How to Prune Leggy Arrowhead Vine

Arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum), sometimes called arrowhead philodendron, are primarily grown as potted indoor plants. The vines grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 12, but they may become invasive. The long vines will climb up trellises and trees, or indoors they may trail to the ground or climb across the top of a curtain rod. Prune arrowhead vines only when they are actively growing in spring and summer. They tolerate severe pruning, which allows gardeners to manage the length of the vines so they don't become leggy and overgrown.

Bleach
Bucket
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Mix one part bleach with nine parts water. Rinse the pruning shears in the bleach solution to disinfect them and prevent the spread of plant disease pathogens during pruning.
- 2
  Cut back overgrown and leggy vines to the desired length. Make the cut within 1/4 inch of a leaf so you don't leave bare stem at the tip of each vine.
- 3
  Shear back the entire plant to about half its length if it is exceptionally leggy with sparse foliage. Cut near an existing leaf and do not cut back so far that no leaves remain on the vine. Arrowhead vines tolerate severe pruning as long as some foliage remains on the plant.
- 4
  Water the vine immediately after pruning so the soil is moist but not soggy.
- 5
  Provide the plant with bright but indirect sunlight during the day. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth.

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