That said, I only mention the crop in passing in my book Totally Crazy Easy Florida Gardening because of the processing it takes to actually eat it without getting a mouthful of fibers. All I write is:
“Arrowroot is very easy to grow and beautiful to look at, but the yields are small. Roots require extra processing. It’s good as a non-recognizable background sort of survival crop if you’re worried about the end of the world and someone stealing your sweet potatoes… but not really much of a staple.” -Totally Crazy Easy Florida Gardening, Chap. 6
Though the young roots don’t only contain some fibrous strings, the older roots are basically inedible… except for their starch. So how do you harvest the starch out of arrowroot? Here’s a good post.
I’ll probably make arrowroot flour at some point myself; however, it’s not high on my priority list, particularly since I can just grow huge piles of yams instead with much less work.
Despite that fact, I really love growing arrowroot as an attractive member of the herbaceous layer in my food forest.
A couple of days ago I recorded a video on growing arrowroot and dug up one of my plants to harvest the roots. Check it out:
Even if you weren’t growing arrowroot for the starch, it would be worth growing because it’s such an attractive and care-free plant.
The video doesn’t do it justice since it’s entering the dormant season and dying back. They’re a lot prettier in the spring. Here’s all you need to do to start growing arrowroot in your own garden.
Arrowroot, or as its friends call it, Maranta arundinacea, is a tropical plant with some quite beautiful variations as well as some attractive cousins you’ve likely seen for sale as houseplants.
Though some sources report that growing arrowroot requires shade, I’ve had it do well in almost full sun along the path in the center of my food forest.
I’ve grown it in full shade as well, though that plant was less productive. Half-sun seems to be the sweet spot. If you get good rainfall and have decent soil, the yields increase. My arrowroot plants are fed with nothing but rotting wood chip mulch from the power company tree trimmers and that’s been enough for them to produce decent yields of roots. I pulled one from a rich and moist garden bed and got about 4 times the roots from it as from the one in the video above. Location, location, location!
The arrowroot plant, also known as Maranta arundinacea, is an attractive tropical plant known for its lush green leaves and medicinal properties. Though native to South America, it is a popular houseplant around the world due to its beauty and low-maintenance needs. With the right care and growing conditions, you can have a thriving arrowroot plant indoors that adds beauty and clean air to your home.
Providing the Right Lighting
Arrowroot plants need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s best to place them near a window filtered by curtains or sheer blinds. North-facing windows work perfectly since they provide consistent bright light without harsh afternoon sun. If keeping your arrowroot more than 6 feet from a window, consider supplementing with grow lights for 12-14 hours daily. Light levels significantly impact the lushness and health of arrowroot plants.
Maintaining Ideal Temperatures
Arrowroot plants grow best with daytime temperatures between 70-80°F and nights around 65°F Keep them away from hot and cold drafts from heating and cooling vents which can shock them If your home drops below 60°F at night, use a space heater or heated plant mat to maintain the proper temperature range. Cooler temperatures can make arrowroot plants prone to drooping.
Providing Adequate Humidity
Arrowroot plants thrive in humidity levels between 60-80% which is much higher than most homes Use a humidifier nearby or place their pots on a pebble tray filled with water. Misting the leaves daily also boosts moisture. Low humidity causes arched, crispy leaves and brown tips Monitor moisture carefully and make adjustments to prevent dropped leaves.
Watering Properly
Arrowroot plants need consistently moist soil but also dislike soggy, waterlogged roots. Water when the top 1-2 inches become dry, taking care not to oversaturate. Ensure proper drainage by using containers with holes and well-draining potting mixes. Remove excess water from saucers after 10-15 minutes. Drooping leaves often signal underwatering requiring more frequent watering.
Using the Right Potting Mix
Arrowroot plants need a rich, well-draining potting mix. Use a quality mix containing peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and coconut coir. You can also create your own blend by mixing equal parts potting soil, perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark. Soil needs to retain moisture while still allowing excess water to drain. Re-pot annually in spring to refresh the soil.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
During spring and summer, feed arrowroot plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Look for options containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Suspend fertilizing in fall and winter when plants enter dormancy. If using a time-release fertilizer, apply only once in early spring.
Pruning for an Attractive Shape
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowed leaves at the base of the plant as soon as you notice them. Arrowroot plants occasionally become leggy with sparse lower foliage. Prune leggy stems back to just above a node to encourage bushier regrowth. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free.
Controlling Pests
Arrowroot plants are quite pest-resistant but may be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale if conditions are poor. Look for small webs, white cottony masses, or bumps on leaves and stems. Remove any infested parts immediately and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintaining optimal care is the best prevention against pests.
Propagating Arrowroot Plants
Propagate arrowroot plants by dividing rhizomes when re-potting or using 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves then dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in moist potting mix. Keep cuttings warm and humid until new growth emerges. Divided rhizomes may not root well so cuttings are preferred.
With the proper care, your arrowroot houseplant will reward you with lush, vibrant leaves and an exotic tropical feel. Adjust their growing conditions to match their preferences and you’ll have a low-maintenance plant that thrives indoors. Follow these tips to grow a healthy and beautiful arrowroot plant in your home.
Where To Buy Arrowroot Plants
I got my arrowroot starts from Grower Jim and I recommend him as a source. That link will take you to his write-up on growing arrowroot and there’s a link at the bottom of his article where you can order roots.
When to Harvest Arrowroot
When you’re growing arrowroot and it starts to die in the fall, don’t fear. It’s just going into dormancy. They’ll freeze to the ground in winter and come back again in the spring, much like ginger.
That’s the time I pull the roots. Give them a year of growth and they’ll usually make at least a half-dozen or more harvestable roots. Give them two years and you’ll get a lot more than that.
4 tips to keep your plants healthy!
FAQ
How do you care for arrowroot plants indoors?
Does arrowroot like sun or shade?
What conditions do arrowroot need to grow?
How do you prune arrowroot plants?
How do you care for arrowroot?
Again, Arrowroot likes it warm and moist as it is a tropical plant. Do not let your dirt get too wet or stand in water, the roots will rot. Our baby Arrowroot, now in the five-gallon buckets went into the greenhouse. The greenhouse keeps the plants warm and allows us to control the water on each plant.
How to grow arrowroot plants at home?
We are going to give a talk on How to grow your own Arrowroot plants at home. Arrowroot is a tropical-looking plant. As it sounds, the root is in the shape of an arrow. The large, green leaves make for a beautiful house or garden plant. As a tropical plant, Arrowroot needs to be warm and moist.
Can arrowroot grow in water?
Both the sprigged Arrowroot and the water-growing greens we doing well. So far, Arrowroot has been a very easy plant to grow and needs very little tending. The arrow root pieces that broke off and were put in water and growing exceptunally well. They are growing a very robust root system.
Can arrowroot grow in containers?
Arrowroot can grow in containers as long as they’re pruned or divided periodically (these are big plants!). Choose a sturdy container with good drainage holes. While it’s possible to grow arrowroot indoors, this plant does much better outside. Maranta arundinacea flower. Source: dogtooth77 Arrowroot is an agreeable plant.