’s not the most exciting move in terms of location – we’re only moving about 2½ to 3 hours away from here to a city where the winter is just a cold, the summer is just as short and the snow and rain are just as plentiful - but it is in a new province, which requires multiple changes and adjustments (schools, doctors, dentists, banks, etc). The exciting part of it is that we are looking to buy a home (we’re presently renting an upper duplex), preferably on a sizeable lot (minimum 1 acre; hopefully more than 3), which I am absolutely ecstatic about.

We’re trading in the big city of Greater Montreal (3.5 million people) for the smaller-sized but beautiful Kingston that has a metropolitan population of about 150,000. And although there are many newly-built suburban sections in Kingston for those that like the ‘snug’ community feeling (for me it’s claustrophobic), we’re opting for the areas that offer ‘space’ and ‘privacy’, two words that appeal tremendously to quiet-living people like me and my husband. So we’re looking forward to it, even though we have a very busy year ahead of us, especially because of the many day trips to and from the area that we will no doubt have to take as we plan our move.

So the moving part is what’s really keeping me busy. There are a few other things going on, but they’re private. And even though I love you guys, we’re really not that close, so I won’t share them. I mean, I’m sure you’re all wonderful people and I certainly don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but we are strangers, even though we hang out here, and therefore I do have to say: all the rest of my goings-on are, for lack of a better way to say it, none of your business. Not that you’re interested in my personal stuff anyway. So we’re all cool with this.

The next few months are going to get a little hectic for me, but I will write as much and as often as I can. I love this website and I have no intention on abandoning it. I will keep up with it as best as I can, and I’ll probably be writing about the move as it pans out. You’ve been forewarned.

Now, enough with the babble. You’re here to read about plants. And today I will write about the Syngonium, which I’ve been planning to write about for a long time. The reason I’m choosing it is that I noticed it quite a bit in the areas I visited recently in the United States. Is it very popular there? I don’t know. Is it very common? I don’t know. Is it a favourite? I don’t know. What I do know is that it’s a nice plant and deserves a spot on this site.

Okay, so let’s move on to some information about it…


Caring For A Syngonium Podophyllum

Syngonium Podophyllum, native to Central and South America, goes by numerous common names such as Arrowhead Vine, Goosefoot, Nephthytis, Arrowhead Plant and African Evergreen. The genus Syngonium consists of over 30 species of flowering plants that belong to the Araceae family, a family that includes familiar favourites like Aglaonema, Alocasia, Philodendron, Dieffenbachia, Anthurium and many others. The Podophyllum is my preferred Syngonium and one of the most popular, although there are many others that are just as appealing and rapidly increasing in popularity. It is available for purchase year round in local garden centers and greenhouses, and it’s sold in many different ways: small and medium-sized pots, hanging baskets and as a climbing vine in pots with moss poles. There’s definitely something for everyone.

The difficulty level of this plant depends on who’s telling the story. Generally speaking, this Syngonium has earned the status as an old-time favourite because of its reputation as a fairly carefree indoor plant. That (arguable amongst some growers) carefree nature is a very attractive feature, especially with beginners and negligent plant owners. Thus the popularity. But not everyone agrees. For some, the Syngonium Podophyllum is considered quite temperamental (a diva-type plant) and not very people-friendly. I personally find it relatively easy but agree that it can be tricky.

The secret to success with this lovely plant is proper watering. But proper watering is always easier said than done, especially with plants like this one that want their compost to be kept evenly moist at all times (in brighter locations) but never soggy, because they are quite susceptible to root rot while at the same time being sensitive to drying out too much. And in addition to all that, watering also depends on whether you grow this plant in low light, which it handles very well, or brighter light, which it also easily adjusts to. So, all that to say that the (possible) main problem with this plant is that it requires the mastering of a frustrating water-juggling act. And this only applies to some people because many growers have absolutely no problem with watering any type of Syngonium.

Anyhow.

My suggestion is to pot this plant in an airy yet slightly compact soil that is fast draining but able to retain some moisture at the same time. A commercial, all-purpose potting soil with an addition of perlite or other such material that adds aeration to the soil will usually suffice. This will allow the plant to retain some moisture but never stay wet for too long. Problem solved. More or less.

In simpler terms: if you are growing your Syngonium in low light, allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. In medium light, keep the soil somewhat moist. And in higher light, keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Reduce watering in the winter but never allow it to dry out completely. Always avoid soggy soil, which will lead to rot.

Syngonium Podophyllum can also be grown directly in water (roots submerged 24/7), which it’s a perfect candidate for, or in hydroculture (wash roots free of soil and pot up in clay pellets), which helps eliminate all water woes. If you decide to grow in water, keep the water properly oxygenated at all times by changing it often (at least once a week would be terrific).

To learn more about growing plants directly in water, visit this link:
Hydroculture vs. Growing In Water

Although this Syngonium will adapt to low light and tolerate it for a fairly long time, it will not be at its best in that type of location. Place your plant in a brightly lit spot where it can receive filtered light. During the fall and winter seasons, some direct sunlight from an east or west window is very much appreciated. Make sure you protect your plant from the hot rays of direct midday sun during the summer months, which will bleach or burn the leaves.

Syngonium is happy in average home temperatures between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F) and prefers humidity levels to be above 30 percent. In the winter when the air is very dry, mist the plant as often as possible, place it on a pebble tray filled with water or add a humidifier nearby.

One of the most remarkable features of this plant is the dramatic change in leaf shape that occurs as the plant grows older. In its juvenile stage, the leaves are arrow-shaped and the stalks are erect. As the plant ages, the stems acquire a climbing habit and the leaves become lobed. If you want to retain the juvenile leaf style, just cut off the climbing stems as they form.


All in all, Syngonium Podophyllum is not a difficult plant to grow indoors. Water carefully, provide adequate light and keep humidity levels at a healthy level. That’s really all there is to keeping this lovely specimen happy.

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