What is the Difference Between Caladium and Syngonium 

Both Syngonium and Caladium are two popular houseplants many people confuse. Although both belong to the same family, Araceae, and are part of the aroid group, there are many differences between Syngonium and Caladium.

What is the difference between Syngonium and Caladium? Caladium leaves are generally brighter and more vibrant than those of Syngonium. Most importantly, Syngoniums grow from adventitious roots while Caladiums grow from tubers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Caladium 
      – Definition, Features
2. What is Syngonium
      – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Caladium and Syngonium
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Caladium and Syngonium
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Caladium and Syngonium
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Caladium, Syngonium, House Plants

What is Caladium

Caladiums are tropical plants with colorful, heart-shaped leaves. They are sometimes called “angel wings” or “elephant ears. Native to South and Central America, they grow best in hot, humid conditions with clear wet and dry seasons. Caladium bicolor, a species from Brazil, is the most commonly grown and is part of the arum family. There are many varieties with leaves that come in shades of green, white, pink, rose, and red, often with unique midribs and edges.

These plants can reach up to 35 inches tall in the wild, with leaves between 6 and 18 inches long, growing directly from an underground tuber. There are two main types: fancy-leaved caladiums, with larger, heart-shaped leaves on long stems, and strap- or lance-leaved types, which are shorter, narrower, and more compact.

Caladiums need regular feeding, especially if grown in containers. They enjoy warm summers but start to droop as it cools down. In areas with frost, the tubers need to be brought indoors before the temperature drops below 55°F to survive for the next season.

What is Syngonium 

Syngonium is an evergreen vine that grows to about 3 to 6 feet long, often kept as a houseplant because of its interesting leaves. When young, the leaves are oblong, around 5.5 inches long, with a heart-shaped base and sometimes a bit of silver patterning. As it matures, the leaves become arrow-shaped and can develop into a form with several leaflets, sometimes reaching up to 14 inches across.

Although it rarely flowers indoors, syngonium produces small greenish-white flowers on a spadix surrounded by a pale green spathe. These flowers form in clusters and eventually turn into small brown-black berries.

Syngoniums do well in bright, indirect light, though too much direct sun can burn the leaves. They need regular watering in spring and summer, but the soil should dry out a bit between waterings. These plants can be trained to climb or trail, depending on the look you want, and mature plants may need a little support as they grow.

Propagating syngoniums only involves cutting a stem below a node with at least one leaf, then placing it in water or moist compost. Roots usually start to form within two weeks.

Similarities Between Caladium and Syngonium

1. Both Syngonium and Caladium belong to the same family, Araceae.
2. Both are part of the aroid group.
3. They both originate from tropical regions in Central America and South America.
4. Both plants enjoy high humidity levels.
5. Both require regular watering, especially during the growing season.
6. Both prefer bright, indirect light but can suffer in direct sunlight.
7. Syngoniums and Caladiums are relatively easy to care for. 

Difference Between Caladium and Syngonium 

Definition 

• Caladium is a tropical plant known for its colorful, heart-shaped leaves that grow from tubers. Syngonium, on the other hand, is an evergreen climbing vine with arrow-shaped leaves that evolve in shape as the plant matures.

Roots

• Syngoniums grow from adventitious roots while Caladiums grow from tubers.

Growth Cycle

• Caladiums need a dormant period in winter while Syngoniums are evergreen and grow continuously if conditions are ideal.

Growth Style

• Syngoniums are vining and can climb if given support, like a moss pole whereas Caladiums grow in a clump on the ground and do not climb.

Light Sensitivity

• Caladiums are more sensitive to bright light and will burn faster than Syngoniums in high light levels.

Leaf Shape

• Syngonium leaves are typically arrow-shaped while Caladium leaves can vary in shape and are mostly heart-shaped.

Leaf Color

• Caladiums generally have brighter, more vibrant leaves compared to Syngoniums.

FAQ: Caladium and Syngonium  

1. Is Caladium the same as Syngonium?

No, Caladium and Syngonium are not the same. Caladium grows from tubers and mainly has heart-shaped leaves, while Syngonium is a climbing vine that grows from adventitious roots and has arrow-shaped leaves.

2. What is another name for Syngonium?

Another name for Syngonium is the arrowhead plant. Other common names include arrowhead vine, arrowhead philodendron, goosefoot, nephthytis, African evergreen, and American evergreen.

3. Is Syngonium poisonous to humans?

Yes, Syngonium is considered toxic to humans if ingested. It can cause irritation in the mouth and throat.

4. How do you identify Syngonium?

You can identify Syngonium by its arrow-shaped leaves, which can change shape as they grow. The leaves are usually green and may have white or silver markings. The plant often has a climbing or vining habit, and the stems are slender.

Reference: 

1. “Caladiums.” Wisconsin Horticulture.

2. Middleton, Lily. “How to grow and care for syngoniums.” Gardner’s World.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Caladium bicolor or Caladium x hortulanum (fancy-leaved caladium) 4” by James St. John (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr 

2. “Syngonium podophyllum a1” by Jerzy Opioła (CC BY-SA 4.0)