Arrowhead (Syngonium) is a popular indoor plant known for its attractive foliage and easy care requirements. With its arrowhead-shaped leaves and variety of leaf colors, it adds a touch of beauty to any space. Here are some essential tips for effectively caring for your Arrowhead plant.
Care instructions
Light: Arrowhead plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower light conditions but prefer bright, filtered light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate leaves. Place them near a window with sheer curtains or in a well-lit room.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Arrowhead plants prefer consistently moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that excess water drains out from the pot to prevent waterlogging.
Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix for Arrowhead plants. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil works well to provide good drainage while retaining some moisture. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they can lead to water stagnation and root problems.
Cleaning: Arrowhead plant leaves tend to accumulate dust, affecting their ability to photosynthesize. Regularly clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove dust and keep them free from debris. This promotes healthier growth and enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Propagation: Arrowhead plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. Simply take a healthy stem cutting with a few leaves and place it in a jar of water or directly into moist potting soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. Once rooted, transplant it into a new pot with fresh soil.
Arrowhead plants are generally non-toxic, but it's always a good practice to keep them out of the reach of curious children and pets. With proper care, attention to light, watering, soil, and cleaning needs, your Arrowhead plant will thrive and bring natural beauty to your indoor space.
Re-potting: Your Arrowhead plant won't need to be re-potted for a while. But, if the plant looks sad or the soil remains dry, it may signal that it needs new soil or a transfer to a bigger pot.
- Buy a new pot from your nearest retailer or order online (consider purchasing a larger vessel to give the plant room to grow).
- Insert the wick into the new pot and fill a third of the insert with high-quality soil.
- Extract the overgrown plant with the soil and use your fingers to split the main plant into several small bunches. The plant may have pups that can be re-potted in multiple pots.
- Now, position the new plant in the centre and cover the roots with more soil. Gently tap the inner cup on the table to compact the soil and eliminate air pockets (use a cloth to ensure the glass is not damaged). Repeat the same method for the pups. You can see more detailed instructions here.
My plant looks sad and doesn't rebloom. What to do?
Soil: when was the last time you changed soil? We suggest changing the growing medium at least once per year to ensure your plant retains its vitality.
Fertiliser: We regularly add small amounts of Seaweed Tonic into the outer pot to keep the plant nourished.
Too much water? Never let your plant sit in water. If the plant looks soggy, drain the water from the reservoir and let the plant sit without water for a few days. Refill with no more than 1cm of water. Arrowhead plants can live in water. Use pebbles or Clay balls (LECA) to keep the plant centred. Take the wick out and fill the pot halfway to the roots, ensuring they are submerged.
Any other tips?
- Increase the amount of light by relocating your plant to a brighter location with lots of non-direct sunlight.
- The optimal temperature range for Arrowhead plants is between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F). It's best to keep them away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 13°C (55°F) or above 32°C (90°F), as it can adversely affect their growth and overall health. Maintaining a temperature within the recommended range will help your Arrowhead plant thrive.