Preventing Rot in Your Arrowhead Plant: Causes and Solutions

Arrowhead plants, with their distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, are popular and easy to care for houseplants. However, like all plants, they can develop issues like root rot if their needs aren’t met. In this article, we’ll cover the causes of and solutions for root rot in arrowhead plants, so you can keep yours healthy and thriving.

What Causes Root Rot in Arrowhead Plants?

Root rot in arrowhead plants is most often caused by overwatering. Their roots need air as well as moisture to stay healthy When soil remains soggy for too long, the roots can’t get the air they require and begin to rot Signs of overwatering that can lead to root rot include

• Leaves turning yellow or brown
• Wilting, drooping leaves
• Slow growth
• Rotten smell from the soil

Root rot can also be caused by poor drainage, whether from a lack of drainage holes in the pot or dense, heavy potting mix that retains too much water.

Additionally, overly humid conditions promote fungal growth that infects roots. And pests like fungus gnats spread disease.

How to Prevent Root Rot

Luckily, root rot is avoidable if you care for your arrowhead plant properly. Here are some tips:

• Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Arrowheads like moist, but not wet soil. Stick your finger in the dirt to gauge when watering is needed.

• Ensure proper drainage. Plant in a pot with holes and well-draining soil, like a mix of potting mix with perlite or sand.

• Allow excess water to drain fully after watering Empty any water that collects in the saucer so the plant isn’t sitting in it.

• Water less in winter. Arrowhead plants grow more slowly when days are shorter.

• Maintain proper humidity levels. Ideal levels are 40-50%. Use a humidifier if needed.

• Remove diseased leaves immediately. Don’t allow them to contaminate the soil.

• Let soil dry out between waterings. Wait until the top few inches are dry before watering again.

• Avoid overhead watering. Water at the base of the plant instead to keep leaves dry.

• Repot annually in fresh potting mix. Old mix retains more moisture and has poor drainage.

How to Treat Root Rot

If you notice signs of root rot, act quickly to treat it and try to save your plant:

• Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white. Rotten ones are brown, mushy, or slimy.

• Use sterilized scissors or pruners to cut off any visibly rotten roots.

• Rinse the remaining healthy roots to remove fungus or bacteria.

• Repot in a sterile potting mix, ideally one amended with sand or perlite for drainage.

• Water sparingly, keeping the plant on the dry side, while new roots develop.

• Consider using a fungicide drench to kill remaining fungus in the soil.

• Remove any diseased leaves and increase air circulation around the plant.

• Discard the old potting mix so fungus and bacteria don’t spread.

With quick action, you can often revive an arrowhead plant and get it back to good health. Just be sure to correct any conditions that led to root rot in the first place.

Optimal Growing Conditions to Prevent Root Rot

In addition to proper watering, arrowhead plants need other care to prevent issues like root rot. Here are their ideal growing conditions:

Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.

Temperature: 65-80°F during the day and above 55°F at night.

Humidity: 40-50% humidity is ideal. Higher can encourage pests and diseases.

Water: Water when the top inch or two of soil dries out. Don’t let sit in water.

Soil: A loose, well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or sand.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.

Pot: Pick one with drainage holes and replant annually in fresh soil.

Pruning: Prune leggy growth or damage, disinfecting pruners between cuts.

Meeting its preferences for warm, humid conditions and avoiding overwatering are key to keeping an arrowhead plant happy and free of root rot.

FAQs About Preventing and Treating Root Rot in Arrowhead Plants

What does healthy arrowhead plant root system look like?
Healthy roots are firm, white, and have fine “hairs.” Rotten roots turn brown or black and become slimy or mushy.

What’s the best potting mix to avoid root rot?
A mix containing equal parts potting soil, perlite or sand, and peat moss provides drainage. Or use a commercial orchid or aroid mix.

Should I mist my arrowhead plant?
Avoid misting, which can promote fungal disease. Instead, use a pebble tray or humidifier to provide humidity.

What are signs my arrowhead plant is overwatered?
Drooping, yellowing leaves, slow growth, mushrooms in the soil, and rotten smell indicate overwatering.

How can I increase drainage for my arrowhead plant?
Repot in a container with holes using loose, amended potting mix. Allow excess water to drain fully after watering.

Keep Your Arrowhead Plant Healthy

Arrowhead plants are easy-care houseplants, but prone to root rot if overwatered. By understanding what causes it and how to prevent it, you can avoid this common problem.

Give your arrowhead the well-draining soil, proper humidity, and adequate sunlight it needs. Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of soil has dried out to avoid soggy soil. With the right care, your arrowhead plant will stay lush and healthy for years to come!