Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' – Glossy Green Foliage with Variegated Character
Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash', also traded as 'Grey Ghost', is a visually striking arrowhead vine with layered green variegation and bold, glossy leaves. A fast-growing hemiepiphyte from Central and South America, this cultivar combines unpredictable patterns with low-maintenance care — perfect for bright corners, hanging baskets, or vertical displays.
What Makes Syngonium 'Green Splash' Special
- Foliage: Smooth green leaves splashed with soft lime or silvery hues
- Growth style: Trailing or climbing habit with support
- Leaf evolution: Juvenile arrow-shaped leaves transition into lobed forms over time
- Indoor size: Grows 60–90 cm tall or wide with structure
- Versatility: Suits both hanging planters and upright growth on a moss pole
How to Care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash'
- Light: Bright, indirect light promotes healthy growth and clear variegation. Avoid harsh direct sun.
- Water: Let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again. Never allow the soil to stay soggy.
- Humidity: Thrives in 50–70%. Tolerates regular indoor humidity but benefits from extra moisture.
- Temperature: Prefers 18–27 °C. Protect from drafts and rapid temperature changes.
- Substrate: Use a free-draining, airy mix with perlite, orchid bark, and compost or coco coir.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth. Reduce in winter.
- Repotting: Refresh substrate and upsize the pot every 1–2 years to prevent root crowding.
- Pruning: Trim back long vines for a compact form and remove yellowing foliage as needed.
- Propagation: Cuttings with one node root easily in water or soil. Spring is ideal for best success.
- Hydroponics: Adapts well to LECA or passive semi-hydro systems. Flush monthly and add nutrients regularly.
Common Care Issues and How to Fix Them
- Yellow leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor light — allow soil to dry and move to a brighter spot.
- Brown tips: Linked to low humidity or inconsistent watering — raise humidity and use filtered water.
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or beneficial insects.
- Root rot: Caused by compacted or waterlogged soil — repot using a fast-draining mix and trim mushy roots.
Placement, Styling, and Maintenance Tips
- Train vertically: Use a moss pole to support climbing stems and larger leaf development
- Let it trail: Display from hanging planters or shelf edges for flowing vines
- Leaf care: Wipe occasionally with a cloth or plant glove to remove dust
- Pet safety: Like all Syngonium types, contains calcium oxalates and is toxic if ingested
Etymology and Botanical Notes
Syngonium comes from Greek “syn” (together) and “gonos” (seed), referring to the plant’s fused ovaries. The species name podophyllum means “foot-shaped leaf,” referencing the lobed mature leaf form. 'Green Splash' is a cultivar name reflecting its distinctive green-on-green patterning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can it grow in low light? It survives in lower light but grows slower and may stretch. Bright, filtered light is best.
- Do aerial roots need to be removed? No — they support climbing. Trim only for aesthetics.
- Is it safe for pets? No. It contains calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from animals and children.
Buy Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' Online
Add a layer of texture and movement to your plant collection with Syngonium 'Green Splash'. Its unpredictable foliage and easygoing growth make it a standout tropical houseplant. Order now at Foliage Factory and enjoy year-round leafy interest with minimal effort.
Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' ('Grey Ghost')
Syngonium podophyllum 'Green Splash' aka 'Grey Ghost' comes in following sizes:
S – comes in a ⌀ 10.5 cm pot and is approximately 15 cm tall
M – comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot and is approximately 25 cm tall
