How to Care for a Nephthytis Plant

The nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum), also known as arrowhead philodendron, has whitish-green leaves shaped like an arrowhead. Native to Central America and Mexico, the arrowhead philodendron is sensitive to cold and is best suited as an indoor plant. With the proper care, the nephthytis can grow for many years. The plant can be grown in a hanging basket, in a floor stand or as a container plant on the table.

Drainage tray

Pea gravel

Place the nephthytis is a window where it will receive indirect but bright sunlight. An east-, south- or west-facing window is ideal.

Maintain room temperatures of between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with medium humidity. Fill the drainage tray with pea gravel and place it underneath the container to catch the excess water runoff when watering to provide humidity around the plant.

Water thoroughly when the soil is slightly damp 1 inch below the surface. Insert your finger into the soil 1 inch to test the soil before watering.

Feed the nephthytis with 10-10-10 nitrogen-phosphate-potassium fertilizer diluted in half every two months during spring and summer. During the fall and winter, avoid feeding. The plant is in a resting stage.

Repot the plant only in spring with a media of one part coarse sand, two parts humus, two parts peat moss and one part topsoil when the plant outgrows its container. Use a bark support pole in the container for the plant to climb and attach to if you want the plant to grow upwards instead of hanging down.

Pinch back stems to the first green leaf when leaves turn brown and die. Some stems will grow without leaves. These are known as suckers and must be pinched off at the soil.