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What is a Syngonium Milk Confetti
Syngonium “milk confetti” is a rare tropical vine prized for its beautiful pastel colors with a milky green base color foliage. Found naturally in rainforests in South America this plant thrives under the canopy protection of the trees they climb.
You can easily see a price tag of over $100 for a young plant, and if you’re going to spend that kind of money you might want to make sure you are getting the real thing, and know how to take care of it once it’s in your possession.
All members of the Syngonium genus have dramatic arrow shaped leaves and a trailing growth habit, but there are many different varieties to choose from with some patterns and colors more outstanding than others. This can make distinguishing similar but different species difficult.
Here are some varieties of Syngonium that are often confused for each other, some tips on how you can determine the differences, how you can propagate your plant successfully, and most importantly, how to care for Syngonium Milk Confetti.
Syngonium “Milk Confetti” vs “Confetti”
Milk confetti has white and pink markings on the petiole and leaves. This is a good way to determine if you are looking at the true, rare “milk confetti” plant or the more common “confetti” variety. If there aren’t any white or pink markings and the leaves are a more vibrant green than pastel, you likely are looking at the regular “confetti” version.
Another way you can tell these two apart is the milk confetti variety will have a lighter, “milkier” green color with the variegation spots and the “confetti” variety will have a more basic, darker green tint to the leaves. This is because the less heavily variegated varieties have more chlorophyll in their leaves, making them greener and capable of handling more light. This is something to note when looking at intensely colored plants as this will often change how much light they can handle. It is best to start with a shadier place and work it into a brighter spot than the reverse to avoid sunburnt leaves.
Syngonium “Milk Confetti” vs “Pink Spot”
Pink spot has a more pinkish base color to the leaf with darker pink variegations. The whole plant appears much more pink than both the “milk confetti” variety as well as the “confetti” variety. The main draw to the “pink spot” variety is exactly that: the pink spots decorating the leaves. While these varieties are also very aesthetically pleasing they are not as rare as the “milk confetti” variety and therefore are easier to acquire at nurseries or gardening stores.
The biggest distinguishing feature of the “milk confetti” is the pastel nature of the colors; some leaves are fully blush pink with darker pink spots and other leaves are very pastel green. If you see leaves mainly with one color, green or pink, with flecks of pink you are likely looking at a “pink spot” syngonium. This variety is somewhat in between the “milk confetti” and “confetti” varieties because it has lighter green leaves than the confetti but less spots of color.
How to Care for Syngonium “Milk Confetti”
Propagation of your Syngonium Milk Confetti
Syngoniums can be propagated easily by taking cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. Both methods are effective and easy to perform.
To take a cutting you will want to ensure your plant is healthy enough to take viable pieces from. This means your plant is pest and disease free, as the healthier your plant is the more likely your cuttings will survive. You will want to take cuttings of your plant during the growing season so you are not depriving your plant of energy during a dormant period.
You will want a decently long section, at least 6 inches, and two or more leaves to provide enough energy through photosynthesis to put out new roots. You can take cuttings with only one leaf, but adding another leaf relieves some energetic strain and allows more energy to be given to developing new roots. Then, with sharp and sterile shears, you will want to make a cut slightly below the node. The node is the part of the plant where the cells are undifferentiated and can create root tissue when given the right conditions. You want to leave a bit of room underneath the node to help anchor your plant but not so much that it will cause early rot in the cutting.
Now, you have your cutting. Every time you prune your plant you can have new cuttings available to provide you with more propagation opportunities. You can choose whether you want to root your cutting in water or in soil. Both methods work well and take about the same amount of time to root, so it comes down to personal preference on which way to go about propagating your Syngonium “milk confetti”.
Water propagation
Once you have your cutting you can place it in a vessel of water. People will often use test tubes or small jars for this because you typically will want something you can see through to monitor root development and water levels. You will want to make sure the leaf node is under water as this is where the roots will emerge.The process of root development will likely take about two weeks. In about a month total the root system will be extensive and strong enough to be transplanted to soil. Just take care to change out the water every 4 to 7 days or so, especially if you see it getting murky so there is less of a risk of a bacterial or fungal infection. If your water is especially hard with added minerals and fluoride it might be best to go for filtered or spring water for your propagation and later watering of your plants.
Soil propagation
You can choose to root your cuttings directly in soil. This method doesn’t give you the visual access to monitor the root growth but it does mitigate any sort of shock your cutting might have once transported from water into the soil. Again, it is a personal preference which method you use. You can plant multiple cuttings in one pot to have a full pot once your cuttings take root and start putting out new growth. During this time you will want to keep the soil lightly moist but do not water as if it is a full grown plant. Give indirect light to shade conditions during this time of growth. After about a month your cuttings will have developed a robust enough root system to handle regular waterings and brighter light. Once you have your cuttings rooted and are putting out new growth you can treat your plant as a full sized Syngonium.
Lighting
This plant typically gets dappled light so partial shade or partial sun conditions work well. If you have a window facing East or West your plant will likely enjoy making that spot its new home. Often when you have heavily variegated plants they will need more light, as their leaves do not have as much photosynthesizing capabilities as greener or unvariegated counterparts. Keep this in mind when you are trying to find the perfect spot for your plant.
Soil, Water, and Humidity
Well-draining soils are a must, as these plants like to stay evenly moist but not soaked. Make sure to stay on top of watering regularly, about when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Your plant would appreciate additional humidity if your house is dry, or during the winter time when hot air is likely being circulated. Invest in a humidifier or find a good spot in a humid room for your plant to live. Always protect your plant from hot/cold drafts and from cold temperatures.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing during the growing season can give your plant the boost of nutrients it needs to fill out its pot. When you do fertilize, make sure to follow the directions and possibly even start out with half the recommended strength. Without nutrients your plant will show signs of distress, but they also will show signs of distress from nutrient burn.
Potting
You can display your plant in a hanging basket to enjoy its trailing nature or in a pot with a moss pole to give your Syngonium something to climb. As long as it is getting sufficient light and water, and it’s not being repotted frequently, Syngonium varieties are generally low-maintenance making this plant very desirable for not only its looks but also its ease of care.
Conclusion
There is no doubt once you have acquired your Syngonium “milk confetti” you will be enamored with its special attributes and intrigue around acquiring such a rare plant. Provide your plant with the best conditions and it will reward you with plenty of new growth to share and enjoy. Syngonium “milk confetti” is sure to be an eye-catching addition to any plant collection, and definitely one that will make plant enthusiasts do a double take.
Where to Buy a Syngonium Milk Confetti
If you are interested in owning a Syngonium Milk Confetti, it is for sale on Etsy. Click below for the prices from each store.
