Applying the fertilizer timely might not always boost the Arrowhead plant growth as the permeability and porosity of the soil determine the absorption rate.
However, the soil turns compact and holds water more than necessary over time. So, continue the article to learn about the soil mixture best for the Arrowhead plant.
Table of Contents Show
What Kind of Soil Does Arrowhead Plant Prefer?
As a native of the tropical rainforests of South America, the Arrowhead plant has the tendency to grow in well-draining soil rich with decomposed matter.
However, the soil should not be too loose, making it unable to hold the required amount of moisture and fertilizer.
Further qualities demanded by the Arrowhead plant and its varieties are elaborated below.
| Factors | Specification |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Loose, porous, and well-draining soil |
| Soil Material | Regular potting soil with organic materials such as peat moss, perlite, pumice, composted bark, pine bark, rice hulls, etc. |
| Soil pH Level | Slightly Acidic (5.5-6.5) |
| Soil Compaction | Slight or None |
| Soil Drainage | 1-2 inches per hour |
| Texture | Loamy, dark, and less compact |
| Water Retention Capability | Over 40% |
| Soil Temperature | 60°F to 85°F in spring and summer Nothing less than 55°F in fall and winter |
| Supplementary Nutrients | The proportional amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with micronutrients like iron, nickel, calcium, sulfur, and Copper-Boron. |
| Soil Toxicity | Induced by pesticide and fertilizer salts like aluminum, lead, and chromated copper arsenate |
| Soil Change | Every 12-24 months |
Factors to Consider for Appropriate Arrowhead Soil
Being an aroid and creeping epiphyte, the Arrowhead plant requires enough air pockets to hold water and nutrients alongside air for growth.
So to provide the optimal substrate, look out for the given factors to consider while choosing the soil.
1. Soil Moisture
Like any tropical houseplant, Arrowhead suffers from excess soil moisture leading to roots drowning and the occurrence of root rot, a common problem in the plant.
On the other hand, dried soil obstructs the nutrient and water intake of the plant, which indirectly causes the drying and crisping of the leaves.
You can attain so by watering the Arrowhead plant once every one to two weeks, depending upon the season of the year.
Moreover, a regular watering schedule will prevent the soil from compacting.
2. Drainage Capacity of Soil
Arrowhead plants are drought tolerant, so keeping them in highly moist soil can lead to rotting and fungus growth.
However, it will depend on whether the plant is grown indoors or outdoors and the size and material of the pot.
Usually, terracotta pot allows better drainage by holding enough moisture in the soil.
You can also go for a plastic pot with enough drainage holes (at least 2) filled with free-draining soil to avoid decreased aeration and fast soil compaction.
3. Nutrients and Organic Matters
Although Arrowheads are not heavy feeders, they require monthly balanced fertilization to fulfill their basic nutrient needs.
So better to keep a fertilization schedule but try not to feed over as it can cause salt buildup in the soil, responsible for root burning.
You can use organic matter like compost, banana peels, and eggshells to provide slow-releasing nutrients while aiding with perlite and coco fiber to boost drainage.
4. Soil Compact and Aeration
Indeed, houseplant soil should be slightly compact before being watered again, but it does not mean you should let it dry out completely.
Soil compactness and aeration quality of the soil will determine whether your Arrowhead plant will thrive or fail to bloom.
According to BMC, soil aeration also negates the negative effect of Sodium Chloride (Salt).
Good soil aeration enhances root development, while slight soil compaction will support root growth.
Therefore, waiting for the top 2 inches of soil or 75% of topsoil to dry out between watering will support the growth.
5. Balanced Soil Temperature
Generally, the soil temperature should stay between 65 to 85°F at all times to support the photosynthesis process.
As for your Arrowhead plant, it will thrive in a soil temperature of around 70°F (21°C) during the day.
So when the weather gets cooler, usually in late fall and winter, you should move your plant to a warm location.
Also, insulate the soil with mulch or add a heating mat underneath to compensate for lost soil temperature.
6. Correct Soil pH
Arrowhead plants thrive in slightly acidic soil (5.5 to 6.5 pH), which helps break down nutrients for the plant roots and boost nutrient uptake.
Introduce crushed sulfur and ammonium-based nitrogen into the soil to decrease the pH level naturally.
However, keep the toxicity of low pH in mind, including Aluminum and manganese toxicity and lack of calcium, which will drastically hinder the development of roots, stems, and foliage.
Prepping the Soil/Potting Mix for Arrowhead
Arrowhead plant requires a typical aroid mix that contains an equal part of regular potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark.
Here are some favorite homemade recipes for preparing the ideal Arrowhead potting mix.
First Recipe
- 30% Potting soil
- 20% Peat Moss
- 40% Orchid bark
- 10% Perlite or Pumice
- Some shredded sphagnum moss
- A handful of horticultural charcoal
Second Recipe
- 25% Coco coir
- 25% Perlite or Pumice
- 5% horticultural charcoal
- 10% Worm castings
- The exact amount of Orchid bark
Third Recipe
- 35-45% peat moss
- Equal amount of humus and perlite
- A handful of horticultural charcoal
Consider using the above-given recipe to prepare the ideal potting mix, as a lack of these materials will likely cause slowed growth.
Best Soil Mix for Arrowhead Plant: For Sale
Alternatively, you can purchase commercial potting mixes for your Arrowheads, but the varieties of mixes online, claiming to be the best, can be confusing.
