Syngoniums, also known as arrowhead plants or goosefoot plants, are incredibly versatile when it comes to their growth habits. They have the ability to either climb or hang, depending on how you train and care for them. This adaptability is one of the reasons why they are popular house plants.
When it comes to climbing, Syngoniums can be trained to grow up a support such as a moss pole, trellis, or even a wall. As the plant grows, you can gently guide the stems and tendrils towards the support structure. It’s a good idea to use soft plant ties or twist ties to secure the stems to the support, especially as the plant gets taller and heavier. This will help prevent the plant from toppling over or becoming unbalanced.
As new growth appears, the vines of the Syngonium will naturally start to attach themselves to the support structure. It’s fascinating to observe how these plants use their aerial roots to cling onto surfaces. Once they have latched on, they will continue to grow upwards, creating a beautiful climbing effect. You can continue to guide the growth along the support structure or let it take its own course.
On the other hand, if you prefer a trailing or hanging effect, you can allow the Syngonium to grow in a hanging basket or place it on a shelf or elevated surface where the vines can cascade down. With proper care and occasional pruning, the vines will grow longer and create an elegant trailing display.
I have personally trained Syngoniums both to climb and hang, and the results have been stunning in both cases. In one instance, I trained a Syngonium to climb up a moss pole, and within a few months, it had covered the entire pole, creating a lush and green focal point in the room. In another instance, I let a Syngonium trail down from a hanging basket, and the cascading vines added a touch of natural beauty to the space.
To summarize, Syngoniums have the ability to both climb and hang, and it ultimately depends on how you choose to train and care for them. Whether you prefer a climbing or trailing effect, these adaptable house plants will thrive and add a touch of greenery to your indoor space.
