About Arrowhead Plants

Arrowhead plants, also known as syngonium, are recognized by their distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, which can be found in a range of colors. These popular plants, sometimes called arrowhead vines, goosefoot plants, or nephthytis, are known for their ability to transform into vines as they mature. In this article, you'll find expert tips and tricks for caring for your arrowhead plant to help it thrive.

Basic Care Instructions and Requirements

Arrowhead Plant Types

There are around 120 different varieties of syngonium plants in the Alismataceae family. One of the most common arrowhead vines include the podophyllum, native to Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica. One of the rarest includes the pink splash and strawberry ice syngonium plants.

Sunlight

Syngoniums thrive best when exposed to bright indirect light. Although not optimal, arrowhead plants do have the capabilities to survive in environments with less light. But direct light can do critical damage to your synonymous leaves causing death or disease. It’s best to place your arrowhead plant near a south facing window but far enough so that it doesn’t receive intense direct light from the sun.

Humidity

It is critical that you care for your syngonium plants humidity needs. Arrowhead plants thrive best in environments that have a humidity level over 60%. To help with this, place your arrowhead houseplant on a pebble tray with water. The purpose of the pebble tray is to allow evaporation from the tray to get to the leaves of your plant. Another way to maintain humidity levels for your arrowhead plant is to purchase a humidifier that will help you have accurate control over your plant rooms climate.

Temperature

Arrowhead plants prefer the temperature to be between 65°F-75°F. It is known to survive outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11. If you do live in an area where temperatures drop below 40 degrees, keep in mind that the arrowhead plant prefers to be at room temperature.

If you keep your arrowhead plant outdoors during the summer months, gradually start bringing your syngonium plant indoors a few weeks before first frost. Once indoors place your arrowhead vine near a south facing window where it will be exposed to bright indirect sunlight throughout the colder months.

Watering

Make sure that the pot you are keeping your arrowhead plant in has drainage holes to allow water to escape. Ideally, you should water your arrowhead plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Propagation

Propagating houseplants can be a incredibly stressful task when it comes to the plants you love. It doesn’t have to be hard, just follow these four steps and video tutorial to clone your favorite arrowhead plants with no time wasted.

• Step One: Mix sphagnum moss and pumice and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! *Keep your potting mix moist at all times.

• Step Two: Find a node on any arrowhead plant and cut with clean scissors right below the node.

• Step Three: Wrap the syngonium nodes in the moist mixture or sphagnum moss and pumice that you mixed earlier.

• Step Four: Place in a clear container and watch/wait for the roots to grow!

Best Soil For Arrowhead Plants

Arrowheads thrives best in a well-draining mix that is slightly on the acidic side. A good soil combination for arrowhead plants might include a mix of potting soil, perlite or pumice, and possibly some compost or peat moss to add some organic matter and help retain moisture. The ideal pH range for arrowhead plants is slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 6.5, although they can tolerate a range of pH levels from 5.0 to 7.0.

Susceptible Pests & Diseases

Arrowheads are susceptible to many pests and diseases, some of which include the following:

• Leaf Spot

• Mealybugs

• Spider Mites

• Scale

• Stem Rot

• Aphids

Frequently Asked Questions