Arrowhead plant care guide

The arrowhead plant has leaves shaped like arrowheads in green, cream, pink, and silver. Young plants grow in a tidy bush. Older plants start to climb, and their leaves change shape as they go.

Light

Arrowhead plants grow well in medium light, such as a spot near a north or east window. Bright, indirect light keeps pink and white types bright.

In low light, the stems stretch and variegated types lose their color. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

Water

Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

Droopy leaves with dry soil mean it is thirsty. Yellow leaves with wet soil mean too much water. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

Use a well-draining houseplant mix with some bark or perlite.

Repot every year or two in spring, one size up. Add a moss pole when you repot if you want it to climb. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

Average room air is fine. More humidity helps new leaves open without browning. Keep it between 16 and 27°C (60 and 80°F), away from cold drafts.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip fall and winter.

Why the leaves change shape

Young leaves are simple arrowheads. As the plant matures and climbs, new leaves split into three, five, or more lobes, like a goose’s foot. This is normal.

To keep the arrow shape and a bushy plant, pinch off the climbing stems as they grow.

Pruning

Pinch or cut long stems just above a leaf. New growth fills in from below. Cut yellow leaves off at the base.

Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive. The milky sap can irritate.

Propagation

1. Cut a stem with at least one node, the bump where a leaf meets the stem.
2. Set the node in water or damp potting mix.
3. Roots grow in two to four weeks.

Aerial roots on the stem make it root even faster.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Yellow leaves, wet soil	Too much water
Droopy leaves, dry soil	Too dry
Pink or white fading to green	Not enough light
Long, climbing stems	Normal. Pinch them to keep it bushy.
Brown, crispy edges	Dry air or dry soil
Lobed leaves	Normal as the plant matures

Pests

Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can show up. Check under leaves. Fungus gnats mean the soil stays wet too long. Read how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists arrowhead vine as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting. Keep it out of reach.

Varieties

• ‘White Butterfly’ has pale green leaves with white centers.
• ‘Neon Robusta’ has bright pink leaves.
• ‘Pink Splash’ has green leaves speckled with pink.
• ‘Albo Variegatum’ has leaves splashed with pure white. It is rare and slow.
• ‘Three Kings’ has cream and green marbled leaves.
• ‘Mojito’ has green leaves streaked with pale lime.