How to Grow Arrowhead Plant
Wikimedia Commons
Arrowhead Plant
Syngonium podophyllum
flowerArrowhead Plant is a popular tropical houseplant known for its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves that vary in color from green to pink, white, or burgundy depending on the variety. It's a climbing vine that can be trained on moss poles, trellises, or allowed to trail from hanging baskets. The plant is low-maintenance and excellent for indoor gardeners of all skill levels.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Arrowhead Plant in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Arrowhead Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Arrowhead Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Arrowhead Plant blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arrowhead Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12; grown indoors as a houseplant in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Arrowhead Plant grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Arrowhead Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plant adapts to home environment with initial leaf growth
Acclimate gradually to light conditions; maintain consistent watering; avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing during growing seasonPlant produces new leaves and vines; arrow-shaped foliage develops characteristic form
Provide bright, indirect light for best leaf color; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer); pinch back vines to encourage bushiness
Trailing/Climbing
6-12 months+Vines extend and mature; plant develops full size and shape based on support structure
Train on moss pole or trellis for climbing, or allow to cascade from hanging basket; rotate plant monthly for even growth
Flowering
Occasional, spring/summer when matureProduces small white spadix flowers (rare indoors); cream and green spathe bracts appear
Flowering indicates mature, well-established plant; remove flowers if desired to redirect energy to foliage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; mist foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plant
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with neem oil; ensure good air circulation
-
Manually remove with brush; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil
Uses
Air Purification
HouseholdArrowhead Plant helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from indoor air, improving air quality in homes and offices. NASA studies have shown tropical houseplants like Syngonium are effective air-purifying plants. [source]
Interior Decoration
HouseholdThe attractive variegated foliage in pink, white, or burgundy makes it an excellent accent plant for shelves, desks, and living spaces. Climbing varieties add vertical interest when trained on moss poles. [source]
Edible Tubers
CulinaryThe tubers of certain Syngonium species are edible when cooked properly and traditionally used in some Asian cuisines. However, raw plant parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and should not be consumed. [source]
Propagation and Sharing
HouseholdEasily propagated from stem cuttings in water or soil, making it simple to share with friends and family or multiply your collection. Cuttings root within 1-2 weeks. [source]
Tropical Garden Feature
WildlifeIn zones 11-12, can be used in outdoor tropical gardens as a groundcover or climbing plant in humid conditions. Provides texture and color variety to landscape designs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; pinch off stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and propagate cuttings; remove yellowed or damaged leaves as needed
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arrowhead Plant leaves change shape as the plant matures—juvenile leaves are arrow-shaped, while mature leaves become larger and split into multiple lobes (a phenomenon called heterophylly), resembling a Monstera
- 🌱 The common name 'Arrowhead Plant' is also applied to several other tropical plants with arrow-shaped leaves, causing confusion, but Syngonium podophyllum is the most popular houseplant variety
- 🌱 Pink or red variegated varieties like 'Pink Splash' and 'Neon Pink' are particularly popular but require brighter light to maintain their vibrant coloration; in low light they revert to green
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Arrowhead Plant planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Arrowhead Plant seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Arrowhead Plant timeline →