Scientific name: Syngonium Podophyllum and HybridsSynonyms: Arrow Head Plant, Syngonium, Arrowhead Philodendron, Arrowhead Vine, Goosefoot Plant
The Arrowhead plant is a favorite among newbies as it is an easy-to-care-for plant that is a good starter plant when getting into the hobby. It is due to their minimal maintenance and ability to thrive without fertilizer, while also tolerating a variety of lighting conditions, including low light levels. There are also so many varieties of Arrowhead Vines, each with their own attractiveness and growth habit, which makes them a plant collectors dream. This is especially true when it comes to pink plant choices such as the Arrowhead Plant – Neon, which is a gorgeous bright pink option.
The most wonderful aspect of this flexible houseplant is that you can train it to grow however you wish. It is possible to encourage them to grow on a moss pole, trellis or even chop them back and keep them as a bushier full specimen. Though when staking, it is encouraged to tie older plants to supports so their new growth can adhere to their support. Over time the Plants tendrils will attach themselves, and find their own way of climbing up its support.
This fast-growing vine is native to Southern America. It climbs up trees and crawls along forest floors in search of sunlight. In spite of their tolerance of low light, the plants will grow slower and lose their attractive leaf patterning. However, their tolerance of varying lighting conditions makes them an ideal option for any indoor space, whether it be at home or at work. Similarly, watering is pretty uncomplicated, allowing the plant to partially dry between waterings in order to avoid the soil remaining soggy, which will diminish the plants health. Temperatures and humidity in your home are fine for them, however, higher humidity can help them look their best.
As a trailing vine, the Arrowhead can make for a delightful hanging plant, adding an unusual leaf shape or pops of colour to a hanging display or shelf arrangement.
Arrowhead plants also known as Syngonium podophyllum, are popular houseplants beloved for their lush green leaves and easy care requirements. However to keep your arrowhead plant healthy and thriving, it’s crucial to provide it with proper nutrition through fertilization.
Fertilizing arrowhead plants can seem complicated for beginners. Use too much or the wrong kind of fertilizer, and you risk burning the roots or building up unhealthy levels of salts in the soil. Use too little, and your plant won’t get the nutrients it needs to grow.
Fortunately fertilizing arrowhead plants doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow some basic dos and don’ts. In this article we’ll walk through when and how often to feed your arrowhead plant, what type of fertilizer to use, and mistakes to avoid.
When to Fertilize Arrowhead Plants
Arrowhead plants grow actively during the spring through fall seasons when light levels are high. This is when they need more nutrients to support lush foliar growth. Their growth slows down over winter when light is more limited.
Therefore, fertilize arrowhead plants from early spring through summer every 4-6 weeks. In fall and winter, you can reduce feedings to once every 8-10 weeks or stop fertilizing altogether.
Never fertilize a stressed or struggling plant. Wait until any issues are resolved and the plant is growing vigorously again before resuming fertilizer.
What Type of Fertilizer to Use
Arrowhead plants do best with balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (the NPK numbers on the label). Look for options like:
- 10-10-10
- 20-20-20
- 15-15-15
Avoid bloom-boosting formulas with higher phosphate levels, as these can lead to foliar damage.
You can use chemical or organic fertilizers. Chemical types dissolve quickly in water for immediate nutrient availability. Organic options break down more slowly over several weeks to provide a constant feed.
Whichever you choose, dilute it to half or quarter strength to prevent fertilizer burn. Arrowhead plants are sensitive, and it’s easy to overdo it with full-strength applications.
How Often to Fertilize
During the active growing season, fertilize arrowhead plants every 4-6 weeks. Monthly feedings are sufficient for most indoor plants.
More frequent fertilizing can lead to buildup of unused salts in the soil, causing root damage. Less often can result in nutrient deficiencies.
Outdoor arrowhead plants may need more frequent feedings, such as every 2-4 weeks. Containers drain faster outdoors, so nutrients are flushed out more quickly.
Fertilizing Technique
Always water your arrowhead plant thoroughly before fertilizing. Never apply fertilizer to dry soil, as this can burn the roots.
Mix the diluted fertilizer solution in a watering can or bottle. Pour slowly over the soil until it drains freely from the pot’s bottom drainage holes. This ensures even distribution of nutrients.
Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as it can cause leaf burn. Carefully pour it only over the soil.
