You've just brought home your new Syngonium podophyllum, or arrowhead plant. Congratulations! This beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplant is the perfect addition to any room. But what should you do to make sure your new plant stays happy and healthy?
Below we'll give you a few tips on how to care for your arrowhead plant. From watering to fertilizing to pruning, we'll cover it all. So read on, and soon you'll be on your way to having a thriving arrowhead plant of your very own.
What Is an Arrowhead Plant?
An arrowhead plant is known as a syngonium podophyllum is native to rain forests of central and south america, and it's a popular semi-tropical houseplant due to its low maintenance needs. This versatile plant can be used as a floor plant, hanging plant or table plant and typically grows between 6 and 12 inches tall. Requiring only moderate light and water, arrowhead plants are perfect for someone who isn't great at keeping plants alive or doesn't have a lot of time to spend on maintenance.
Where to Place
Although your arrowhead plant can tolerate a wide variety of lighting conditions, it will thrive if placed in a spot with bright, indirect light. A east- or west-facing window is perfect. Arrowhead plants do not like to be moved around a lot, so it's best to find a permanent spot for it when you first bring it home. If you do need to move it, make sure to give it plenty of time to adjust to its new surroundings before watering it.
Watering
You should water your arrowhead plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure to avoid getting the leaves and stems wet, as this can cause rot and other problems. You can water your arrowhead plant from the top or the bottom. Some people find that watering from the bottom is less stressful on the plant, but it's ultimately up to you which method you prefer.
Plan on watering your arrowhead plant every 10-14 days. You’ll probably find that the soil will dry out faster in the warmer months and slower in the cooler ones.
Once you determine it’s time to water, slowly add water to the top of the soil until it starts to run out the bottom of the pot. Empty the drainage tray immediately or place the pot in the sink or tub to give it time to drain.
Sunlight
The next thing you should consider when caring for your arrowhead plant is its sunlight requirements. The plant needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It's best to put your arrowhead plant near a south-facing window, as this will provide it with the maximum amount of light without being overly intense. Ideally, the plant should receive at least 4 hours of bright, indirect light each day for optimal growth. Keep in mind that too much direct light can cause the leaves to burn and discolor, so be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Other Factors to Consider
There are a few other factors to consider when it comes to caring for your arrowhead plant. Firstly, be sure to provide your plant with plenty of indirect light. It's also important to keep the soil evenly moist. If the soil is allowed to dry out completely, the leaves of the plant will start to droop and become yellow. Lastly, be sure to mist your plant occasionally as it enjoys high humidity levels.
Overall, with a little bit of care and attention, your Syngonium podophyllum should thrive in its new home and bring a lot of life into any space!
Common Problems
Taking care of an arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is relatively easy, however, there are a few common problems you may encounter. Yellowing or browning leaves can indicate your plant is getting too much sun, so move it to a shadier spot. Wilting leaves can be caused by either under-watering or over-watering, so check the soil to see if it’s too dry or too wet and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
If you notice the tips of your leaves turning brown or crispy, this could mean the air in your home is too dry-- try misting your plant and/or investing in a humidifier. Another common issue is pests such as aphids and mealybugs, which can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. With regular care and attention, your Syngonium podophyllum should thrive!
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to take care of your Syngonium podophyllum. As long as you follow these tips, your arrowhead plant should stay healthy and looking great. And who knows, maybe it will even flower for you!
