How to Propagate an Arrowhead Plant: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The arrowhead plant, also known as Syngonium podophyllum, is a popular houseplant admired for its arrow-shaped leaves and easy care. Native to tropical rainforests, arrowhead plants are fast-growing climbers that look great in hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of shelves and tables.

If you already have an arrowhead plant and want to propagate new plants from it, you’re in luck! Arrowhead plants are one of the easiest houseplants to propagate. There are a few different methods you can use to propagate new arrowhead plants at home.

Why Propagate Arrowhead Plants?

Here are some of the main reasons you may want to propagate your arrowhead plant:

• To create new plants as gifts for friends or family members. Propagating your own plants is cheaper than buying new ones!

• To fill out existing pots and create a bushier lusher looking plant. The more stems and leaves the better!

• To replace aging plants Arrowhead plants can get leggy and ragged looking over time, Propagating new plants allows you to start fresh

• To prune congested plants Pruning arrowhead plants helps keep them tidy and shapely You can propagate the cuttings rather than throwing them away,

How to Propagate an Arrowhead Plant in Water

Propagating arrowhead cuttings in water is a very simple and effective method. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Take 6-8 Inch Cuttings

Use sterile, sharp pruners or scissors to take 6-8 inch long stem cuttings from the arrowhead mother plant. The cutting should have 2-3 leaves at the top and at least 2 nodes – those bumps along the stem where leaves emerge.

Step 2: Remove Bottom Leaves

Carefully pinch off the lower leaves so that 2-3 nodes are bare. This is where the roots will sprout.

Step 3: Place in Water

Place the arrowhead cuttings in a jar or glass with room temperature water. The water level should cover the lower bare nodes fully but leave the upper leaves above water.

Step 4: Change Water Weekly

Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent rotting. Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water if possible. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light.

Step 5: Watch for Root Growth

Check for root growth every few days. Tiny white roots will begin emerging from the nodes within 2-3 weeks in most cases. The cuttings are ready to pot up when the roots are 1-2 inches long.

Water propagation creates a very strong, healthy root system for arrowhead plant cuttings. It’s also fun to watch the roots grow!

How to Propagate Arrowhead Plants in Soil

You can also propagate arrowhead plants directly in a potting mix. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare Cuttings

Take 6-8 inch arrowhead cuttings in the same way described for water propagation. Trim off the lower leaves.

Step 2: Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)

You can dip the bottom 2 inches of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. This stimulates faster root growth but isn’t essential.

Step 3: Plant in Soil

Plant the cuttings in small pots filled with a light, well-draining potting mix. Sand or perlite can help improve drainage. Insert the cuttings at least 2 nodes deep.

Step 4: Cover with Plastic

Water the potting mix well then cover the pot with a plastic bag or cloche to create a humid environment around the cuttings.

Step 5: Watch for Growth

Keep the cuttings warm and humid while new roots establish. Gently tug on cuttings after 2-3 weeks to check for resistance from new root growth. Acclimate to normal conditions once potted up.

Soil propagation works well but often takes a little longer than water propagation. Maintaining high humidity is key when rooting in soil.

How to Propagate Arrowhead Plants by Division

Mature arrowhead plants will often produce suckers – new shoots emerging from the soil around the base of the mother plant. These suckers can simply be cut off with sharp, sterilized pruners and potted up to make new plants.

Here’s a simple division propagation technique:

Step 1: Water the Plant

Water the arrowhead plant 1-2 days before dividing so the soil is moist and roots are flexible. This prevents damage.

Step 2: Remove the Plant

Carefully tip the arrowhead plant out of its container. Tease open the root ball to expose suckers and separate shoots.

Step 3: Cut Off Sections

Identify healthy shoots with roots attached and cleanly cut them away from the mother plant with a sharp knife or pruners.

Step 4: Pot Up Divisions

Gently loosen any tangled or crowded roots on the divisions. Repot them individually in small pots with fresh potting mix. Keep them warm and humid while becoming established.

Division creates larger, more mature new plants than stem cuttings. But not all arrowhead plants produce suckers suitable for division.

Arrowhead Propagation Tips & Tricks

Follow these tips to get the highest propagation success when making new arrowhead plants:

• Take cuttings from the healthiest, most vigorous parts of the mother plant. Avoid weak or damaged stems.

• Sterilize your cutting tools before taking cuttings to prevent disease spread. Rubbing alcohol works well.

• Warm temperatures around 70-80°F encourage faster rooting. Keep cuttings away from cold drafts.

• High humidity is vital, especially when rooting in soil. Cover pots with plastic to lock in moisture.

• Filtered, non-chlorinated water is best for water propagation. Change it weekly to prevent rot.

• Avoid disturbing cuttings. Check for root growth by gently tugging – don’t remove them from the medium.

• Once potted, acclimate plants gradually to normal conditions. Hardening off helps avoid transplant shock.

Follow this advice and your arrowhead cuttings should root reliably in 2-6 weeks. Then you’ll have fresh new arrowhead plants ready for pots!

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Sometimes arrowhead cuttings fail to root or rot during propagation. Here are some potential issues and solutions:

Problem: Cuttings rotting in water or soil.

Solution: Use sterilized tools and containers, change water frequently, and avoid overwatering pots. Low oxygen levels cause rotting.

Problem: Leaves turn yellow/brown or stems are limp.

Solution: Increase light levels and humidity. Don’t allow soil to dry out completely.

Problem: No new roots are forming on cuttings after 4-6 weeks.

Solution: Take new cuttings. Old, damaged or overly mature stems sometimes won’t root well.

Problem: Roots are small and weak, or plant is declining after potting up.

Solution: Acclimate the plant to normal conditions slowly. Transplant shock from rapid changes causes problems.

Don’t give up too quickly on struggling arrowhead cuttings. Adjusting humidity, light, and watering practices can get propagation back on track in many cases. But take new cuttings if problems persist.

Enjoy an Unlimited Supply of Arrowhead Plants

Learning how to propagate arrowhead plants opens up lots of possibilities. You’ll never need to buy new plants again!

With a little practice, you can propagate arrowhead plants anytime you want to fill out existing pots, replace old plants, or share these easy-care houseplants with others.

Water propagation is quick and easy for beginners. But also try soil and division methods for a fun learning experience. Just follow the basic steps outlined in this guide and you’ll soon have propagation success.