Arrowhead plant Plant Care

Arrowhead plant (Metastachydium sagittatum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Metastachydium genus. Arrowhead plant is native to Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang in central Asia. Arrowhead plant is also known as Arrowhead vine.

Arrowhead plant displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Arrowhead plant produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple and white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arrowhead plant 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.

Arrowhead plant thrives in partial to full sun.

Metastachydium sagittatum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Arrowhead plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Arrowhead plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Arrowhead plant every 2 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 partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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.

Arrowhead plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Arrowhead plant 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.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Arrowhead plant can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.

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Arrowhead plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.