Photo: Pavel KaclCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Broadleaf Arrowhead Plant Care
Sagittaria latifolia Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its long, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble the tip of a spear. Originating from North America, Sagittaria latifolia is a desirable addition to plant collectors' gardens due to its attractive, aquatic nature and ability to thrive in marshy conditions.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Water Broadleaf Arrowhead every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Broadleaf Arrowhead Native To?
What Is the Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Sagittaria genus. Broadleaf Arrowhead is native to North America and northern South America. Broadleaf Arrowhead is also known as Duck Potato, Wapato, Arrowhead.
Broadleaf Arrowhead displays an aquatic perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Broadleaf Arrowhead produces white, three-petaled flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Sagittaria latifolia requires watering every 2–4 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Broadleaf Arrowhead Need?
Broadleaf Arrowhead thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Broadleaf Arrowhead Prefer?
Sagittaria latifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Broadleaf Arrowhead prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Broadleaf Arrowhead to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Feed Broadleaf Arrowhead every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Can be repotted annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Broadleaf Arrowhead can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Broadleaf Arrowhead Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Arrowhead, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Broadleaf Arrowhead?
Broadleaf Arrowhead is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Broadleaf Arrowhead Need?
Broadleaf Arrowhead grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Broadleaf Arrowhead is native to North America and northern South America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Broadleaf Arrowhead is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sagittaria genus — compare its care with other Sagittaria species on PlantoScan.
Sagittaria is part of the Alismataceae plant family — browse all Alismataceae genera and species.
Broadleaf Arrowhead thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sagittaria latifolia Willd., family Alismataceae (first published in Sp. Pl., ed. 4 , 4: 409 (1805)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Broadleaf Arrowhead, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Pavel Kacl, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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