Syngonium steyermarkii

Where Syngonium steyermarkii grows

Syngonium steyermarkii occurs naturally from Oaxaca and Chiapas in Mexico to south-western Guatemala. It is a climber of wet tropical vegetation.

Young plants have broad undivided leaves. Supported stems later produce deeply split foliage with many narrow sections, one of the species’ defining changes with maturity.

Syngonium steyermarkii care

Light for deeply split leaves

Bright indirect light and a tall textured support give this species the best chance of producing deeply split foliage. Attach aerial roots gently as the stem rises. Dim light or loss of support may lead to smaller, less divided leaves.

Moisture for a wet-tropical climber

Let only the top 1 to 2 cm dry before watering the full root ball. Drain it thoroughly. Mix chunky bark and perlite through coir or peat so air can reach the roots. Water the roots regularly and keep the potting mix loose. Humidity around 50 to 70% helps the many narrow leaf sections open cleanly.

Warmth and continued growth

Keep temperatures between 18 and 27°C, with protection below 15°C. Give a mild balanced feed during fresh leaf growth. Extend the support before the vine reaches its top. Move to a larger pot when the root system has occupied the current one. Take a mature cutting with a healthy node, an aerial root and a fresh shoot.

Syngonium steyermarkii problems and solutions

• Mature leaves become simpler: Restore bright indirect light and secure the vine firmly to a tall support. Root stress can also reduce the divisions, so check the pot if growth remains weak.
• Narrow sections tear as they open: Drought, cold or dry air can interrupt expansion. Stabilise warmth and moisture, then leave the folded leaf untouched.
• The plant yellows in damp substrate: This wet-tropical species likes regular moisture, not stagnant roots. Inspect for soft dark damage and repot into a coarse aerated mix after cleaning the root system.
• Stippling spreads across the divided foliage: Look for mites and webbing along the narrow sections. Silver abrasions with black dots point to thrips. Check veins and stalks for cottony mealybugs or fixed scale bumps, then separate the plant and treat the insect present.
• Soft lesions continue growing: Keep leaves dry, improve airflow and remove the worst affected foliage using clean tools. Seek diagnosis if new spots appear.

Syngonium steyermarkii is toxic to people and pets

• This plant is toxic to humans, cats and dogs if ingested.
• Leaves and stems contain needle-like, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing can cause immediate burning mouth pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian after pet exposure or a medical professional after human exposure, especially if swelling or breathing trouble occurs.

Syngonium steyermarkii: name and meaning

The name Syngonium comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “reproductive organs”, referring to the united ovaries in its flowers. The species name steyermarkii honours the American botanist Julian A. Steyermark.

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

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Syngonium steyermarkii in 1982 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, volume 68, page 604.