Syngonium podophyllum 'White Butterfly'

Syngoniums, commonly referred to as arrowhead plants due to the spiky shape of their leaves, will love you if you keep them humid! This variety gets its name from the white variegation which spreads across most of each leaf, gradually moving from a soft, creamy white in the centre to green at the edges like a butterfly's wing. Due to the high levels of variegation, this species needs quite bright light, but it's well worth the effort to keep its beautiful foliage delicately coloured. Choose this variety for a delicate green and white plant sure to add character to your home.

Scientific Name
Syngonium podophyllum 'White Butterfly' (foot-leafed plant with carpels, cultivar: white butterfly)

Synonyms: Arum auritum, Pothos auritus, Syngonium affine, Syngonium amazonicum, Syngonium decipiens, Syngonium gracile, Syngonium poeppigii, Syngonium riedelianum, Syngonium ruizii, Syngonium ternatum, Syngonium vellozianum, Syngonium willdenowii, Syngonium xanthophilum, Xanthosoma gracile

The Nephthytis genus is often confused with the Syngonium one, so sometimes you'll find this plant sold with both names; there is no S. nephthytis though!

Common Name
White Butterfly Arrowhead Plant, Arrowhead Vine, African Evergreen, Nephthytis, Goosefoot Plant 'White Butterfly'

Origin
Tropical rainforests of South America, in: Belize, Bolivia, most of Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago and Venezuela

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. It can tolerate lower light but may lose some of its creamy-white colour. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Water
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out in between watering; always allow to drain as this plant does not like sitting in soggy soil. Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows.

Humidity
Syngoniums love high humidity- they will benefit from frequent misting or the introduction of a humidity tray.

Soil
Use a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix to keep this thirsty plant happy but not too soggy. One designed for Syngoniums, or containing coir and bark alongside grit and zeolite, would be ideal. Repot every three years as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Average household temperatures of about 18-26°C are perfect- make sure it doesn't drop below 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
If the tips of the leaves are browning, it is probably too dry for your plant; try misting it or making a humidity tray to increase humidity!