NPS Photo. The 13 mile long San Juan and Espada acequias are irrigation ditches constructed by the 18th century Indigenous inhabitants of the missions. These irrigation systems provided much needed water for agricultural and other endeavors. The San Juan acequia is a critical aspect of the Spanish Colonial demonstration farm at Mission San Juan. In the shown here, Sagittaria (also known as Arrowhead Plants) were obstructing the historic acequia.
NPS Photo. In May 2021, the Texas Conservation Corps and San Antonio River Authority relocated 3,800 plants from the historic Espada Acequia to the San Antonio River. Sagittaria, or Arrowhead Plants, usually cost between $8 and $22 per plant at a retail store. At a value of $10 per plant, this project equated to an in-kind donation to San Antonio River Authority of $38,000. It also impacted the historic acequia and local ecosystems in invaluable ways.
NPS Photo. San Antonio River Authority is a valued park partner to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The San Antonio River Authority manages land along the San Antonio River, between the historic missions and adjacent to some cultural resources such as the acequias. Through this important work, the San Antonio River Authority inspires actions for healthy creeks and rivers. They are committed to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers in San Antonio.
NPS Photo. Texas Conservation Corps is a program of American Youthworks. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this organization matches young adults with hand-on learning experiences in national parks. This organization aims to help others and meet critical needs in the community. In 2021, The Texas Conservation Corps led by Carlos Leos assisted NPS mason staff Matthew Roothame and Joel Osborne removed 30 cubic yards of sediment from the Espada acequia. The estimated weight of that sediment was nearly 2,500 pounds all moved by hand with shovels and buckets. That quantity of sediment is equivalent to filling a medium sized construction dumpster!
The arrowhead plant, also known by its scientific name Syngonium podophyllum, is a popular houseplant renowned for its arrow-shaped leaves and easy care requirements But where did this tropical beauty originally come from? Tracking the historical journey of the arrowhead plant takes us on a fascinating botanical adventure across continents and centuries
The Native Habitat of Arrowhead Plants
Arrowhead plants grow naturally as climbing vines and epiphytes in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Their native range stretches from Mexico down to Bolivia and Brazil.
Within this region, arrowhead plants thrive in the warm, humid conditions of the forest understory. They climb up tree trunks and branches, perching their roots in pockets of organic matter. Arrowhead plants also grow terrestrially on the forest floor.
Early European Discovery
The first known European encounter with arrowhead plants was in the 1800s. During this era, many intrepid explorers and botanists ventured into the jungles of Central and South America. These exotic new lands offered a bounty of unusual flora and fauna to discover.
In 1875, a British botanist named John Gilbert Baker is credited with introducing the arrowhead plant to Europe after finding it in the rainforests. At the time, he was working at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London, England.
Baker sent back various tropical plants to England, and the arrowhead plant was added to the Gardens’ collection as a botanical curiosity. Its uniquely shaped foliage must have caused quite a stir!
Arrowhead Plants Reach the Mass Market
Although discovered in the 1800s, the arrowhead plant did not gain widespread popularity until the early 1900s. During this era, houseplants became a trendy way to bring nature indoors. Arrowhead plants were suddenly in high demand.
Several key factors made them ideal for Victorians to grow in their parlors and conservatories:
- Attractive, exotic looking foliage
- Tolerant of indoor conditions with minimal care
- Easy to propagate from cuttings
- Affordable compared to other tropical plants
Arrowhead plants spread quickly throughout Europe and then made their way across the Atlantic to North America. Their jungle origins lent them an air of adventure and exploration that appealed to plant lovers.
The Arrowhead Plant Today
From its origins in the rainforests of South America to homes across the world, the arrowhead plant has come a long way. While not new or exceedingly rare, it has stood the test of time as a beloved, unfussy houseplant.
Through accidents of discovery and horticultural experimentation, this jungle vine found its niche as an easy-care houseplant. Its versatility, unique appearance, and tolerance for imperfect conditions make it an ideal choice for beginners and experts alike.
