Arrowhead plants also known as Syngonium podophyllum are popular houseplants native to tropical rainforests. Their attractive leaves come in a variety of colors and patterns. Arrowhead plants are easy to propagate, allowing you to multiply your plant collection quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate an arrowhead plant.
When to Propagate
The best time to propagate an arrowhead plant is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing, This gives the cuttings the best chance to root Avoid propagating in the fall and winter when growth slows down
Gather Your Supplies
Before getting started gather the following supplies
- A healthy mother plant to take cuttings from
- Clean, sharp pruners or scissors
- Propagation vessel: jar/vase for water propagation or small pot for soil
- Well-draining soil mix if propagating in soil
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Take Cuttings
Take 6-8 inch stem cuttings from the mother plant using clean pruners or scissors. Make each cut just below a node, which is the part of the stem where leaves emerge. Nodes are where roots will later form.
Remove lower leaves from each cutting, leaving a few leaves at the tip. This helps focus the plant’s energy on producing roots instead of sustaining unnecessary leaves.
Optionally, you can dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone to further stimulate root growth.
Propagate in Water
Place cuttings in a jar or vase filled with room temperature water. Leave 2-3 nodes submerged in the water and suspend the leaves above the waterline.
Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent bacteria buildup. Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Roots should begin emerging from nodes within 2-3 weeks. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, the cuttings can be transplanted into soil.
Propagate in Soil
Moisten a well-draining potting mix and plant cuttings at least 2 nodes deep. Gently firm down the soil.
Water to keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Place in bright, indirect light.
Check for root formation after 4-6 weeks by gently tugging on cuttings. If you feel resistance, roots have formed and the cutting can be repotted.
Provide Proper Care
Once rooted and repotted, arrowhead plant cuttings require the same care as mature plants:
- Bright, indirect light
- Warm temperatures between 60-80°F
- Let soil dry out halfway before watering thoroughly
- Humidity around 50-60%
- Well-draining potting mix
- Monthly fertilizer at half strength during growing season
With the proper care, arrowhead plant cuttings will quickly establish as new houseplants. Propagation allows you to easily multiply your plant collection!
Steps To Propagate Arrowhead Plant
Step 1 – Cut a stem section just below a growth node. Make sure it has 1-2 leaves.
Step 2 – Dip the cut end and growth nodes in rooting hormone and place in a lightweight, well-drained potting mix or water.
Step 3 – Place the Arrowhead Plant cutting in bright, indirect sunlight.
Step 4 – Wait several weeks, and roots will grow.
Step 5 – Water-propagated Arrowhead Plant cuttings can be transplanted into potting mix when the roots are at least one inch long.
Methods To Propagate Arrowhead Plant
Stem cuttings are the best propagation method for Arrowhead Plants. Trim a stem section that measures at least several inches long. The stem cutting must have one or two leaves, and nodes, or growth points. The nodes appear as small bumps on the stem, where the roots will emerge. Place the cut end in the rooting media so the nodes are covered. Roots will grow from the growth nodes in a few weeks, and you’ll have a brand-new Arrowhead Plant.
ARROWHEAD PLANT PROPAGATION: 2 EASY WAYS TO PROPAGATE A SYNGONIUM
FAQ
Can an arrowhead plant grow from cuttings?
Arrowhead plants (Syngoniums) are popular sought-after houseplants by plant enthusiasts for their beautiful variegated foliage of various colors, resembling arrowheads. Not only are they easy to care for, but they are relatively simple to grow from cuttings.
Is it faster to propagate in water or soil?
And yes, there are also other ways to propagate, but water propagation is the simplest way to start if you’re new to propagating plants, or simply want to speed up the process, as cuttings root faster in water vs soil, plus you can easily see what’s going on each step of the way.
How do you multiply Arrowhead Plants?
- Remove the plant from its pot.
- Rinse off as much soil from the roots as possible.
- Identify natural divisions in the root system – these will be where you make your cuts.
- Using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners, carefully cut through the roots to separate sections.
How to fix a leggy arrowhead plant?
When your arrowhead plant starts looking leggy, it’s a sign that it needs pruning. To prune a leggy arrowhead plant, use clean pruning shears or scissors to cut back the long stems. Make sure to snip just above a leaf node – this is where new shoots will emerge.