All About Syngonium Wendlandii Care
Black Velvet Arrowhead
One of the latest plants to come onto the houseplant scene is the Black Velvet Arrowhead. Syngonium Wendlandii has elongated spade or arrowhead-shaped leaves with white and dark green variegation. The green color of the leaves is very dark and often looks black under low light.
All arrowheads are extremely popular houseplants due to their ease of care and a wide variety of different leaf colors and variegation.
Although the velvety texture of the Wendlandii leaves is not as prominent as say a scindapus or purple passion plant, I find they are slightly more finicky than their siblings. Nonetheless, they are still easy houseplants and are a good choice for beginners. Read on to learn how to care for Syngonium Wendlandii.
How To Care for Syngonium Wendlandii
Syngonium originates from Central and South America where its long-trailing vines climb up trees in tropical rainforests. As with other Arrowhead cultivators, Wendlandii is relatively easy to care for and happy in most home environments.
As with other velvety-leafed plants, I find that Wendlandii leaves don’t particularly like to get their leaves wet. They aren’t as dramatic as an African Violet and won’t develop spots but my Black Velvet Arrowhead seems much happier if the leaves don’t collect water on them.
The average temperature and humidity in most home environments is perfect for these tropical plants. They love a bright, sunny window, especially during the cooler months but avoid direct summer sun.
Pot them up an inch or two once the roots start growing out of the bottom of the pot. These are relatively fast-growing and may need potting up every year.
Read on to learn more about caring for Syngonium Wendlanii ……
USDA Zone 10-12. Syngonium typically prefers temperatures between 60°- 86°F.
They don’t like to get bone dry so water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. If you are unsure, stick your finger in the soil. Too much water can cause root rot and yellowing of the leaves. Likewise, if Wendlandii gets too little water, the leaves will yellow and slowly turn brown.
These are typically medium plants growing to around 1-2 feet wide but can grow much larger as they start to trail. Syngonium Wendlandii can be kept compact and full by pruning every 1-2 years.
They prefer bright, indirect light. Direct summer sun can cause burnt leaves. Remember they grow up trees in their native environment so they are used to a lot of light just filtered through the tree leaves.
Use a rich potting mix that drains well. Incorporate small pieces of orchid bark and perlite into regular or succulent soil to create more airflow. Compost will add much-needed nutrients.
They are native to subtropical regions and like 50% or higher humidity levels.
Syngonium Wendlandii is toxic and NOT safe for children and pets. Find more pet-safe plants here.
Fertilize every three months during the growing season with Green Grub Insect Frass. You can either make a compost tea to water with every time or sprinkle a layer of fertilizer on top of the soil. If using synthetic, use an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer with a balanced ratio.
Propagate Syngonium Wendlandii by stem or leaf cuttings and division. Read on for propagation instructions.
How to Propagate Syngonium Arrowhead Plants
Propagating Arrowhead plants is a piece of cake. Syngoniums can be propagated by cuttings and division. Regular pruning encourages a more bushy plant and division allows the current pot size to be maintained. Pruning and propagating are best done in the spring during active growth.
Division
1. This is easily done while repotting your plant and allows the current pot size to be maintained. Instead of potting up, you divide the plant into 2-3 sections. Once you have the rootball out of the pot, use a sharp knife to cut individual offsets away from the main plant. Make sure to get enough roots to support the new offset.
2. Likewise you can also loosen the rootball with your fingers and gently separate the offset from the main plant.
3. Plant your new offset into a rooting medium, keep moist and wait for the plant to establish.
4. Once your offset is established and growing well. Repot into a pot that is 1 inch larger than the rootball and enjoy your new plant!
Stem Cuttings
1. Take cuttings of healthy stems with 1-2 nodes that have 1-3 leaves. Each node will root and form a new plant. I prefer each stem to be 2-3 inches tall.
2. Plant the stem(s) into a rooting medium and keep the medium moist, not wet. Ensure the node is in the medium as that is where the new roots will grow from. You may also use a clear jar of water for water rooting.
3. Cover with a clear plastic or glass dome so that the leaves do not dry out. Seed starting kits and propagation boxes work well for this.
4. Place your cuttings/ prop box in a warm area with bright indirect light and keep medium moist, not wet.
5. Wait for new growth. Once you have a thriving plant, repot, and slowly acclimate to a less humid environment.
Get your very own Wendlanii here.
