Care for the Arrow Head plants. Gardening Tips.

 

Introduction  

    The arrowhead plant, arrowhead vine, arrowhead philodendron, goosefoot, nephthytis, African evergreen, and American evergreen are some of its common names. The plant has naturalized in the West Indies, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and other locations outside of its native range throughout a large stretch of Latin America extending from Mexico to Bolivia.

Young Arrowhead Plants are typically characterized by their upright clusters of stems. As the Arrowhead matures, it can produce trailing or climbing stems and larger leaves. If its youthful shape is preferred, simply trim it as desired.

Description

    It clings by its roots and ascends a few meters high over the tropical jungle trees. The varieties grown inside can grow up to 1.5 meters tall (4.9 ft). The plant develops 6-7 leaves and grows to a height of around 30 cm (12 in) during the year. Its solitary, up to 30 cm (12 in) long, typically arrow-shaped leaves. The leaves have a deep green color and have no variegation in the wild. The leaves of cultivated species come in a variety of green tones, frequently a light green, and are typically covered in various types of tannins with a lighter color. There are various varieties of variegated plants, with the main variations being the placement and size of the cream or white markings. Some leaves are predominantly white, pink, or yellow in color. Its flowers are small, greenish or whitish on spadices within light-yellow through green spathes. However, the plants grown indoors do not bloom, aside from the older, well-cared-for specimens.

How to take care of Arrow head?

    It needs some assistance. It can be raised as an indoor plant as well. The soil kept consistently moistened. While varieties with dark green leaves can grow in a darker environment, those with pink, reddish, or white patterns on their leaves need a bright environment. Summertime maximum temperatures shouldn't rise above 38 °C (100 °F). Winter temperatures shouldn't drop below 0 °C (32 °F). It should be watered 2-3 times a week in the summer but much less frequently in the winter because it prefers wet air.

    The plant pot should be placed in a larger container with continuously moist peat and misted with water each day to maintain an appropriate humidity level. A moist towel should be used to clear up dusty leaves. Feed in the summer by using a little amount of water-dissolved fertilizers. After a few years of cultivation, the plant loses its aesthetic appeal, at which point it is advised to prune it down so that new shoots can grow. Only transfer it when absolutely required.

Additionally, Syngonium podophyllum can be grown in water. If you want to grow plants in water, make frequent water changes to ensure that the water is always properly oxygenated.

How to propagate Arrow head?

    The plant can be propagated by cuttings placed directly in potting compost or in water. Nevertheless, as long as the correct section of the plant is cut, both techniques have a decent success rate. Compared to cuttings from lower parts of the shoots, cuttings from the top of the shoots are simpler to root.

Difficuty level to grow arrowhead plant?

The arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is generally considered easy to grow. It thrives in a range of conditions, tolerates low light, and is forgiving of irregular watering. However, it does prefer humid environments, so maintaining humidity can enhance its growth. Overall, it’s a great choice for beginners.

How to make potting mix for arrowhead, syngronium

To make a potting mix for Arrowhead plant (Syngonium), you need a blend that provides good drainage, aeration, and moisture retention, as these plants thrive in slightly moist but not soggy soil. Here's a simple recipe you can use:

Ingredients:

    1. Peat moss or coco coir – 40%

                -This helps retain moisture without making the mix too soggy.

    2. Perlite or pumice – 30%

                - Provides good drainage and aeration to prevent waterlogging. 

    3. Pine bark or orchid bark – 20%

                - Adds aeration and organic matter to the mix, mimicking the natural environment where                         these plants grow. 

    4. Compost or worm castings – 10%

                - Provides nutrients for healthy plant growth.

Instructions: 

1.  In a large container or bucket, combine the peat moss (or coco coir) and perlite (or pumice) in       a 4:3 ratio.

2. Add the pine bark and mix it in thoroughly.

3. Add the compost or worm castings to provide nutrients and stir well.

4. Make sure the mix is loose and well-aerated, as Syngonium doesn’t like compacted soil.

5. Optionally, you can mix in a small amount of charcoal to help filter impurities and keep the         soil fresh 

Tips: 

1. Watering: Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging, as Syngonium is prone to root rot.

2. Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years with fresh soil to ensure proper nutrition and avoid soil             compaction.