Syngonium batik is one of the most iconic plants that has evergreen foliage. It was named after the famous cloth dyeing technique called batik in Indonesia.
They are native to tropical rainforests of Mexico and South America, as their beautiful arrowhead leaves with rich dark green color reflect the never-ending beauty of their origin.
They belong to the Araceae family, commonly known as the aroid family. Its fast growth with trailing habits makes it one of the most eye-catching plants for plant lovers.
Characteristics of Syngonium batik
Syngonium plants are easy to care for, as their requirements are similar to those of any other plant with tropical nature. They require conditions similar to those at a typical rainforest where moisture and sun ensure the proper growth of the plant.
Foliage
The dark evergreen foliage is further beautified with white veins flowing through the leaves. The arrowhead shape of the leaf captures the heart of the beholder with its mesmerizing look and feel.
Shape
The shape of the foliage can change as the plant moves towards its mature size. The changing shape provides different color patterns that can easily become the top priority for any plant lover to have in their garden.
Height and spread
Syngonium batik can grow up to 6 feet if you do not control their height and spread. We recommend you timely prune the plant to ensure it gets secured from the diseases and grows at an ideal height.
Trailing habit
They have a trailing nature that allows these plants to hang below your window or climb up the shelf in no time. All you need is to support the trailing stem to grow in a specific direction so that it does not climb up at an unappealing angle.
Native region
These plants are native to the South American region, where they grow under the shade of the trees in the tropical rainforests. We would highly recommend you to get Syngonium batik if you are looking for an arrowhead plant that gives your garden a perfect tropical feel to It.
Hardiness zones
The hardiness zones of the plant are 9 and 10. These plants are commonly referred to as subtropical to tropical species of Syngonium.
Caring tips for Syngonium Batik
These are low maintenance and high effectiveness plants. A caretaker can leave the plant for days without watering it, and you will still see it thriving, but make sure that the air around the plant is moist. We have got you 8 caring tips that would ensure the plant’s growth at its maximum pace and health.
Water
Water this plant only when you notice the top layer of the soil dry. Keep the plant hydrated but avoid overwatering it, as it can cause the plant to get infected by various diseases.
It can live without water for a few days, but keeping it dehydrated for too long can cause the leaves to turn brown and eventually die within no time.
Sunlight
These plants prefer medium to low indirect sunlight. Place your plant inside your home, where a good amount of indirect sunlight reaches the plant. Avoid keeping it in bright direct sunlight as it can cause the plant’s leaves to burn, as their resistance level against the direct sun is low.
Toxicity
Keep the plant away from your pets as it can cause various problems if consumed. Ensure that you place it somewhere your pet and children cannot reach, as they can be the reason behind your favorite cat suffering from a swollen mouth after consuming a little piece of hanging leaf from the stem.
Temperature
These plants grow best in temperatures ranging between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that the temperature does not fall below 10 degrees Celcius, as these plants are not very good against cold weather conditions.
We advise you to keep your plant inside your house in the winter season while maintaining the desired temperature in the room.
Humidity
A high level of humidity is recommended ranging between 50 to 60 percent. If the humidity level goes above 60 percent, you will see drastic improvements in the health of your plant, as these plants flourish well under a high humidity environment.
Soil
Well-drained soil is always welcoming for plants with tropical nature. Make sure that you develop a good drainage system by making holes at the bottom of the pot so that the plant does not have its roots soaking in water all the time.
Pruning
These plants have a habit of covering all the extra space provided by spreading wide and high, so make sure that you control the size by occasionally pruning it.
Pruning is always beneficial for the plant that trails, protecting them from getting infected and keeping them aligned in the desired direction.
Fertilizer
Feed your Syngonium batik only once a month in the growing season. Fertilizers are not necessary, but they are quite beneficial for boosting growth and health.
We advise you to use slow fertilizer with compost or worm casting dressing. Reduce the feeding to once every two to three months once the winter season arrives.
Propagating tips for Syngonium batik
Propagation of Syngonium batik can be done easily by stem cutting method. There are
- Choose a strong stem and make a clean cut ensuring that at least two to three leaves stay intact.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom and leave at least two leaves above.
- Treat the cut with a rooting hormone.
- Prepare a pot with a good drainage system.
- Make a well-drained soil mixture and fill it in the pot
- Create a hole with the help of your fingers in the soil about 2 to 3 inches deep.
- Place the stem in the hole and fill the space around it with the soil.
- Water it and keep it hydrated for the speedy growth of your Syngonium batik.
Conclusion
Syngonium batik is one of the fan favorites. The arrowhead leaves are the highlight of this highly demanded plant. We recommend you to use it as a climbing plant inside your home, which would make the best use of its unique characteristics.