Stardust ivy (Syngonium podophyllum) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Arrowhead plant, Arrowhead vine, Goosefoot, Nephthytis, African evergreen, American evergreen
Family
Araceae (arum family)
Origin
Latin America, from Mexico to Bolivia and Trinidad; naturalised in Florida, Texas, Hawaii and elsewhere
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
150 cm
Temperature
18–30°C
Care level
expert
Lighting
Bright, indirect light (grown out of water)

Care

Warning: Stardust ivy (arrowhead plant) is a land (or at most bog) plant, not a true aquatic plant. Kept fully underwater it slowly weakens and dies, often over several months, so it is best grown emersed in a paludarium or with only its roots in water. Syngonium podophyllum is a climbing aroid from tropical Latin America that clings to tree trunks with its roots, or creeps as ground cover. Its leaves are usually arrow-shaped, up to about 30 cm long; wild plants are plain dark green, while cultivated forms come in many colours and variegations. Indoor plants reach about 1.5 m. Sold in aquarium shops as "stardust ivy", it slowly dies when kept underwater. It is a good paludarium climber, or can trail from a planter with its roots in the tank water. All parts are poisonous: the sap burns skin and the needle-like crystals can damage eyes, so wear gloves. It has naturalised in several warm regions. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syngoniumpodophyllum); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cuttings root well in water or straight into compost, at about 18 °C or above; tip cuttings root more easily than pieces from lower down the stem.

Compatibility and tank mates

Do not sell or buy this as a true aquarium plant. It belongs in a paludarium, terrarium or on a windowsill with its roots in water, out of reach of fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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