Arrowhead vine
Also called Arrowhead plant, Goosefoot plant, Nephthytis.
| Light | medium light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 7 days in the growing season, every 12 in winter |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants list.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses under the name arrow-head vine, with insoluble calcium oxalates causing burning of the mouth and drooling. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
The arrowhead vine grows through the forests of Central and South America, starting as a small clumping plant on the floor and turning into a climber once it finds a trunk. Young plants have the neat arrow shaped leaves the name refers to; mature climbing growth has larger lobed leaves that look like a different plant entirely, which surprises people who have kept one for a few years. It is among the easiest houseplants to keep and the easiest to root, and the only real decision is whether you want the low bushy version, which needs pinching every few weeks, or the climbing one, which needs a pole and no pinching at all. Modern breeding has given it pink, cream and near white forms; the paler the leaf, the more light it needs to keep the colour.
Ailments observed
| Long bare stems and pale new leaves | Too little light, or a plant left unpinched. Move it brighter and pinch the growing tips every few weeks so it branches. |
|---|---|
| Yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant | Overwatering. Let the top 3 cm dry between waterings and check the pot drains. |
| Brown crisp edges on the leaves | Dry air or a pot that dried out. Water more evenly and move it away from radiators. |
Questions from the margin
Why has my arrowhead vine gone stringy?
It is a climber and it will run given the chance. Pinch the growing tips every few weeks to keep it bushy, or give it a moss pole and let it climb, which is what it would rather do.
Filed underPlants that forgive a beginner
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