Complete Care Guides For Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Houseplan
The Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ is a gorgeous variety of the arrowhead plant. The leaves start out a solid pink and gradually change to a pink-and-green variegated pattern as they mature. But what exactly does this tropical plant need to thrive indoors?
Syngoniums prefer bright indirect light. Moderate room temperatures around 65-80°F are ideal. Water thoroughly once a week and allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings. Average household humidity around 40-60% is sufficient. With a well-draining potting mix, weekly feeding, and proper lighting, a Syngonium will thrive as an easy-care houseplant.
Follow this complete care guide to meet the needs of your Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ and help it grow into a healthy, lush specimen.
Table of Contents
History And Origin
The Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ is a cultivar of Syngonium podophyllum, also known as the arrowhead plant. Syngoniums are native to tropical rainforests ranging from Mexico to Brazil.
The genus was first described in 1785 by Swiss botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Syngonium podophyllum is the most common species, known for its five-lobed arrowhead-shaped leaves.
Hundreds of cultivars have since been bred from Syngonium podophyllum through selective propagation. They are popular houseplants thanks to their low maintenance needs and versatile vining or trailing growth habit.
The Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ is one such hybrid bred for its colorful pink variegated foliage. It was first introduced by plant breeders in the 1990s. The vibrant pink leaves emerge almost fully pink from dark veins, gradually becoming splashy and mottled with shades of white and pink as they mature.
This striking tropical is likely a cross between S. podophyllum and another related Syngonium variety with pink in its ancestry.
Related article: Discovering 17 Syngonium Varieties
How Much Light Does My Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Need?
The Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight. A south, east, or west-facing window is ideal. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves. Too little light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its pink hues, turning solid green instead.
The most vibrant leaf coloring will develop in bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant occasionally so all sides get adequate exposure. Leaves facing away from the light will fade to green. Sheltered spots with only low light will keep the Syngonium alive but with poorer coloration.
What Kind of Watering Does the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Require?
Develop a consistent watering routine to keep your Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ hydrated but never waterlogged. The soil should dry out slightly between waterings, with the top few inches becoming dry to the touch. Take care not to let the soil go totally dry for prolonged periods.
Water thoroughly whenever the topsoil becomes dry until liquid drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom. Empty any accumulated water from the saucer promptly after watering. Allow excess moisture to evaporate before returning the plant. This prevents root rot from sitting in wet soil.
The Syngonium enjoys average household humidity. Mist the plant occasionally to boost moisture levels around the foliage. But avoid over-misting, as excess moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal diseases.
What Kind of Soil Does the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Need?
Use a well-draining potting mix for the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ to prevent problems with overwatering. Quality potting soil contains peat moss for moisture retention along with perlite or bark chips for improved drainage. Or create your own aerated soil blend, using equal parts peat moss, compost, perlite or orchid bark, and coconut coir.
Avoid regular garden soil, which compacts over time and prevents oxygen from reaching the roots. The Syngonium is sensitive to soggy soil and needs the aeration provided by a porous potting mix. Add perlite or orchid bark to increase drainage in dense potting soil.
What Kind of Fertilizer Does the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Require?
Feed the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ monthly in spring through summer using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides a nutritional boost during the active growing season. Reduce application to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Or use a time-release fertilizer applied as directed on the package in spring. Look for options formulated specifically for indoor plants, as these contain the necessary nutrients required for optimal health. Slow-release fertilizer provides a steady feed over many weeks or months.
Leach excess mineral salts by watering thoroughly every few months. This prevents fertilizer salt buildup which can burn the plant’s roots.
How Humid Should I Keep My Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’?
The Syngonium enjoys average room humidity between 40-60% RH. This is comfortable for most homes without additional intervention. Place the plant in a bright bathroom for a humidity boost. Group plants together to raise relative humidity around the foliage.
Avoid situating plants near heating vents which can dry the air. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to add moisture if conditions are very dry. But take care not to overdo humidity for this variety, as excess dampness encourages fungal leaf spot diseases.
What Temperature Does the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Prefer?
