Syngonium podophyllum 'Pixie' aka 'Nana'

Botanical Background and Cultivation

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’, also known as ‘Nana’, is a dwarf cultivated selection. Its compact juvenile growth distinguishes it from the much larger climbing form of the species.

The wild species ranges from Mexico across Central America into South America, progressing from simple juvenile leaves near the ground to divided adult foliage on mature climbing shoots.

Care for a climbing houseplant

Light, settling in and leaf care: Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’ needs plentiful indirect light for dense miniature growth. Wait until the tiny crown is holding its leaves firmly and showing fresh root or stem growth before pinching, repotting or taking cuttings.

Watering, leaf care and propagation: Water as the upper layer starts drying, distributing moisture through the entire ball and then draining it. A miniature dries sooner than a large vine when actively growing, but it is equally vulnerable to an oversized, slowly drying pot. Trim a lengthening stem just past a node, retaining the low juvenile habit. To propagate Syngonium ‘Pixie’, take a compact section with at least one viable node and bud; a leaf and petiole without stem tissue cannot form another plant.

Syngonium ‘Pixie’: Problems and Solutions

Check the entire small root core before adding water. If the small root core is dry but its pale roots remain firm, rewet it thoroughly and let it drain. Remove soft brown roots or a weakening crown from wet potting mix, then keep the viable plant warm in a fine airy mix. An oversized pot holds more unused moisture without making this naturally small cultivar larger.

Thrips hide in the miniature leaf rolls and can distort an entire new leaf; look for larvae, adults, rough silver injury and black specks. Mites create finer pale speckling below the blades. If crown tissue looks water-soaked or a damaged patch spreads, set Syngonium ‘Pixie’ apart from nearby plants quickly because little healthy material remains.

Compact growth and small leaves are normal for Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’. Low light still lengthens leaf stalks and gaps between leaves, while mature supported growth may become somewhat larger. Do not judge the genetic small size as deficiency or try to correct it with strong fertiliser.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Why is it called Syngonium podophyllum?

The name Syngonium comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “reproductive organs”, referring to the united ovaries in its flowers. The species name podophyllum means “foot-leaved”, a reference to the foot-like arrangement of mature leaf divisions.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Syngonium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Syngonium podophyllum in 1851 in Botanische Zeitung (Berlin), volume 9, page 85.