Side-flowering arrowhead Plant Care

Sagittaria secundifolia Kral

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Sagittaria secundifolia, also known as Kral's water plantain or Little River arrowhead is an endangered aquatic plant endemic to banks along the Little River of the U.S. states of Alabama and Georgia.

💧Aquatic Plants
Water

Every 2–4 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Side-flowering arrowhead?

Water Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering arrowhead?

Side-flowering arrowhead (Sagittaria secundifolia) belongs to the Alismataceae family within the Sagittaria genus. Side-flowering arrowhead is native to banks along the Little River of the U. Side-flowering arrowhead is also known as Side-flowering wapato.

Side-flowering arrowhead displays an aquatic perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Side-flowering arrowhead produces white, three-petaled flowers on tall stalks.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Side-flowering arrowhead?

Sagittaria secundifolia 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 Side-flowering arrowhead Need?

Side-flowering arrowhead thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Side-flowering arrowhead Prefer?

Sagittaria secundifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering arrowhead?

Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Side-flowering arrowhead to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Side-flowering arrowhead?

Feed Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering arrowhead?

Side-flowering arrowhead can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broadleaf arrowhead plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Side-flowering arrowhead Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering arrowhead?

Side-flowering 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 Side-flowering arrowhead Need?

Side-flowering arrowhead grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Side-flowering arrowhead is native to banks along the Little River of the U. In cooler regions, grow Side-flowering arrowhead as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Side-flowering 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.

Side-flowering 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 secundifolia Kral, family Alismataceae (first published in Brittonia 34: 12 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Side-flowering 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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