How Tall Can Your Arrowroot Plant Grow? Factors that Affect Height

Arrowroot is an attractive tropical plant grown both for ornamental purposes and for its starchy edible tubers This plant can reach impressive heights under optimal growing conditions But how tall can arrowroot really get? There are several key factors that affect the maximum height your arrowroot can reach,

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors that influence arrowroot height so you can better understand the growth potential of this beautiful plant

Genetics – The Baseline for Growth

Like all plants, the first determinant of arrowroot’s height potential is genetics. Arrowroot or Maranta arundinacea is a herbaceous perennial that forms a bushy clump of stems when grown in the ground

Different arrowroot varieties have been selected over time for certain traits like leaf variegation, tuber size, etc. So genetics plays a key role in establishing the baseline for height capability.

Some arrowroot strains are more compact while others have an inherently leggy or vining growth habit. So growth habit is programmed right into the plant’s DNA.

If starting with an unknown arrowroot strain, the genetics are an uncertainty. But you can make an educated guess on height potential based on the other factors below.

Sunlight – The Growth Engine

Sunlight powers photosynthesis which in turn fuels plant growth. So access to adequate sunlight is crucial for arrowroot to reach its full height potential.

Arrowroot thrives in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Too much harsh direct sun will scorch the leaves. But insufficient sunlight results in reduced growth.

Aim to provide arrowroot with 2-6 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun if growing outdoors. Or bright indirect light from a south or west facing window when grown indoors.

Insufficient light will cause arrowroot to become leggy and elongated as it stretches toward the light source.

Water – Too Much or Too Little Impacts Height

Consistent moisture is important for healthy arrowroot growth. But both overwatering and underwatering can limit arrowroot’s height potential.

Arrowroot prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil. Wet soggy soil will stunt growth and may cause root rot.

On the other hand, prolonged dry spells trigger drought stress and slowed growth. Leaves may yellow and wilt or even drop under severe drought stress.

Ideally water arrowroot when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Provide enough water to moisten the root zone without saturating the soil.

Nutrition – Fertilizer Fuels Growth

Like all plants, arrowroot requires essential nutrients to reach its full genetic height potential.

Arrowroot thrives when fed with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as secondary nutrients and micronutrients.

Organic fertilizers like compost, worm castings, fish emulsion, etc. provide a slow release of nutrients. Chemical fertilizers offer immediate nutrient availability.

During the active growing season, fertilize arrowroot every 2-4 weeks. Reduce frequency in winter.

Excess fertilizer can burn roots and leaves. Insufficient fertilizer leads to nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth.

Container Size – Restricted Roots Limit Height

Growing arrowroot in too small of a container severely limits root expansion which in turn restricts height potential.

The roots need adequate room to spread out and take up moisture and nutrients. Restricted roots can’t properly support and fuel plant growth.

Repot arrowroot annually in late winter into a slightly larger container. Provide a container with drainage holes and use a rich, organic potting mix.

Avoid overpotting more than 2 inches larger at a time to prevent soil compaction and poor aeration.

Disease Pressure – Pathogens Hobble Growth

Like all plants, arrowroot is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Infected plants invest energy in combating pathogens rather than optimal growth.

Common arrowroot diseases include corm rot, leaf spot, bacterial soft rot, mosaic virus, and anthracnose.

Prevent diseases through proper cultural practices like avoiding overhead watering, providing good air circulation, cleaning up fallen leaves, crop rotation, etc.

Control existing disease outbreaks by removing and destroying infected plants, treating with organic fungicides/bactericides, and improving growing conditions.

Climate – Warmth Fuels Growth

Since arrowroot is a tropical plant, climate plays a key role in its ability to thrive. Arrowroot grows best in USDA Zones 10-12 where frost is rare and winters are warm.

Cooler temperate climates limit arrowroot’s ability to grow year-round. Plant dieback and dormancy through winter further restricts growth potential.

In warm tropical climates, arrowroot can achieve impressive heights of 6-10 feet tall given adequate care. Cooler climates may see arrowroot top out around 3-5 feet tall.

Providing indoor winter protection allows the plant to continue actively growing year-round to maximize height.

Pruning Practices – Controlling Height

Pruning and pinching arrowroot stems removes growth tips which alters plant hormones and architecture.

Regular pruning results in a shorter, bushier, and more compact arrowroot clump. Skipping pruning allows arrowroot to grow taller and more sprawling.

Prune arrowroot in spring by cutting back overgrown stems above leaf nodes. Pinch out growing tips to encourage branching.

Removing flowering stems after bloom improves aesthetics. Pruning is largely optional and a matter of personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arrowroot Height

Here are some common questions about achieving maximum arrowroot plant height:

How tall does arrowroot grow indoors?

Indoor arrowroot typically tops out around 3-4 feet tall but may reach 5+ feet with excellent care and ample light from large south facing windows.

What is the tallest arrowroot variety?

Some particularly tall arrowroot varieties to look for include the Papua New Guinea, Hawaiian, and Florida Giant strains.

How can I make my arrowroot plant taller?

Maximize arrowroot height by providing optimal growing conditions: plenty of bright indirect light, consistent moisture, regular fertilization, adequate container size, and warm average temperatures around 70°F-80°F.

Why is my arrowroot plant not growing taller?

Stunted arrowroot growth is commonly caused by low light, underwatering, compacted soil, restricted roots from a small container, or cool temperatures under 65°F.

Should I prune my arrowroot to increase height?

Pruning and pinching arrowroot will actually restrict height by removing growing tips and encouraging branching. Allow arrowroot stems to grow out fully to maximize height.

What is the ideal temperature for arrowroot to grow tall?

Arrowroot thrives in warm temperatures between 70°-85°F. Cooler temperatures below 65°F can slow growth. Moving arrowroot indoors in cooler climates maximizes year-round growth.

How often should I fertilize arrowroot for maximum height?

Fertilize arrowroot every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season with a balanced organic or chemical fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for growth.

What size pot does arrowroot need to grow tall?

Repot arrowroot annually in late winter, sizing up the container just an inch or two larger than the root ball to prevent stunted growth from restricted roots.

Conclusion

With this thorough understanding of how different factors like genetics, light, moisture, nutrition, container size, climate, and pruning affect arrowroot plant height, you can now optimize conditions to help your arrowroot successfully reach its full height potential!

Proper care goes a long way towards maximizing arrowroot growth and achieving those impressive tropical heights. Just be sure to provide plenty of heat, light, water, and fertilizer to allow your arrowroot to thrive.