The arrowhead plant remains one of the most popular houseplants today. It continues to spread its jungle-flavored beauty one leaf at a time in homes and offices across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are arrowhead plants originally from?
Arrowhead plants originated in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Their native range includes parts of Mexico down to Brazil and Bolivia.
Who first brought arrowhead plants to Europe?
A British botanist named John Gilbert Baker is credited with first introducing the arrowhead plant to Europe in 1875 after discovering it in the jungles of South America.
When did arrowhead plants become popular houseplants?
Arrowhead plants became widely popular as houseplants in Europe and North America in the early 1900s during the Victorian era. Their exotic looks were prized for indoor gardens.
Why did Victorians love growing arrowhead plants?
Victorians loved arrowhead plants for their tropical appearance, ease of care, ability to propagate from cuttings, and affordability compared to other trendy tropical plants.
How did arrowhead plants spread around the world?
Arrowhead plants spread globally thanks to Victorian-era plant enthusiasts in Europe who passed cuttings around. Traders and nurseries then brought them to North America and beyond.
Are arrowhead plants rare or common today?
Arrowhead plants are very common today and available at most nurseries. They aren’t rare or unusual, but remain eternally popular for their looks and versatility as houseplants.
The Journey Continues
From jungle floor to decorative pot, the arrowhead plant’s story is one of botanical serendipity. What started as an exotic novelty turned into a beloved houseplant enjoyed by gardeners worldwide.
The arrowhead plant’s history provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of horticulture, commerce, and global trends. As arrowhead plants continue brightening homes everywhere, their intriguing origin story also continues to delight plant lovers across generations.
Explore the National Park Service
Employees of the San Antonio River Authority move Sagittaria plants into the San Antonio River.
Prior to the native plant relocation project, Sagittaria (also known as Arrowhead Plants) were obstructing the historic acequia
NPS Photo. The 13 mile long San Juan and Espada acequias are irrigation ditches constructed by the 18th century Indigenous inhabitants of the missions. These irrigation systems provided much needed water for agricultural and other endeavors. The San Juan acequia is a critical aspect of the Spanish Colonial demonstration farm at Mission San Juan. In the shown here, Sagittaria (also known as Arrowhead Plants) were obstructing the historic acequia.
Texas Conservation Corps interns replant Saggitaria plants at the San Antonio River.
NPS Photo. In May 2021, the Texas Conservation Corps and San Antonio River Authority relocated 3,800 plants from the historic Espada Acequia to the San Antonio River. Sagittaria, or Arrowhead Plants, usually cost between $8 and $22 per plant at a retail store. At a value of $10 per plant, this project equated to an in-kind donation to San Antonio River Authority of $38,000. It also impacted the historic acequia and local ecosystems in invaluable ways.
Texas Conservation Corps intern removes Sagittaria from the Espada acequia.
NPS Photo. Sagittaria Plants, also known as
Employee of the San Antonio River Authority holds an adult red-eared slider turtle that was in the historic acequia.
NPS Photo. San Antonio River Authority is a valued park partner to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The San Antonio River Authority manages land along the San Antonio River, between the historic missions and adjacent to some cultural resources such as the acequias. Through this important work, the San Antonio River Authority inspires actions for healthy creeks and rivers. They are committed to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers in San Antonio.
The Texas Conservation Corps crew and Park Rangers at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park pose for a group photo. This project is funded by the National Park Service.
NPS Photo. Texas Conservation Corps is a program of American Youthworks. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this organization matches young adults with hand-on learning experiences in national parks. This organization aims to help others and meet critical needs in the community. In 2021, The Texas Conservation Corps led by Carlos Leos assisted NPS mason staff Matthew Roothame and Joel Osborne removed 30 cubic yards of sediment from the Espada acequia. The estimated weight of that sediment was nearly 2,500 pounds all moved by hand with shovels and buckets. That quantity of sediment is equivalent to filling a medium sized construction dumpster!