There is a lot of debate these days regarding syngonium three kings vs magic marble. The truth is that both of them are, in fact, just different names of the same plant.
This plant, with its arrow-shaped leaves and patterned variegations, is a must-have in homes. Find out everything about them in this comprehensive expert care guide.
What Is Syngonium Magic Marble?
Syngonium “magic marble” is an evergreen plant with a creeping growth habit. Its most attractive feature is the pattern of lime-green and dark-green variegations on its leaves. This gives it the illusionary appearance of a magic marble paint work. It grows very fast to reach its maximum height of about 40 inches.
Syngonium Magic Marble Care
The care needs of the arrowhead plant are simple. Give this plant shade, ample filtered water, and thoroughly aerated organically rich soil.
Fertilizing every month during the growing season is imperative, and so is pruning to keep the plant in shape. You can read all about these care requirements as detailed below.
– Water Requirements
The Syngonium magic plant likes a soil that is a little bit moist all the time. Depending on how fast its soil dries up, you might need to water it quite frequently during the hot, dry months.
This is where a moisture meter is needed, as it informs you exactly when your soil starts to dry.
It would be best if you can arrange reverse-osmosis filtered water for your plant. This way, you can save it from undue damage by salts and minerals. Another cool tip is to water the soil and not the plant. Use a generous amount of water each time and take care that it drains fairly.
– Light Requirements
Indirect bright light is the most conducive to this plant’s growth. However, this is a hardy plant and will continue to grow under moderate to low light just as well.
– Growing Syngonium Indoors
Inside the house is where this plant grows the happiest. Take them to a room with windows from which light comes in at least 6 to 8 hours each day. It is not necessary to keep the plant near the windows. Any old corner of the room will do, provided that it is well-lit.
– Growing Syngonium Outdoors
A garden might not be the best place for this plant because direct beams of the sun will burn its foliage. Do provide some kind of shade like a tree or a parasol, or line them along a north-facing wall to shield them from the sun.
Indirect bright light is the most conducive to this plant’s growth. However, this is a hardy plant and will continue to grow under moderate to low light just as well.
– Soil Requirements
The soil requirements of the marble Syngonium plants resemble those of syngonium nguengi laima. Choose a potting medium that has good aeration and moderately good drainage.
You can control the drainage yourself by adding or removing perlite and orchid bark from the soil. The organic levels of the soil are enhanced through moss or peat.
– Temperature Requirements
This Syngonium marble plant grows best under moderately warm temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Just take care not to let the temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moving it indoors during wintertime is probably the safest option. If you keep them near a window, keep them closed at night time. The cold drafts of air might slow down the plant’s growth.
– Humidity Requirements
Your magic marble Syngoniums like their air moist at 50 to 60 percent humidity. In most regions, this range falls within the normal humidity levels inside the house. We still advise all plant owners to keep a hygrometer at hand for accurate measurements.
A humidity tray is the least troublesome method of improving moisture in the air. The second easiest option is to mist the plant. In both cases, make sure that air circulation and the light needs of the plant are not compromised.
If you happen to have a humidifier at hand, then this solves all of your humidity problems. These days, you can buy humidifiers with low running costs at very reasonable prices.
– Fertilizing Requirements
The marble plant grows at a rapid pace, just like fellow aroids Syngonium jade and Syngonium green splash. Naturally, this means a regular and healthy dose of fertilizer is a must.
We prefer going for a semi-organic fertilizer like commercial seaweed, but a fully commercial fertilizer would do well too. Diluting it to half of its strength or more is always recommended.
Fertilize once a month at a set schedule. Always thoroughly wash the soil in the pot first before pouring fertilizer. During fall, apply fertilizer once every two months.
– Pruning
This is a plant that will need regular pruning on a yearly basis. The reason behind this is this rapid growth. Within three years, this plant reaches maturity at a height and spread of about 40 inches.