Here are a few commercial potting mix options for your Arrowhead plant that you can use as a go-to option.
| Potting Mix | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Noot Organic Potting Mix | 1. All-purpose mix for aroid plants 2. Contains 10-15-12 NPK 3. Safe for pets and children |
| Miracle-Gro Potting Mix | 1. It contains processed peat, coir, and compost 2. Provides the fast-draining ability 3. Applicable for all flowering plants |
| Espoma Organic Soil Mix | 1. A rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus, and perlite 2. Supplemented with earthworm casting, alfalfa, and kelp meal |
| All Natural Orchid Mix | 1. An all-purpose blend containing charcoal, sponge rock, pine bark, and coconut chips 2. Promotes good aeration and drainage |
| Burpee Organic Mix | 1. Formulated with coconut coir 2. Ensure vibrant blossom 3. OMRI listed for organic use |
Signs of Wrong Potting Mix for Arrowhead Plant
The problems with the Arrowhead plant are quite graphic regarding inappropriate growing conditions.
Generally, poor soil conditions invite visible issues signaled by various symptoms which must be dealt with promptly.
Some of the common signs of wrong potting mix include the following.
| Factors | Specification |
|---|---|
| Soil Compaction | 1. Overfertilization and drought will lead to soil compaction. 2. The soil microorganisms will die, leading to a sterile potting medium. 3. Root, stem, and leaves dry due to transpiration and turn brownish. |
| Low Water Infiltration | 1. Compact soil has fewer pores to pass water, leading to low infiltration. 2. It leads to water restriction (less than 0.06 inches per hour). 3. It is indicated by browning leaf tips and edges. |
| Waterlogged | 1. Water saturation will drown the roots. 2. It will lead to root rot and stem decay. 3. Yellowing and browning of leaves. 4. Slow growth, mushy stems, and deformed leaves. |
| Soil Contamination | 1. Fungal infestation, fertilizer salts, and pesticides will lead to soil contamination. 2. Discolored soil and unusual odor. 3. Stunted growth, followed by slow death. |
| Bad Odor in Soil | 1. It indicates inadequate drainage or a lack of oxygen. 2. Waterlogged, low water infiltration, and sterile soil condition. 3. It will invite root rot. |
| Mold and Pests Infestation | 1. Excess humidity and wet conditions will invite mold and pests. 2. Leaf discoloration, yellowing, brown patches, and holes. 3. Mushy stems and roots. |
| Yellowing or Drooping Leaves | 1. It indicates inadequate aeration due to waterlogged or compact soil. 2. The foliage will begin to droop and turn yellow. 3. The yellowing will gradually invite leaf browning and decay. |
Do Arrowhead Plant Need Fertilizers?
Your Arrowhead plant will witness slowed growth when you fail to provide essential nutrients.
As the potting mix lacks essential macro and micro nutrients, you should resort to fertilizing your plant with appropriate plant food.
Generally, the Arrowhead plant requires fertilizing once or twice a month with a balanced fertilizer.
The following nutrients are more vital for Arrowhead growth and healthy foliage.
| Nutrients | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium | 1. It boosts water regulation, boosts immunity, and encourages root growth. 2. It helps induce vertical growth, green vegetation, cell growth, and protein synthesis. |
| Iron, Nickel, Copper-Boron, Zinc, Chlorine, and Manganese | 1. It helps induce quicker and bushier growth. 2. It maintains healthy root conditions and soil microorganisms. |
| Calcium, Sulphur, and Magnesium | 1. Trace elements help to maintain the plant’s immune system. 2. It boosts metabolism and helps retain nutrients. |
However, do not forget to dilute the solution to half strength for monthly feeding and 1/4 strength for fortnightly feeding.
Excess fertilization will give tell-tale signs such as yellowing and browning leaves, light-colored or sterile soil, compaction, and stunted plant growth.
Best Arrowhead Plant Fertilizers to Use
The market is flooded with various synthetic fertilizers; however, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers will degrade the soil quality over time due to salt buildup.
Therefore, you should use organic fertilizer to maintain the soil quality over a long period.
Here is the list of organic liquid fertilizers appropriate for the Arrowhead plant.
| Fertilizer | Benefits | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food | 1. All-purpose plant food with a balanced NPK ratio. 2. Entirely safe for the plant. 3. Water-soluble property prevents root burn and works instantly |  |
| J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 | 1. All-purpose plant food with a 20-20-20 NPK ratio. 2. It contains NPK with potash, phosphate, boron, and copper. 3. It provides rapid leaf expansion and green color. |  |
| Espoma Company Organic Indoor Plant Food | 1. Best indoor plant food with a 2-2-2 NPK ratio. 2. Completely safe to use around kids and pets. 3. It prevents the risk of root burn |  |
Alternatively, you can choose slow-release fertilizer once every three months to prevent the risk of over-fertilizing the plant.
Choose Osmocote Smart-release plant food with eleven essential nutrients.
Find out more about 10 Best Fertilizer for Indoor Herbs.
How to Apply the Fertilizer?
- Mix the liquid concentrate in a jar or can of water at a 1:1 ratio.
- Sprinkle over the soil at some distance away from the plant root.
- Water the plant to help the nutrients spread across the pot.
- In the case of slow-release fertilizer, spread the pellets around the plant and water thoroughly afterward.
Conclusion
A healthy potting medium ensures the healthy growth of the plant, ensuring lush, green spearheaded leaves.
The Arrowhead plant will do well without excessive and expensive care.
All you need to do is ensure to follow the regular care guide, use the correct potting mix, and change the soil every 1-2 years.
Follow this guide to check your Arrowhead plant soil and nutritional requirements!
