Marantaceae
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Care Guide
Maranta arundinacea
Arrowroot thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light and consistently moist, rich, well-draining soil. Keep it away from cold drafts and direct hot sun, feed lightly during the growing season, and divide the rhizomes every year or two to keep the clump vigorous.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
16° - 29°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Arrowroot?
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a medium-care plant from the Marantaceae family. Maranta arundinacea, commonly known as arrowroot, is a tropical rhizomatous perennial herb native to the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America. Grown both as an ornamental foliage plant and as a food crop, its starchy underground rhizomes are processed into a fine, easily digestib...
Arrowroot grows up to 1.5m, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days, 16°C – 29°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Arrowroot is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Arrowroot?
TLDR: Arrowroot needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 16-29°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Arrowroot?
Water about once a week, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; let the top layer dry slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. Use rainwater or filtered water since arrowroot is sensitive to lime and hard water.
How Much Light Does Arrowroot Need?
Provide bright, indirect light -- a spot within a couple of meters of an east- or south-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves, and avoid deep shade, which slows growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Arrowroot?
Plant in a rich, organic, well-draining mix with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5. A blend of quality potting soil, compost, and perlite works well to hold moisture while preventing waterlogging.
What Pot Should You Use for Arrowroot?
A wide, moderately deep plastic or glazed ceramic pot with good drainage holes suits the spreading rhizomes of arrowroot and helps retain the humidity it needs.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 45 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Arrowroot and Where Does It Come From?
Maranta arundinacea, commonly known as arrowroot, is a tropical rhizomatous perennial herb native to the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America. Grown both as an ornamental foliage plant and as a food crop, its starchy underground rhizomes are processed into a fine, easily digestible, gluten-free starch used in cooking and baking. The plant forms clumps of broad, glossy, mid-green oval leaves and produces small white flowers in spring and summer.
How to Propagate Arrowroot?
Rhizome Division
Handle rhizomes gently to avoid bruising, and let cut surfaces air-dry for a few hours before replanting to reduce the risk of rot.
- 1 Carefully lift the clump from its pot or bed at the start of the growing season.
- 2 Gently separate the rhizome mass into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one growing point or eye.
- 3 Trim away any damaged or rotten portions with a clean, sharp knife.
- 4 Plant each division into rich, well-draining potting mix at the same depth it was growing before.
- 5 Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm, humid, brightly lit spot until new growth appears.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Arrowroot Grow?
TLDR: Arrowroot can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.5m
Spread
1.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used as a demulcent for digestive upset
- Root poultices applied to wounds and stings
- Nutritive food for convalescents and infants
Culinary Uses
- Ground into a fine, gluten-free thickening starch for sauces, soups and gravies
- Used in biscuits, puddings and baked goods
- Source of arrowroot flour/powder
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Arrowroot?
TLDR: Arrowroot is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
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.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
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.
Meaning & Symbolism
The common name arrowroot comes from the historical use of this plant by indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and South America to draw out poison from arrow wounds, making it a symbol of healing, protection, and resourcefulness.
Fun Facts
Arrowroot gets its name from its traditional use by Caribbean and South American peoples to treat wounds from poison-tipped arrows.
Its starch is one of the purest and most easily digestible plant starches known, historically recommended as an easy-to-digest food for infants and invalids.
A variegated cultivar with cream-and-green striped leaves is popular as a houseplant, distinct from the food-crop form grown for its rhizomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is arrowroot easy to grow indoors?
Is Maranta arundinacea toxic to cats and dogs?
How is arrowroot starch harvested from the plant?
Why are my arrowroot leaves turning yellow?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
