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 15-20% 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
