For all the fans of long arrow-head leaves, here is another Aroid, the Syngonium wendlandii plant. Numerous long, shiny, dark-green leaves grow vertically from a single base. This perennial plant is easy to care for and propagates readily.
These qualities make it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor plantations. Besides, the evergreen nature makes it a preferable eye candy throughout the year.
This native of Nicaragua can grow up to 1.5 meters tall in open space. However, these arrow-head leaves can adjust a little too smaller places as well. Want to know more? Let us learn further about the maintenance and care of the Wendlandii Syngonium Plant.
Syngonium wendlandii Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Syngonium.
Species: S. wendlandii.
Genus Syngonium:
Syngoniums are flowering plants belonging to the famous Aroid family. The name is derived from the Greek language, used for the fused ovaries of the female plants. The tropical rainforests of America, Mexico, and the West Indies are known to be the home of these plants.
The foliage of Syngoniums develops in different stages. The mature form is more developed and lobed as compared to the juvenile plants. Moreover, the adult arrow-like form of the leaves makes these plants popularly known as the ‘arrow-head plants’.
The attractive foliage of Syngoniums makes them popular in both outdoor and indoor plantations. The majority of these are large vines that can get as long as 20 meters in open space. However, these peeps adjust pretty well to smaller spaces. Besides size, the foliage also adjusts by remaining in a juvenile state forever.
The genus shows a close resemblance to the sister genus Philodendron. However, unlike Philos, Syngoniums develop ovoid fragrant fruit.
It would be further interesting to know that informal division further subdivides the genus into different categories depending upon the structure of foliage. These divisions are; Cordatum, Oblongatum, Pinnatilobum, and Syngonium.
Features of the Syngonium wendlandii Plant
Size:
The average size of these long leaves can get about a meter and a half on maturity. However, in smaller spaces, you can expect them to adjust and remain slightly shorter.
Dormancy:
Just like other family members, these too get dormant in winter. Slow to nil growth with minimal requirements of water and light, these plants tend to ‘sleep the winter away. So, make sure you don’t water the plant more than once or twice a month and never fertilize after the fall. Just wait for the spring to see your Wendlandii plant flourish again.
Toxicity:
Carrying the legacy of the Aroid family, this plant is also toxic for animals and humans. Higher levels of calcium oxalate crystals make it cause allergy, salivation, and ulceration of the mouth on ingestion. So, keep the plant out of the reach of pets and kids. Also, in case of ingestion make sure you don’t neglect to contact emergency medical help.
Philodendron wendlandii:
The close resemblance of the plant with Philodendrons makes it commonly labeled as a Philodendron. However, the justified classification and proper identification show it as a true Syngonium.
Syngonium wendlandii Variegated
This is a rare form of the Wendlandii plant. All the features like size and structure are the same, except that the leaves show prominent white variegation. Moreover, all the requirements of maintenance of this peep are pretty same as the original plant.
Syngonium wendlandii Care
These plants are not that difficult to grow. They are simply no-fuss plants, suitable enough for everyone including the beginners and lazy peeps.
Quick Guide:
Water: Moderate. (Water right after the upper soil gets partially dry).
Sunlight: Dappled sun.
Humidity: Average (40 to 60% moisture in the air).
Fertilizer: Mild doses of fertilizer in summer and spring.
Water Requirement
These pees love to stay in evenly moist soil. Follow the basic principle of watering evenly and letting the soil dry out partially before the next watering. You can observe the upper soil by touching it. When you see the soil about 90% dried (not bone dry), it is time to water!
You need to observe the drying pattern and period of soil. This will help you to estimate a watering schedule. In higher temperatures and brighter light, the plants usually need more water. An estimated water frequency for spring and summer is about twice a week.
In fall and winter, the temperature drops down making the Aroids go dormant. The water requirement minimizes to not more than once in about twenty days.
Over-watering is strictly prohibited as it can destroy the plant through fungus, root rot, and pest attacks. So, don’t water unless the upper layer has just dried out.
Sunlight Requirement
The bright indirect sun is what your plant needs to stay happy. For indoor plantation, select a place with dappled sun. On the other hand, a well-lit shade under some wall or a tree is the right place for an outdoor Wendlandii.
Be careful about the long exposures of the direct sun because it can scorch out the foliage.
Temperature Requirement
A pleasant temperature that makes you feel comfortable is simple enough for the plant as well. An ideal estimated range is 15 to 27 C.
Cold and frost can put a troll on a plant’s health. Freezing weather can even kill your Wendlandii plant. So, make sure the plant stays at some warm spot in winter. This is especially important for people living in zones with freezing tendencies.
Humidity Requirement
Average humidity levels are enough to keep these plants happy. A range of 40 to 60% moisture in the air is ideal for the plant.
On dry days, you can mist the plant once a week. However, the foliage mustn’t stay wet for long. A well-ventilated place can help to avoid many issues like fungus and pest attacks.
Soil Requirement
Well-drained and organically rich soil is what you need for your Syngonium wendlandii plant. You can buy a good quality house plant potting mix for indoor plantation. Moreover, mixing peat-based mediums are a good option to enhance the draining capacity of the growing mixture.
Fertilizer Requirement
These slow growers would appreciate your efforts in providing extra nutrients. Use a good quality balanced fertilizer and give monthly doses in spring and summer.
Over-fertilization is harmful and can even kill the plant. So, always use moderate concentration, preferably half of the stated dose. Additionally, never fertilize the plant in its dormant state. It is better to stop fertilizing after the middle of the summer season.
Pot Requirements
Select a medium-sized pot with drainage holes at the base. Convert the plant into a larger pot when it grows out of the pot. Also, roots protruding out from the basal holes are another sign.
Pruning Requirements
It is better to remove the older and damaged leaves from the plant. This not only gives a fresh look but also helps the plant to grow better.
Syngonium wendlandii Propagation
Just like other siblings, this one too is an easy-to-propagate plant.
- Propagation by clumps.
- By leaf-cuttings.
Propagation by Clumps:
These Syngoniums grow in the form of clumps or pups. Clumps are small or baby plants that grow attached to the parent plant after maturity. You can simply cut and separate these clumps, replant and let them grow into individual plants.
- Just loosen the soil around the pup and cut it with the help of a sterilized knife and cut the pup from the mother.
- Take it out carefully without damaging the roots.
- Plant these in your desired place. Moisten the soil mist the soil every week in the initial month. After about four weeks, the roots will get settled in the new place. You can simply follow the care as mentioned in the previous section and see your arrow-head Wendlandii plant flourish.
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Summary
Syngonium wendlandii is an evergreen perennial plant from the famous Aroid family. The long, shiny, dark-green leaves grow vertical from a common base. In open space, the plant gets about 1.5 meters.
Moderate watering and indirect sun are all that you need to provide this plant. It is no doubt a low-maintenance plant which makes it a nice option for both indoor and outdoor plantation.
Just like other Syngoniums, Wendlandii Syngonium is also toxic. Hence, make sure you keep kids and pets away from it. Moreover, in case of ingestion don’t delay contacting emergency medical help.
