Aptly named for the distinct shape of its leaves, arrowhead plants are versatile and easy-to-grow, prized for their striking foliage patterns and tolerance for low-light conditions. Young arrowhead plants start out full and bushy, making them perfect for displaying on a desktop, shelf, or table. As the plants mature, they develop a vining habit, allowing you to twine them around a vertical support or drape them over the sides of a hanging basket.
Don’t want your arrowhead plant to climb or trail? No problem. You can prune it to your liking or look for a non-trailing variety that will naturally keep its compact, bushy form.
Can trail or climb up to 6 feet, with the exception of non-trailing types, which rarely grow taller than 12 inches.
May be solid green, variegated, or infused in shades of pink, chartreuse, gold, or dark purple. The leaves change shape as they mature, starting out arrow-shaped and becoming more lobed over time.
The arrowhead plant, also known as Syngonium podophyllum, is a popular houseplant beloved for its easy care and lush, vibrant leaves that come in a variety of striking colors, shapes, and patterns With over 30 known varieties, there’s an arrowhead plant to suit any style or space This definitive guide will explore some of the most popular arrowhead plant types so you can find your perfect match!
Native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America, arrowhead plants are climbing vines that can grow up to 6 feet tall in their natural habitat. Their name comes from their distinct arrow-shaped leaves that start out heart-shaped when young and gradually morph into arrowheads as the plant matures.
Arrowhead plants are part of the Araceae family along with anthurium, philodendron, and other tropical foliage. They prefer warm, humid environments with indirect sunlight and moist, well-draining soil. Their versatility and easygoing nature make them extremely popular houseplants.
While arrowhead plants are non-toxic to humans, they can cause skin irritation so gloves should be worn when handling. They are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Most Popular Arrowhead Plant Varieties
White Butterfly
This stunning variety has light green leaves with striking white centers that resemble butterfly wings. The white portions tend to become larger and bolder as the plant ages. ‘White Butterfly’ thrives in bright indirect light and moist soil.
Pink Allusion
‘Pink Allusion’ arrowhead plants showcase a range of pink tones from pale to vibrant depending on light exposure The new growth emerges in a bright rose hue Provide medium to low indirect sunlight for best color,
Green Gold
‘Green Gold’ arrowhead plants are prized for their chartreuse and lime green variegated leaves with ruffled edges. New growth appears in a rich gold. Give this variety medium to low indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors.
Trileaf Wonder
Aptly named for its trilobed leaves, ‘Trileaf Wonder’ arrowhead plants produce foliage with three distinct lobes. The leaves shift from solid neon green to having white splotches at maturity. Grow in low to medium indirect sunlight.
Mini Pixie
A dwarf variety that reaches just 6-8 inches tall, ‘Mini Pixie’ has thick overlapping leaves that form a dense clump. The foliage emerges chartreuse and darkens to forest green at maturity. Prefers low to medium indirect light.
More Unique Arrowhead Plant Varieties
Beyond the popular mainstay types, there are also many rare and uniquely patterned arrowhead plant varieties for collectors to covet. Here are a few fascinating options:
- ‘Red Spot Tricolor’: Leaves have green, white, and red splotches.
- ‘Strawberry Ice’: Pink leaves resemble the shades of strawberry ice cream.
- ‘Silver Splash’: Silver-green leaves with dark green edges.
- ‘Red Emerald’: Deep red leaves with emerald green centers.
- ‘Confetti’: Leaves marbled in pink and green like confetti.
The variegation on these rare finds is mesmerizing but does require optimal care to maintain. Provide very bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Monitor soil moisture closely.
Caring for Your Arrowhead Plant
While generally low maintenance, arrowhead plants do have some basic care requirements to help them thrive:
Light: All arrowhead plant varieties do best in bright, indirect light. Variegated types need ample light to maintain their patterning. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Water: Allow soil to dry out partially between waterings. Water less often in winter. Mist leaves to increase humidity.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Arrowhead plants are prone to root rot in heavy, wet soil.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Temperature: Ideal range is 60-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.
