Arrowroot Plant Care

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Maranta genus. Arrowroot is native to rainforest habitats of the Americas. Arrowroot is also known as Maranta, West Indian Arrowroot, Tous-les-mois.

Arrowroot displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Arrowroot produces small, white flowers with purple spots on long spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arrowroot every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Arrowroot thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Arrowroot in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Maranta arundinacea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Arrowroot prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Arrowroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Arrowroot every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arrowroot is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Arrowroot can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Arrowroot while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Arrowroot is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Arrowroot can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prayer plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Arrowroot is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Arrowroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Arrowroot is native to rainforest habitats of the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Arrowroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.