Moderate Climber Toxic to pets

Five Fingers Plant

Syngonium auritum

A vigorous climbing Syngonium with deeply lobed, dark green leaves, resembling a hand or 'five fingers'.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

55–75 %
Temperature

18–26 °C

How to care for your Five Fingers Plant

Everything you need to keep your Five Fingers Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Syngonium auritum, often called the 'Five Fingers Plant,' is a distinctive climbing aroid. Its mature leaves are deeply divided into five (or sometimes more) separate lobes, giving them a unique, hand-like appearance. The leaves are typically a glossy dark green and can grow quite large when the plant is allowed to climb on a moss pole or trellis. This species is relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity. It offers a unique texture and form among vining houseplants.

Watering your Five Fingers Plant

Every 7 days

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Ensure good drainage.

How to know it needs water

Soil surface dry to touch
Leaves may show slight softening

How much light a Five Fingers Plant needs

Bright indirect light

Medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 1 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

55–75 %

Moderate to high (55-75%) Misting is beneficial, especially for aerial roots, but a humidifier is better for overall humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize during the active growing season (spring to fall).

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer, half strength · 5-10-5

Repotting your Five Fingers Plant

Every 18 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with a chunky, well-draining aroid mix, providing climbing support.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots visible from drainage holes
Plant becoming top-heavy

Pruning your Five Fingers Plant

To maintain size and shape or encourage bushiness. Cut stems just above a node using sterile shears.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 9 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation if ingested.

Good to know

Its leaves are distinctly lobed, resembling a hand with 'fingers,' which gives it its common name.
It is a vigorous climber and can produce much larger leaves when given proper support.

Frequently asked questions about the Five Fingers Plant

How do you care for a Five Fingers Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 55–75 %. Ideal temperature: 18–26 °C. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Ensure good drainage.

How often should you water a Five Fingers Plant?

Every 7 days Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Ensure good drainage. How to know it needs water : Soil surface dry to touch ; Leaves may show slight softening.

How much light does a Five Fingers Plant need?

Bright indirect light Medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun. 0 to 1 h a day

Is the Five Fingers Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation if ingested. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Five Fingers Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Five Fingers Plant?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with a chunky, well-draining aroid mix, providing climbing support.