Types Of Arrowhead Plants

If you’re looking for a houseplant that brings vibrant color without needing constant attention, you’ve found the right guide. We’re going to look at the different types of arrowhead plants, which are known for being both colorful and easy-care. The Syngonium podophyllum, commonly called the arrowhead plant or goosefoot, is a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers. Its leaves change shape as they mature, starting with the classic arrow form and often developing into multi-lobed patterns. Best of all, there are so many stunning varieties to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

Arrowhead plants offer a stunning array of colors, from deep greens to bright pinks and near-whites. Here are some of the most popular and beautiful types you can grow in your home.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘White Butterfly’

This is perhaps the most common and classic variety. Its leaves are a soft green with prominent white or cream veins that spread through the leaf, resembling a butterfly’s wings. It’s incredibly adaptable and fast-growing, making it a perfect first plant. It tolerates a range of light conditions, though it will show more white in brighter, indirect light.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Neon Robusta’

True to its name, this variety shouts with color. Its heart-shaped leaves are a bright, almost fluorescent pink when young, maturing to a more muted green with pink undertones. The stems are also a lovely pink shade. It’s a real statement piece that thrives in medium to bright indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant hue.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Berry Allusion’

This cultivar is known for its beautiful, soft color palette. The leaves are a dusty green with salmon-pink veins and edges. New growth often emerges with a stronger pink blush. It’s a compact grower and is particularly forgiving, handling lower light better than some of the more brightly colored types.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Maria Allusion’

Similar to ‘Berry Allusion’ but with deeper, richer tones. Its foliage is a dark, bronzy green with vivid pink veins. The contrast is striking, and it has a more bushy, compact habit. This one is excellent for adding a touch of drama to a shelf or desk without taking up to much space.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Pink Allusion’

If you love pink, this is your plant. The leaves are a light green with large, sweeping areas of bubblegum pink, especially on new leaves. The pink can fade to a creamier color in lower light, so provide bright indirect light to keep those colors strong. It’s a real showstopper.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Gold Allusion’

This variety offers a sunny, cheerful apperance. The leaves are a light yellow-green, almost chartreuse, with subtle green edges. It brightens up any corner and grows steadily with proper care. It’s less common than some others but just as easy to look after.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Imperial White’

For a high-contrast look, seek out ‘Imperial White’. This stunning plant has deep green leaves heavily marbled and splashed with crisp white. Sometimes the white can dominate entire sections of the leaf. It requires a bit more light than some to maintain its variegation, but it’s well worth the effort.

Syngonium Erythrophyllum ‘Red Arrow’ / ‘Llano-Carti Road’

This is a different species with a unique look. The leaves are a deep, glossy green on top with a stunning solid red or burgundy underside. The arrowhead shape is very pronounced. It’s a bit slower growing but incredibly beautiful, especially when placed where light can shine through the red backs of the leaves.

Other Notable Varieties

‘Mojito’: Features chaotic green and white speckling, like a plant version of the drink.
‘Confetti’: Covered in small pink spots and splashes, as if someone flicked paint on it.
‘Albovirens’: A reverse variegation with white leaves and green edges and veins.
‘Bold Allusion’: Has large, almost rounded leaves with beautiful green and cream patterning.

Your Easy-Care Arrowhead Plant Guide

Now that you’ve seen the types, here’s how to keep them thriving with minimal fuss. Their easy-care reputation is well-earned when you follow a few basic rules.

Light Requirements

Arrowhead plants are flexible, but light affects their color. Brighter indirect light encourages more vibrant variegation and compact growth. They can tolerate lower light, but growth will slow and highly variegated types (like ‘Imperial White’) may revert to more green. Avoid direct hot sun, which can scorch their delicate leaves.

Watering Your Plant

This is where most issues arise. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy.

Check the top inch of soil with your finger.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots don’t sit in water.

They will forgive you if you forget occasionally, but consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. In winter, you can reduce watering frequency as growth slows.

Soil and Potting

A well-draining potting mix is essential. A standard houseplant mix works fine, but you can improve drainage by adding some perlite or orchid bark. Repot every 1-2 years in spring if the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter to prevent to much soil staying wet.

Humidity and Temperature

As tropical plants, they appreciate higher humidity (above 50%), but they adapt well to typical home conditions. If you notice crispy leaf edges, that’s a sign the air is to dry. You can:

Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Group it with other plants.
Use a small humidifier nearby.

Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents. Ideal temperatures are between 60-80°F.

Feeding and Pruning

Feed your arrowhead plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do this every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer. Stop feeding in fall and winter. Pruning is simple:

Pinch off new growth tips to encourage a bushier plant.
Use clean scissors to cut back any long, leggy vines.
You can propagate these cuttings to make new plants!

Propagating Arrowhead Plants

Sharing your plant is easy. The simplest method is stem cuttings in water.

Cut a 6-inch stem section just below a node (the bump where a leaf grows).
Remove the bottom few leaves to expose the node.
Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
In a few weeks, you’ll see roots. Wait until they are 1-2 inches long before potting in soil.

This is a great way to refresh an overgrown plant and create gifts for friends.

Common Issues and Simple Solutions

Even easy-care plants have occasional problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellow Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and ensure the pot drains well.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Low humidity or underwatering. Increase moisture in the air or check soil moisture more frequently.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: The plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter spot.
Loss of Variegation: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Brighter indirect light will bring the colors back.
Pests: Watch for spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.

Styling Your Colorful Arrowhead Plants

Their versatile growth habit lets you style them in multiple ways. You can let them trail from a hanging basket for a cascading effect. Train them up a moss pole or trellis for a vertical, climbing display. Keep them bushy and compact with regular pruning on a tabletop. Mix different varieties together for a stunning contrast of colors and textures. Their adaptability makes them perfect for any room.

FAQ

Are arrowhead plants easy to care for?
Yes, they are considered very easy-care houseplants. They adapt to a range of light and humidity conditions and are forgiving of occasional missed waterings.

How many types of Syngonium are there?
There are dozens of cultivated varieties of Syngonium podophyllum, offering a huge range of leaf colors, shapes, and patterns. New cultivars are being developed regularly.

Is the arrowhead plant toxic?
Yes, like many in the Araceae family, arrowhead plants contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested. Keep them out of reach of pets and small children.

Why is my pink arrowhead plant turning green?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. The pink and white variegation requires brighter indirect light to maintain. Move it to a brighter location and new growth should show better color.

Can arrowhead plants live in water?
They can grow in water indefinitely when propagated. However, long-term growth in water may be slower and the plant might not reach its full potential size compared to being in soil.

With so many beautiful types of arrowhead plants available, you can easily find one that matches your style. Their colorful leaves and easy-going nature make them a joy to have in your home. By providing just a bit of basic care—the right light, careful watering, and occasional feeding—you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, growing companion for years to come. Start with one, and you might just find yourself wanting to collect them all.