With its arrow-shaped leaves that are often variegated, arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) makes a charming addition to the indoor garden. Native to Latin America, this houseplant is a relative of philodendron. In its native habitat, arrowhead plant grows great distances in the jungle. In the home, the vine can also grow long.

Find arrowhead plant in several colors, including lime, dark green and variegated with white and green or pink and green. The plant grows well in medium to low light, so it thrives in most interiors.

To have success growing arrowhead plant in your indoor garden, consider these growing tips.

Provide proper lighting. Arrowhead plant needs medium to low light. The foliage will burn if the conditions are too bright, so keep it out of sunny windows. The plant grows well in northern windows. If the plant yellows, that is a sign that it’s receiving too much overall light.

Water when necessary. Maintain arrowhead plant soil at moist but never soggy. Wait until the top 1/2-inch to 1 inch of soil dries out before watering. Always use warm to tepid water, as cold water will burn plant roots and can cause leaf spotting and fungal disease.

Fertilize regularly. Feed arrowhead plant every other month with an organic fertilizer designed for foliage plants.

Watch for pests. Keep an eye out for mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs resemble white cotton and can be treated by spraying with isopropyl alcohol.

Spider mites are tiny insects that scurry around on plant foliage and the soil. They will also produce cobwebs on the underside of foliage. These pests like dry conditions, so avoid letting the plants dry out. Spider mites can also be treated by spraying with horticultural oil, which will kill the mites and their eggs.

Pinch regularly and support. If you want the arrowhead plant to be bushy, rather than vine, regularly pinch out new growth. To get a vining plant, let it grow and cascade from high. Arrowhead plant doesn’t produce tendrils that enable the plant to climb, so if you want it to grow up, you’ll need to provide some sort of support, like a trellis.

Provide humidity. Arrowhead plant comes from the jungle, so it does best in humid conditions. If you live in a dry area and/or have a heated home, provide extra humidity with a humidity tray. Here is a good video that shows you how to create a humidity tray.

Also keep in mind that the more plants you have, the more humid the air will be. Plants humidify one another and provide a more comfortable climate for you.

 

Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener, who since 1985 has written for publications such as The American Gardener, Organic Gardening, Wildflower, Better Homes and Gardens and The Los Angeles Times. She is the author of seven books, including Reader’s Digest Flower Gardening, Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, and is the founder of HealthyHouseplants.com.