Growth rate can be controlled in houseplant growth by choice of potting mixture; root growth is semi-aggressive, and in a loose soil or soil+(vermiculite/perlite) mix, will expand until the plant is taking on water quickly, at which point the plant's auxins direct it to increase stem and leaf growth, and additionally, to branch existing vine lines into forked vines in parallel. A more compact soil will lead to slower growth, thicker stems, and a hardier plant overall, but at the cost of speedy foliage. Soil should be kept moist but not flooded like Colocasias; Syngoniums are susceptible both to root rot, and to quick withering in dry soil, both of which can spell the death of (first) inner leaves and (finally) of the plant in tota.