How to Grow Small Aroids
Small Aroids
Araceae family (various genera)
flowerSmall aroids are compact members of the Araceae family, including popular houseplants like Philodendron, Anthurium, Alocasia, and Syngonium species. These tropical plants are prized for their distinctive foliage, unique spathe-and-spadix flowers, and air-purifying qualities. They range from creeping vines to upright compact plants suitable for indoor and warm outdoor growing.
When should you plant Small Aroids in your zone?
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Example Small Aroids timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Small Aroids
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Small Aroids blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Small Aroids dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-12 outdoors; most thrive as houseplants in zones 3-9
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Get my Small Aroids timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plant adjusts to environment; limited new growth, foliage may appear stressed
Place in consistent location with bright indirect light. Maintain high humidity. Water carefully—avoid overwatering stressed plants. Do not fertilize for first 2-4 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
2-8 monthsPlant produces new leaves steadily; stems elongate or expand; foliage deepens in color
Maintain bright indirect light and consistent moisture. Begin light fertilizing (diluted to half-strength) every 2-4 weeks during growing season (spring-summer). Support climbing or vining types with moss poles or trellises.
Maturation
Ongoing with proper carePlant reaches desired size; leaf production stabilizes; plant may begin flowering
Continue regular watering and humidity. Fertilize monthly during growing season. Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Provide support structures as needed.
Flowering
4-8 weeks per bloomCharacteristic spathe (often red, pink, or white) unfolds to reveal spadix with tiny flowers; some species rarely flower indoors
Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F) and high humidity to encourage blooming. Ensure mature plant (at least 1-2 years old). Continue regular care; blooms may last weeks to months.
Dormancy/Rest
3-4 months (winter)Growth slows significantly during winter months; minimal new leaf production
Reduce watering frequency but do not allow soil to dry completely. Lower fertilizer frequency to monthly or stop entirely. Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Humidity remains important.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity to 60%+ to deter. Isolate infested plant.
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Dab with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Remove severely affected leaves.
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Scrape off manually with soft brush; apply neem oil or horticultural oil. Repeat every 5-7 days as needed.
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Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps. Apply mosquito dunks to soil if severe.
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Repot in fresh, dry aroid mix immediately. Remove affected roots. Reduce watering frequency. Improve drainage.
Uses
Air Purification & Indoor Decoration
HouseholdSmall aroids are NASA-documented air-purifying plants that remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air while adding tropical aesthetic appeal. Their compact size makes them ideal for desks, shelves, and windowsills. [source]
Propagation & Plant Propagation Hobby
CraftSmall aroids are exceptionally easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making them perfect for plant collectors and hobbyists. A single cutting rooted in water or soil can develop into a full plant within weeks. [source]
Natural Pest Control Plants
WildlifeWhen grown in gardens (in warm climates), aroids' glossy leaves and unique flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators while their toxicity deters herbivorous pests. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalCertain aroid species have been used in traditional medicine and Ayurveda, though most houseplant aroids are toxic if ingested and should be handled with caution around pets and children. [source]
Ornamental Flowering Display
CulinaryThe exotic spathe-and-spadix flowers of aroids like Anthurium provide long-lasting, unique cut flowers for floral arrangements and add visual interest as potted houseplant blooms. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Small aroids are ornamental plants grown for foliage and flowers, not harvested for food. Remove mature leaves for propagation by pinching off at node. Cut flower spathes once spathe fully unfolds if desired for display (typically 4-6 weeks after appearance).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Aroids produce heat during flowering—their spadix can warm up to 44°C (111°F) to attract pollinators and volatilize attractant scents. This thermogenesis is one of the most extreme examples in the plant kingdom.
- 🌱 Many aroid species are root climbers in nature, developing aerial roots to climb trees in tropical rainforests. In homes, they can be trained up moss poles or trellises to mimic this natural growth habit.
- 🌱 Most common houseplant aroids are toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. However, some aroid relatives (like taro) have edible tubers and are staple foods in tropical regions when properly prepared.
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