Daytime temperatures of 65-80°F (18-27°C) and nights between 60-70°F (15-21°C) suit the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ best. Avoid extremes of hot or cold. The plant will suffer below 50°F (10°C) and stop growing.
Move the Syngonium away from cold drafts from windows or doors. Protect from hot radiators or heating vents which can quickly dry and damage the foliage. Providing the right temperatures will keep your plant actively growing year-round.
When and How Should I Prune My Syngonium?
Prune the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ at least once a year to remove any damaged or unsightly growth. This keeps the plant full and compact. Pruning also prevents leggy, sparse growth resulting from low light exposure.
The best time for pruning is late winter before the growing period begins. Use clean, sharp shears to snip stems back to just above leaf nodes, where new shoots can emerge. Remove any leaves or stems that are yellowed, wilted or poorly colored to encourage lush new growth.
Pinching back the tips of vines as needed directs energy into new side shoots. Trim off any unwanted trailing stems to refine the plant’s shape. Disinfect tools after each cut using isopropyl alcohol to prevent disease transmission.
Related article: How to Make Syngonium Climb Faster
Should I Stake My Syngonium?
The Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ has a naturally trailing growth habit. Long vining stems emerge from the base as the plant matures. Use plant ties or gently weave vines through an obelisk, trellis, or moss pole to showcase the spectacular foliage as it climbs.
Add a tutor early on while vines are still pliable and easy to train. Avoid forcing stiff, mature stems into unnatural shapes once established. Position support stakes near the base of the plant for the most natural look.
Pinch back wayward vines or wrap them back into the plant to keep their shape compact. Left unstaked and untrimmed, the Syngonium becomes a sprawling climber in no time!
Common Issues with Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Plants
- Overwatering – Drooping leaves, brown leaf spots, and root rot.
- Underwatering – Wilting, crunchy brown leaves, and leaf drops.
- Low humidity – Brown leaf tips and margins.
- Too much light – Faded, washed-out leaf coloring.
- Too little light – Sparse growth, small leaves.
- Cold drafts – Leaf drop, stunted growth.
Related article: Is Syngonium Poisonous to Pets & Humans
How to Revive a Drooping Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’
An overly dry or waterlogged Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ starts to wilt and droop. Follow these tips to refresh your plant:
- Feel the soil and check for moisture before watering. Only water when the top few inches become dry.
- If the soil is bone dry, give the plant a good soak until excess drains from the bottom. Let any excess water evaporate before returning to the saucer.
- For an overwatered plant, allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering.
- Move the plant to better lighting conditions. Low light causes weak, limp growth.
- Prune off any dead or dying leaves and stems using clean shears.
- Mist the plant daily until conditions improve to boost humidity around the foliage.
- Keep the plant at 60-80°F and avoid cold drafts. Cold stress causes sudden wilting.
With some extra care and the right adjustments to lighting, watering, temperature, and humidity, a neglected Syngonium will bounce back quickly. Consistent care is the key to preventing future issues.
8 Tips for Healthy Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ Growth
- Pot in a well-draining aroid mix amended with perlite or orchid bark.
- Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between thorough waterings.
- Feed monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during spring and summer.
- Prune annually to shape the plant and remove any damaged foliage.
- Mist occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.
- Keep in average home temperatures around 65-80°F.
- Avoid direct hot sun which can burn the pink foliage.
- Rotate the plant to ensure even light exposure for the healthiest coloring.
With the right care, the Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ makes a striking yet easy-to-grow houseplant. Follow this advice to help your arrowhead plant put out lush pink growth for years of enjoyment!
You can check out this video to get more plant-growing tips.
Final Word
Nurturing a Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ houseplant involves providing it with indirect sunlight, regular watering, and occasional fertilization. Maintaining well-draining soil and keeping humidity levels consistent are key. Pruning helps shape the plant and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
With its vibrant pink splashes, this plant adds a pop of color to any indoor space. By following these straightforward care guidelines, you can ensure your Syngonium ‘Pink Splash’ thrives and beautifies.