Common Fertilizing Mistakes
Here are some key mistakes to avoid when feeding your arrowhead plant:
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Using pure, full-strength fertilizer. Always dilute to 25-50% strength or less.
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Fertilizing too often. Stick to every 4-6 weeks during active growth.
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Fertilizing dormant plants in fall/winter. They don’t need it when not actively growing.
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Applying fertilizer to dry soil. Always water first to prevent root damage.
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Getting fertilizer on the leaves leading to leaf burn. Pour only over the soil.
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Using high bloom-boosting formula. Stick to balanced NPK ratios.
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Not diluting outdoor container plant fertilizer enough. Outdoor plants need less.
By following proper fertilization guidelines, you can keep your arrowhead plant lush and vibrant throughout the seasons. Pay close attention to fertilizer type, frequency, technique, and concentration to avoid common mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertilizing Arrowhead Plants
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about feeding arrowhead plants:
How often should I fertilize my arrowhead plant?
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season in spring through summer. In fall and winter, reduce to once every 8-10 weeks or stop fertilizing completely.
What’s the best fertilizer for arrowhead plants?
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal NPK ratios, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Avoid bloom boosters with high phosphorus.
Is it okay to use organic fertilizer?
Yes, organic fertilizers are perfectly fine for arrowhead plants. Just dilute to 50% strength or less and apply every 4-6 weeks.
Should I fertilize after repotting my arrowhead plant?
No, wait about a month after repotting before fertilizing. This gives the roots time to recover from the disturbance.
Can I put fertilizer directly on the arrowhead plant’s leaves?
No, only apply it to the soil. Fertilizer on the leaves can burn them. Always water the soil before fertilizing too.
How often should outdoor arrowhead plants be fertilized?
Outdoor plants may need fertilizer a bit more often, such as every 2-4 weeks. Just dilute it well, as containers outdoors drain faster.
What’s a sign my arrowhead plant needs more fertilizer?
Slow growth, sparse leaves, and light green foliage can indicate it needs more nutrients. But rule out other issues like improper watering first.
My arrowhead plant tips are brown after fertilizing. What should I do?
Brown leaf tips after fertilizing usually indicate you used too much or the wrong type. Flush the soil with water and don’t fertilize again for a few months.
Can I fertilize my arrowhead plant in winter?
It’s best to avoid fertilizing arrowhead plants in winter when they are dormant. Wait until spring when growth resumes to fertilize again.
In Summary
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Fertilize arrowhead plants every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season.
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Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
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Always water the soil before applying fertilizer, never dry soil.
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Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves to prevent leaf burn.
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Reduce or stop fertilizing over winter when plants are dormant.
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If you see signs of fertilizer burn, flush the soil and hold off on feeding.
With the proper fertilizer regimen, your arrowhead plant will thrive indoors or out. Pay close attention to fertilizer type, dilution, timing, and technique for a healthy, vibrant specimen all year long.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium) Common Symptoms
- Limp/drooping foliage: This is a symptom of dehydration in your Arrowhead Plant. Be sure to check the soil often and once it has dried out completely water.
- Yellowing/ excessive leaf drop: It is the nature of all indoor plants to shed a few yellow leaves now and again, this is their way of getting rid of old-growth. However, if you are regularly seeing yellowing leaves or large amounts of foliage loss then you may be overwatering your houseplant. Check that your planter is draining sufficiently, if this is not the case then be sure to adjust your watering accordingly and do not allow the soil to stay soggy for prolonged periods of time. If your plant has been overwatered, re-pot, and check that there is no root rot. To learn more about identifying Overwatering Vs Underwatering, Click here.
- Brown edged leaves/crispy leaves: This is a symptom of very dry air. A quick and temporary solution is to spray your plant regularly, other more permanent solutions are to either place your plant on a pebble tray or to relocate the houseplant to a more humid location, such as your bathroom, as long as the lighting is correct. The crisp edges will not disappear on old foliage, however, if you have got the humidity correct, the new foliage should lush.
- Pests: Already stressed Syngonium will be highly susceptible to pest infestations leading to excessive yellowing fronds and leaf drop. Mealybug, scale and spider mites are common indoor plant pests and will weaken your plant relatively quickly if left untreated. Adjust environmental stressors for your house plant and treat infestations with an organic pesticide. Click here for more on identifying and treating common houseplant pests.