Alismataceae
Arrowheads (Sagittaria genus)
Sagittaria
Easy shallow-water plants. Pond species sit at the margin, in soil that stays wet or under up to 30 cm of water, in sun or part shade. Aquarium species need moderate light and a little iron. Many spread quickly; keep them in check by dividing clumps.
Every 2 days
Bright indirect
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Arrowheads?
Arrowheads (Sagittaria) is a easy-care plant from the Alismataceae family. Sagittaria is a genus of about 30 species of aquatic and marsh plants in the family Alismataceae. Most come from the Americas; a few are from Europe, Africa and Asia. The name comes from the Latin for "of arrows", after the arrowhead-shaped leaves that stand above the water. Underwater leaves are of...
Arrowheads grows up to watering every 2 days. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Arrowheads tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Arrowheads is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Arrowheads?
TLDR: Arrowheads needs Bright indirect, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Arrowheads?
Never let them dry out. For pond species, keep the pot in the water with 5 to 30 cm of water over the soil. Out of the pond, stand the pot in a saucer that is always full.
How Much Light Does Arrowheads Need?
Full sun or part shade, with at least 2 to 6 hours of direct sun a day for pond species. In an aquarium, moderate light is enough.
What Is the Best Soil for Arrowheads?
Heavy clay or sandy loam without strong fertilizer, so the water stays clear. In an aquarium, use a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
What Pot Should You Use for Arrowheads?
A wide, shallow pond pot or basket with heavy soil, topped with gravel so the water stays clear.
What Is Arrowheads and Where Does It Come From?
Sagittaria is a genus of about 30 species of aquatic and marsh plants in the family Alismataceae. Most come from the Americas; a few are from Europe, Africa and Asia. The name comes from the Latin for "of arrows", after the arrowhead-shaped leaves that stand above the water. Underwater leaves are often thin and ribbon-like. In summer they bear white three-petaled flowers in tiers along the stalk. Many form starchy tubers that have been cooked and eaten for centuries in North America and China. Larger species such as Sagittaria latifolia and S. sagittifolia are grown at pond edges; small ones such as S. subulata are common aquarium plants.
How to Propagate Arrowheads?
Division
In an aquarium, cut off the plantlets that form on runners and replant them in the substrate.
- 1 Lift the pot out of the water or pull the clump from the mud
- 2 Separate pieces with leaves and roots, or the plantlets joined by runners
- 3 Replant each piece in heavy, wet soil
- 4 Return the pot to shallow water
Materials needed:
Tubers
Tubers form at the tips of the rhizomes and float free easily when the mud is stirred.
- 1 Collect tubers in late autumn or early spring
- 2 Bury each one a few centimeters deep in wet soil
- 3 Keep under shallow water until it sprouts
Materials needed:
How Big Does Arrowheads Grow?
TLDR: Arrowheads can reach up to ?cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- Tubers boiled or roasted, tasting like potato or chestnut
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Arrowheads?
TLDR: Arrowheads is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency, commonly known as iron chlorosis, is a nutrient deficiency disorder where plants cannot access sufficient iron from the soil. While iron is typically abundant in soil, various soil conditions can limit plant uptake, resulting in characteristic yellowing of leaves while veins remain green.
Fun Facts
Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games is named after an American arrowhead.
Lewis and Clark relied on arrowhead tubers to get through the winter of 1805 to 1806.
The same plant can grow arrow-shaped leaves above water and ribbon-like leaves below it.
Frequently asked questions
Do arrowheads need to stand in water?
Are arrowhead tubers edible?
Can arrowheads take over a pond?
Which arrowhead is used in aquariums?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
