Syngonium wendlandii is indeed a climbing plant. It belongs to the aroid family and has a natural inclination to climb and vine. This means that it will grow best when provided with some kind of support for it to climb on. Without a support, it may still grow, but it will have a trailing or creeping habit rather than an upright growth pattern.
One of the best ways to support the growth of Syngonium wendlandii is by providing it with a trellis or a moss pole. These structures can be placed in the pot or container where the plant is growing, allowing it to climb and attach itself to the support as it grows. As the plant climbs, it will develop aerial roots that help it cling to the support, providing stability and allowing it to continue growing upwards.
Another important factor for the growth of Syngonium wendlandii is humidity. This plant naturally thrives in humid environments, and replicating these conditions will help it grow and thrive. One way to increase humidity is by placing the plant in a terrarium or vivarium, where the enclosed space can help trap moisture and create a more humid microclimate. This is why Syngonium wendlandii is a popular choice for such setups.
If you are growing Syngonium wendlandii as a houseplant, you can still provide it with increased humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water near the plant. Grouping it with other plants can also help create a more humid environment. Additionally, avoiding direct exposure to drafts or dry air from heaters or air conditioners can help maintain a more suitable humidity level.
In terms of care, Syngonium wendlandii prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but its growth may be slower and it may not develop its characteristic vibrant foliage colors. As for watering, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to droop and the plant to suffer.
In my own experience with Syngonium wendlandii, I found that providing it with a moss pole support and placing it in a terrarium with other humidity-loving plants greatly enhanced its growth. The plant quickly latched onto the moss pole and started climbing, producing beautiful, fenestrated leaves that added a touch of tropical elegance to the terrarium. Regular misting and monitoring the moisture levels in the soil helped maintain the plant’s health and vigor.
Syngonium wendlandii is a wonderful climbing plant that can be grown in various settings, from terrariums to vivariums or as a houseplant. By providing it with a support to climb on and ensuring adequate humidity, you can help this plant thrive and showcase its unique foliage.
