Dwarf Arrowhead Plant Care
Sagittaria pygmaea Miq.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sagittaria pygmaea, commonly known as the dwarf arrowhead or pygmy arrowhead, is an aquatic plant species. It is a perennial herb producing by means of stolons.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf Arrowhead?
Water Dwarf 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.
What Is the Dwarf Arrowhead?
Dwarf Arrowhead (Sagittaria pygmaea) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Sagittaria genus.
Dwarf Arrowhead displays an aquatic perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Dwarf Arrowhead produces white, three-petaled flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf Arrowhead?
Sagittaria pygmaea 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 Dwarf Arrowhead Need?
Dwarf Arrowhead thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf Arrowhead Prefer?
Sagittaria pygmaea grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Dwarf 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 Dwarf Arrowhead?
Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Arrowhead to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf Arrowhead?
Feed Dwarf 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 Dwarf 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 Dwarf Arrowhead?
Dwarf Arrowhead can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broadleaf arrowhead plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dwarf Arrowhead Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf 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 Dwarf Arrowhead?
Dwarf 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 Dwarf Arrowhead Need?
Dwarf Arrowhead grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Arrowhead as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf 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.
Dwarf Arrowhead thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sagittaria Species
Other Sagittaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sagittaria pygmaea Miq., family Alismataceae (first published in Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 2: 138 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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