The arrowhead plant, known by its scientific name, syngonium podophyllum or syngonium, is a popular houseplant native to the tropical rain forests of central and South America. The plant gets its name from its arrow-shaped or spade-like leaves. Check this guide on arrowhead plant care, benefits and Vastu significance, if you plan to grow this plant in your house.
Arrowhead plant: Quick facts
| Botanical name | Syngonium podophyllum |
| Common names | Arrowhead plant, arrowhead philodendron, arrowhead vine, African evergreen, American evergreen, goosefoot and nephthytis |
| Family | Araceae |
| Found in | Latin America, Mexico |
| Flower | Greenish or whitish flowers with light-yellow to green spathes |
| Flowering season | Summer |
| Foliage | Shades of green |
| Benefits | The plant purifies the air. It is used for decorative purposes. |
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- The leaves of the cultivated varieties of syngonium podophyllum appear in different shades of green. In the wild, they are dark green and without variegation. In some varieties, the plant leaves are nearly white, pink or yellow.
- The arrowhead plant can reach a height of 1.5 metres.
- The arrowhead plant produces small, greenish or whitish flowers on spadices with light-yellow to green spathes.
Arrowhead plant benefits
Syngonium plants are widely used for ornamental purposes. Moreover, the arrowhead plant is a popular houseplant as it cleanses the air. In Feng Shui and Vastu, this plant is believed to invite positive energies as the leaves mature into varying five lobes, denoting nature’s five elements.
Ornamental purpose
Arrowhead plants are widely used to decorate homes. The plants, with its different shades of green, add a visual appeal to the interiors.
Air purifying properties
Syngonium plants are known to reduce the components of indoor air pollution. The, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene.
Increases humidity
Syngonium plants also reduce airborne microbes and increase humidity. Such houseplants emit water vapours. This enables the plant to pull polluted air to its roots where the toxins get converted to plant food.
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Arrowhead plant propagation
The arrowhead plant can be propagated by putting plant cuttings in water or potting compost.
Arrowhead vine plant root readily from stem cuttings and must be grown in spring and summer. Choose plant having aerial roots along the stem and take a section from it. Place the cuttings in a glass of water. New roots will appear in a few weeks. You can plant the cutting into the ground after around a month when the roots are strengthened.
Here are a few points to remember when growing the Arrowhead plant:
- Use a sharp and clean knife to cut off the stem cuttings from the parent plant.
- Make sure the cuttings have a minimum of two or three nodes. You can let two or three leaves at the top; remove leaves around the bottom.
- Keep the stem cuttings in a container or glass of water. Leave it in an area that receives indirect sunlight.
- Replace the water once or twice every week.
Another method of growing the arrowhead plant is the soil method. This helps save the extra steps to pot cuttings at a later stage. In the process of propagating Syngonium, stick the plants into soil instead of putting the stem cuttings into water. Remember to choose well-draining soil. One drawback of the spil method is the growing roots would not be visible.
Air layering is another process for propagating the plant. Wrap a section of the plant’s wounded stem (by peeling the bark away) with peat moss and secure it using plant twine.
Arrowhead plant care
Sunlight
The arrowhead plant needs moderate to bright sunlight. However, it can withstand low light. Avoid exposing the plant to direct and intense sunlight.
Temperature
The average temperature of 18-23°C (65-75°F) is suitable for the plant.
Humidity
The plant grows well in humid conditions. Set up a wet pebble tray beneath the plant or install a humidifier in the area.
Plant size
The plant can grow up to three to six ft. If you prefer a smaller size, cut the climbing stems and the plant will remain bushy.
Watering
Check if the soil has dried out before watering the plant. You can increase the frequency with increased light and reduce it during winter. Water regularly during spring and summer.
Soil
- Select the right soil as arrowhead vines are prone to root rot.
- Use traditional soil-based potting mix for growing the plant.
- The arrowhead plant requires moist but well-drained soil.
- The soil pH must be neutral to acidic.
- Choose terracotta or clay containers for planting the vines to prevent excess moisture.
Pruning
Regular pruning for the plants is required to make them appear healthy and bushy. The plant stem start drooping as the leaves become heavy. Trim off new growth or lower leaves of the plant to reshape the plants. Prune at least twice or thrice in a year.
Arrowhead plant Vastu
As per Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, the syngonium podophyllum or arrowhead plant can be grown in the house to invite positive energies. As it matures, the plant’s arrow-shaped leaves transform into a five-lobed form. According to Feng Shui, this five-lobed form denotes nature’s five elements, namely water, fire, earth, wood and metal. Hence, it creates a perfect Yin and Yang balance and brings Chi or positive energy.
The plant can be placed in front of sharp corners of the house to eliminate the negative energies. This will lower stress and anxiety and bring harmony.
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Arrowhead plant common problems
- The plant may turn pale or yellowish due to excessive light exposure.
- If the leaves appear brown or wilted, it may be due to underwatering.
- The plant can be toxic to dogs and cats as it forms calcium oxalate crystals.
FAQs
Is the arrowhead plant an indoor plant?
Flowers do not bloom if arrowhead plants are grown indoors.
How poisonous are arrowhead plants?
Some parts of arrowhead plants are poisonous. The plant sap contains oxalic acid. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals can cause eye damage. Moreover, it can cause gastric irritation, salivation, tingling or burning sensation of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat and swelling, if consumed.
Does an arrowhead plant need sun?
Arrowhead plants require medium to bright sunlight.