When pruning old or oddly-jutting stems, cut immediately above a leaf node to promote further growth. Clipping all old and not-so-healthy leaves at the end of the growing season is also a part of pruning.
Pruning a plant is vital for its health as it promotes new growth as well as air circulation. It allows light to reach the innermost parts of the plant and prevents problems.
Propagation
If you are interested in propagation at home, then this is the plant for you. The magic marble syngonium plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. In fact, they have quite high levels of success with propagation.
Read a step by step guide to propagating this plant below.
- Take your sharpest gardening shears and disinfect them. Use them to snip off a two to three-inch-long cutting from the strongest stem in your plant.
- The cutting needs to be taken by incising right below the leaf node. Leaf nodes contain all the growth cells and at least one must be present in your cutting.
- Lay it out on a piece of paper towel for one to three days. This is so that it dries out and ends up forming calluses at the cut end.
- Buy rooting hormone and dip the callused end of the cutting in it. Rooting hormones are not absolutely necessary but they do increase the chances of success.
- Now take a pot and fill it with the perfect soil for syngoniums. A terracotta pot is most aptly-suited to their vining growth habits.
- Place the cutting in the soil with the callused side in. Take care to moisten the soil constantly for the first two to three weeks. After that, you can resume a normal watering pattern.
Problems
The magic marble plant is on the whole an unproblematic one. It is, however, toxic and susceptible to occasional pest attacks. Find out how to solve these problems like a pro here.
– Toxicity
Whether it’s marble syngonium or Syngonium podophyllum, all syngonium plants are toxic and poisonous. Eating or chewing on their leaves or stem pieces will lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. This includes but is not limited to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
Animals and humans are both equally susceptible to this plant’s toxins. That is why you must take special care and keep them out of reach of kids and pets at home. In case of accidental ingestion, immediately take the affected person or animal to a doctor.
Touching these plants also leads to skin irritation and allergies. It’s best to wear gloves while catering to their needs.
– Pests
Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are the bane of a plant parent’s existence. A pest infestation does not kill your plant right away but will cause it to weaken and waste away.
– How To Identify Pests
You can identify a pest infestation very easily. Mealybugs and spider mites are large enough to be seen and recognized, you will find them in large numbers below the leaves of the plant.
Brown and yellow spots will begin to form and some of the leaves will turn completely yellow as well. Spider mites also cause delicate spider-like webs to form around the stem and the leaves.
How To Treat Pests
You can treat pests by investing some time in the process.
- Wash the plant thoroughly to drain as many pests away as possible.
- Apply a neem oil-based foliar spray once or twice a week.
- Alternatively, pull up a pair of rubber gloves and use a mild insecticidal spray according to the manufacturer’s guide.
FAQ
Can Syngonium Magic Marble grow in the dark?
No, Syngonium Magic Marble cannot grow in the dark as it requires light to photosynthesize and produce energy.
Why is my Syngonium Magic Marble so leggy?
Syngonium Magic Marble may become leggy due to insufficient light or lack of pruning. Provide adequate light and prune regularly to promote bushy growth.
Can I use leftover coffee to water my Syngonium Magic Marble?
Yes, leftover coffee can be used to water Syngonium Magic Marble as it contains nutrients that can benefit the plant. However, dilute it with water to avoid over-fertilization.
Conclusion
The end of the care guide calls for a brief summary of all the most important points. Read them below:
- The magic marble syngonium plant belongs to the aroid family. It needs to be kept away from sunlight falling directly on them. Use a soil or potting medium with good airflow.
- We highly suggest using clean, filtered water whenever the soil begins to get dry. Copious watering might be needed, especially during summer.
- Stem cutting propagation is the most usual method. You need to cut the stem right underneath the swollen leaf node.
- All parts of this plant are toxic for human and pet consumption. It has also been known to cause allergies and skin irritation when touched without gloves.
The magic marble plant with its arrow-like leaves is quite an underrated gem of the plant world. With the bare minimum attention and care, this plant will give your house a fresh look that is unlike any other plant.
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