‘Pretty but deadly': popular pot plant sparks urgent weed warning in Queensland

7NEWS

16-07-2025

A popular houseplant sold at Bunnings and nurseries around Australia has been slapped with a stern warning from experts, who urge Aussies to keep it out of their gardens or risk damaging native bushland.
The alarm was raised by Sunshine Coast Council after a staff member spotted the fast-growing arrowhead vine — also known as Syngonium podophyllum — spreading through local bushland.
The exotic plant, with its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, may appear harmless when displayed in a hanging basket. However, according to the authorities, it is causing significant damage to Australia's environment.
'Arrowhead vine is a persistent creeper or climber, and once it gets going, it'll take root wherever it touches the ground,' a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said.
'In natural areas, it can smother native plants and completely throw our ecosystems out of whack.'
The plant's juice is toxic which can irritate skin, and poison humans and pets if ingested.
The creeping vine is native to Central America but is now classified as an environmental weed in Queensland and a 'sleeper weed' in other states — meaning it can become invasive without warning.
While it's not banned under Queensland's Biosecurity Act, residents and councils still have a legal obligation to prevent its spread under what's called a General Biosecurity Obligation.
Garden dumping fuels the spread
The plant's increase outside our backyards is largely blamed on people illegally dumping garden waste, an offence which cops heavy fines.
Dumping can cost offenders $333 on the spot, or up to $5,007 if taken to court.
'Small pieces of this plant can easily take root and grow rapidly,' the council warned in a social media post.
'Just one careless dumping can spark an invasion.'
From pot plant to pest
Experts said around 75 per cent of Australia's worst environmental weeds were once sold as ornamental garden plants.
'Over time, they escaped from gardens and began threatening our bushland, farms, and in some cases, even human health,' the Invasive Species Council said.
The Sunshine Coast Council is now urging Australians to keep the vine contained in pots, and to never toss it into the bush or green waste bins.
'If you're getting rid of it, bag it and put it in your general waste bin or hang it off the ground to dry out and die,' the council advised.
Residents are urged to check the council's weed identification site to identify and manage invasive plants.
Aussies caught off guard
The warning has taken many by surprise, with locals expressing shock on social media.
'Wow — I've got this in hanging baskets and several variegated ones. I had no idea it was invasive!' one person wrote.
'I'll make sure it stays in pots from now on.'
Another added: 'Thanks for identifying it as a weed. What's the best way to get rid of it?'
The council responded: hand-pull small infestations, remove all roots and stem fragments, and bin it properly.
For more information, check out Queensland Government's Arrowhead Vine Factsheet.
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