Arrowhead Plant Care Instructions
Scientific name: Syngonium Podophyllum and Hybrids
Synonyms: Arrow Head Plant, Syngonium, Arrowhead Philodendron, Arrowhead Vine, Goosefoot Plant
The Arrowhead plant is a favorite among newbies as it is an easy-to-care-for plant that is a good starter plant when getting into the hobby. It is due to their minimal maintenance and ability to thrive without fertilizer, while also tolerating a variety of lighting conditions, including low light levels. There are also so many varieties of Arrowhead Vines, each with their own attractiveness and growth habit, which makes them a plant collector's dream. This is especially true when it comes to pink plant choices such as the Arrowhead Plant - Neon, which is a gorgeous bright pink option.
The most wonderful aspect of this flexible houseplant is that you can train it to grow however you wish. It is possible to encourage them to grow on a moss pole, trellis or even chop them back and keep them as a bushier full specimen. Though when staking, it is encouraged to tie older plants to supports so their new growth can adhere to their support. Over time the Plants' tendrils will attach themselves, and find their own way of climbing up its support.
This fast-growing vine is native to Southern America. It climbs up trees and crawls along forest floors in search of sunlight. In spite of their tolerance of low light, the plants will grow slower and lose their attractive leaf patterning. However, their tolerance of varying lighting conditions makes them an ideal option for any indoor space, whether it be at home or at work. Similarly, watering is pretty uncomplicated, allowing the plant to partially dry between waterings in order to avoid the soil remaining soggy, which will diminish the plant's health. Temperatures and humidity in your home are fine for them, however, higher humidity can help them look their best.
As a trailing vine, the Arrowhead can make for a delightful hanging plant, adding an unusual leaf shape or pops of colour to a hanging display or shelf arrangement.
NOTE: These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) Common Symptoms
- Limp/drooping foliage: This is a symptom of dehydration in your Arrowhead Plant. Be sure to check the soil often and once it has dried out completely water.
- Yellowing/ excessive leaf drop: It is the nature of all indoor plants to shed a few yellow leaves now and again, this is their way of getting rid of old-growth. However, if you are regularly seeing yellowing leaves or large amounts of foliage loss then you may be overwatering your houseplant. Check that your planter is draining sufficiently, if this is not the case then be sure to adjust your watering accordingly and do not allow the soil to stay soggy for prolonged periods of time. If your plant has been overwatered, re-pot, and check that there is no root rot. To learn more about identifying Overwatering Vs Underwatering, Click here.
- Brown edged leaves/crispy leaves: This is a symptom of very dry air. A quick and temporary solution is to spray your plant regularly, other more permanent solutions are to either place your plant on a pebble tray or to relocate the houseplant to a more humid location, such as your bathroom, as long as the lighting is correct. The crisp edges will not disappear on old foliage, however, if you have got the humidity correct, the new foliage should lush.
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Pests: Already stressed Syngonium will be highly susceptible to pest infestations leading to excessive yellowing fronds and leaf drop. Mealybug, scale and spider mites are common indoor plant pests and will weaken your plant relatively quickly if left untreated. Adjust environmental stressors for your house plant and treat infestations with an organic pesticide. Click here for more on identifying and treating common houseplant pests.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) Care Instructions
- Origin: South America
- Height: Compact height: 60cm, vining height: 1.2m
- Light: Medium to bright light.
- Water: Allow drying completely between waterings.
- Humidity: Medium to high humidity is ideal. It can tolerate lower humidity with daily spritzing or a pebble tray.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 18°C - 26 °C.
- Soil: A well-draining organic potting mix is sufficient.
- Fertilizer: Use a well balanced organic fertilizer twice a month during active growth (Spring through Summer). Unless the plant is still actively growing, there is no need to feed during Winter.
- Repotting: It is best to re-pot once your Arrowhead has become rootbound, this will be visible by roots either growing out of the drainage holes of the planter or when growth has stalled, be as delicate as possible to the roots when repotting as this can make your plant struggle to recover from the transplant shock.Â
- Propagation: Take stem cuttings in spring. Cut at least 10cm stems under a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Stick the cutting into a well-draining organic potting medium, Place a few cuttings in the same pot for a fuller plant. Keep in a filtered bright light spot and evenly moist until cuttings are well established.