Propagation: Take stem cuttings or divide rootball for new plants. Change pot size as needed.
With the proper care, arrowhead plant varieties can grow for many years into lush and vibrant houseplants. Their neat, sculptural appearance makes them perfect for desks, shelves, hanging planters, and beyond.
Review the many options and add an arrowhead plant to your indoor jungle today! Let its colorful leaves and sculptural shapes bring life to your home.
Are arrowhead plants toxic?
All parts of Syngonium contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested. The sap can also irritate the skin. Keep out of reach of pets and young children. See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.
Although Syngonium can tolerate low-light conditions, it will develop the best foliage color when grown in medium to bright indirect light, such as from of an east- or west-facing window. Avoid exposing to direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves, especially during the summer months.
Like its close relatives pothos and Philodendron, Syngonium is a tropical plant that loves a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 65° to 85° F and humidity levels of 40% or higher. Avoid exposing plants to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations.
Tip: During the winter when the indoor air is drier, you can boost the humidity by placing your arrowhead vine in a steamy bathroom, putting it on a gravel tray filled with water, or misting the leaves frequently. See more houseplants that thrive in humidity.
Use a well-draining potting mix with some perlite or orchid bark added to improve drainage and aeration.
Plant in a pot about 1 to 2 inches wider than the root ball, with drainage holes to help prevent root rot. If you plan to train the plant up a moss pole, trellis, or other vertical support, use a pot large enough to accommodate the base.
Water to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Overly wet soil can cause root rot. A good rule of thumb is to give your plant a good soaking when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the excess water to drain out the bottom of the pot. In winter, when plant growth slows, it will need less frequent watering.
Arrowhead plant doesn’t need much fertilizer to thrive. Feed once per month when actively growing with a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months.
If you want to keep your arrowhead plant compact and bushy, prune off any unwanted climbing stems or leggy growth just above a leaf node, wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation. The optimal time for pruning is during spring through late summer, while the plant is actively growing.
Arrowhead vine is a fast grower and will usually need repotting every two years, or whenever you see the roots begin to grow out of the pot’s drainage holes. The best time to repot is in spring, when plants emerge from semi-dormancy. Choose a new container an inch or two larger than the current one, and fill it with fresh potting mix before transplanting.
Arrowhead plants are easily propagated through stem cuttings, placed either in water or soil. Cut a 4- to 6-inch section of the stem just below a leaf node, then put the stem directly in water or plant in moist potting mix. Place your cuttings in a warm spot, in bright indirect light. New roots should appear within a week or two. *See notes below on propagating patented plants (check your plant tags for ® or ™ symbols next to the plant name).
Be on the lookout out for common houseplant pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Fungus gnats may also be a problem.
COMMON PROBLEMS: ARROWHEAD PLANTS
An arrowhead vine is very adaptable and easy to care for, but it may show signs of distress if its basic requirements aren’t being met. Be on the alert for the following symptoms.
- Yellowing leaves: Usually due to overwatering, and often the first sign that root rot may be occurring. Cut back on your watering frequency, and make sure the base of your pot is not sitting in excess water.
- Dry, brown leaf tips: Low humidity and under-watering are the likely causes of leaf tips and edges turning brown. Keeping the soil evenly moist and misting the leaves daily should prevent further browning and shriveling.
- Lack of growth: This can occur when a plant is underfertilized or not getting enough light. It could also indicate that your plant is cramped in its current pot and ready to be transplanted. Don’t be concerned if growth slows down during the winter months.
- Spindly or leggy growth: Often due to a lack of sunlight. If you dont have a spot available with brighter light, try placing your plant under grow lights. Regular pruning can also help prevent leggy growth and maintain a full, bushy appearance.
Falling Arrows® Snow White™. Photo by: Proven Winners
40+ Syngonium plants varieties+identification | Arrowhead varieties | Rare syngonium plants
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