Infra Red Arrowhead Plant

Infra Red Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum 'Infra Red') is a trailing syngonium that grows about 40cm high and wide and works through the pinks. New leaves open pale pink and deepen to a rusty pink as they mature, on long, angular, pointed arrow shapes. It adds warm colour to a collection of green indoor plants.

Why you'll love it

• Colour that changes. Leaves start blush pink and deepen to a warm, earthy russet red, so one plant shows several shades at once.
• A trailing habit. The stems trail, so it looks right in a hanging pot or spilling off the edge of a shelf.
• Contrast with green. Beside green foliage plants the rusty pink stands out without needing a single flower.
• A manageable size. About 40cm high and wide keeps it in proportion to a room, a table or a covered balcony.
• Happy in shade. A humid, shady spot with indirect light suits it, which covers most indoor positions and covered patios.

Where it works best

Hanging pots and shelf edges. A ceramic pot hung up or set on a high shelf lets the stems trail and the colour show from below.

Indoor plant groups. Pair it with deep green or white variegated foliage and the pink reads strongly across a room.

Shaded tropical gardens. In frost free gardens use it as an underplanting in a sheltered, humid spot, spaced 40cm apart.

Growing Infra Red Arrowhead Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A humid, shady position with indirect light suits it. The best colour develops in bright indirect light, because deep shade flattens leaf colour and direct sun scorches it. It is frost tender, so grow it outdoors only in tropical and subtropical gardens, and indoors elsewhere.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix. A pot with drainage holes protects the roots from sitting wet.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks, then only when the soil feels dry. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every few weeks as it establishes, then occasionally. Because it likes humidity, regular water and a spritz on the foliage keep indoor plants happy.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy up, and trim any stem that grows too long for its spot. Syngonium is mildly toxic if chewed and the sap can irritate skin, so wash your hands after handling it and keep it away from pets and small children.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Infra Red as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with the deeper russet colour building as new leaves mature. Pot it up soon after unpacking and keep it out of direct sun.

The tube is supplied by our grower, so it is not always in stock. While there is none it shows as sold out, and pressing the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all house and indoor plants
• Plants for covered balconies
• More tropical plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Will the colour stay strong indoors?

The best colour comes in bright, indirect light. Deep shade flattens the pinks, and direct sun scorches the leaves, so aim for a bright spot out of the midday sun.

How big does Infra Red get?

About 40cm high and wide, with trailing stems. It stays in proportion to a pot, a shelf or a small table.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Syngonium is mildly toxic if chewed and the sap can irritate skin, so wash your hands after handling it and keep it away from pets and small children.