Arrowhead plants generally have a broad range of colorful leaves decorating mostly indoor spaces. So with this feature, it offers a visual feast to those who own it. Specifically, this type of plant is one of the fittest houseplants for focal points of any place. Also, such plants suit well outdoor spaces like balconies. So it adds a hint of glam to many places. The arrow-like plant has a few familiar names such as Arrowhead vine, American evergreen, goosefoot, and nephthytis. Above all, its botanical name is Syngonium Podophyllum. Besides, it is native to Latin America and the South regions of America. By the way, it does a great job indeed by purifying the air from toxins.
General information
Arrowhead plant sometimes has silver, pink, green, variegated spade-like foliage, and herbaceous stems developing invasively over time. To obtain a bushy look, pruning is necessary just like Croton Plant. Also underpinning it via trellis or stick is necessary. Or the opposite of this, the cascading look of this houseplant is also charming. The Arrowhead plant is a flowering plant blooming in summer. However, it rarely blooms white under indoor conditions. When it comes to its size, it could reach up to 6 ft (2 m) except for climbing. But in nature, this plant is bigger than the one growing indoors. In terms of the life cycle, it is a kind of perennial plant. Meanwhile, it is toxic for pets (cats and dogs) in case of ingestion.
How to Care For Syngonium Podophyllum
Sunlight: Syngonium Podophyllum is negatively affected under intense sunlight. Instead, semi-shade spots getting scattered sunlight suits better for such plants. In light of these tips, the plant could grow without any problem.
Watering: Weekly watering evenly the soil will suffice. More importantly, the soil must remain moist rather than dry or soggy. On the other hand, stagnant water affects badly such plants. Also, overwatering rots the plant’s roots.
Humidity: High humidity settings are convenient places for spade-like plants. So there is a few effective means of producing humid. They are electronic humidifiers, trays filled with pebbles, and water sprays, respectively.
Temperature: The best temperature for Arrowhead plant to thrive is in-between 60°F – 85°F (15°C – 30°C). Also, it can endure down to 50°F (10°C). According to the USDA plant hardiness map, 10-12 regions are proper that it grows efficiently.
Soil Type: Peat-based potting soils are quite efficient for such plants. Also, organic material-rich soils have a similar effect on them. Potting mixes with high porosity ensure the plant breathes comfortably.
Fertilizer: Water-soluble fertilizers always do great jobs. The weekly use of liquid fertilizer will be enough. Apply in its growing seasons (in spring and summer). However, don’t use it in winter. Because the plant is dormant.
Propagation: There are there well-known ways to propagate this plant. They are, for example, stem cutting, division, and air-layering. For easier work, stem cutting comes first. The other two ways are a bit challenging.
Repotting: Once two years in spring, repotting could require. As a warning, wear gloves while repotting. Because it is a toxic plant. As always, the second pot must be larger than the current pot. For example, pallet planter ideas could be one of the alternatives.
Common Problems
Pale leaves: Taking less light causes this problem in general considering light is vital for the Arrowhead plant.
Brown leaf tips: It usually stems from either over-fertilizing or too dry air.
Bug infestation: There are some little creatures giving harm to this houseplant. These are scales, aphids, mites, mealy bugs, and so forth. As usual, an early treat saves the houseplant.
Suggestions for problems: The troubled foliage can return green under correct conditions. So cutting leaves early isn’t correct. For that reason, keep going on its regular care will be a decision in place. To cope with brown leaf tips, the humidity level should be increased in both soil and air. Therefore, you can look at the previous heading about humidity-producing means. Likewise, the use of balanced fertilizers will work either. When it comes to bug infestation, some cleaning agents kill bugs without harming the plant. But as a precaution, you can wipe leaves with a damp cloth. 
