Syngonium Wendlandii: Velvet Leaves, Bold Stripes and Easy Care

Syngonium wendlandii is a stunning arrowhead plant known for its deep green, velvety leaves with a bold silver stripe down the centre. It is eye-catching, fairly easy to grow, and perfect for both beginner and experienced plant keepers. This guide covers appearance, care, repotting, soil, indoor and outdoor use, reptile safety, plant-only terrarium suitability, and common issues.

Appearance

Syngonium wendlandii has dark green, velvety leaves with a thick, bright silver line running from base to tip. Young plants stay compact and bushy. Mature plants develop longer, more divided foliage and can vine or climb when given a pole or support. The velvety texture makes it stand out from other Syngonium varieties.

Indoor or Outdoor Plant

Indoors, it thrives in bright indirect light and can adapt to medium light.

Outdoors, it grows well in warm, frost-free areas in shade or semi-shade. It should be protected from cold, direct afternoon sun, wind and frost.

Reptile Safety

Syngonium wendlandii is not safe for reptiles to eat. Like all Syngoniums, it contains compounds that can cause irritation if chewed or swallowed. If your reptile does not eat leaves, does not graze on plants, and does not have access to the plant inside its enclosure, it can safely be kept in the same room. Many keepers use Syngoniums as part of the room decor around reptiles that are not plant-nibblers. It should not be placed inside an enclosure where a reptile may bite or mouth the leaves by accident. The plant is suitable only for display outside the enclosure.

Terrarium Use (Plant-Only)

Syngonium wendlandii can be used in terrariums that are plant-only. It prefers setups with airflow, space, and moderate to high humidity. It is best suited for open terrariums, large glass bowls or decorative enclosures. It is not recommended for small, fully sealed terrariums because it prefers more movement of air and will outgrow tight spaces.

Air Purifying

Syngonium wendlandii offers moderate air-purifying benefits. It can help reduce some indoor pollutants and improve overall freshness in the room.

Soil

Use a light, airy, fast-draining mix. A good blend is:cocopeat or peat-based soilperlite for drainagea small amount of orchid bark for airflowThis helps prevent the roots from staying too wet, which Syngoniums do not like.

Repotting

Repot every 12 to 18 months or when the roots reach the edges of the pot. Spring and early summer are the best times to repot. Choose the next pot size up and refresh the soil to keep nutrients available.

Care Guide

Light: Bright indirect light is ideal. Medium light is acceptable. Too little light will reduce the silver striping.

Water:

Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil stay soaked.

Humidity:

Medium to high humidity is preferred. It will grow faster and produce larger leaves in higher humidity.

Temperature:

Warm and stable temperatures are best. Protect from cold drafts, heaters and air conditioners.

Fertiliser:

Feed every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertiliser. Reduce feeding in winter.

Common Issues

Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering. Crispy brown edges suggest low humidity or underwatering. Faded silver markings often mean the plant is not getting enough light. Leggy growth happens when light is too low or the plant needs pruning.

Why People Love It

Syngonium wendlandii is one of the most beautiful velvet-leaf Syngoniums. Its dramatic silver centre and deep green velvety leaves give it a striking look that stands out in any indoor collection. It grows well in homes, offices and warm, shaded outdoor areas. Its care is simple, its look is elegant, and it is one of the easier velvet-leaf plants to maintain.