Arrowhead Plant

Syngonium podophyllum

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Liliopsida›Alismatales›Araceae

📍 Tropical forests from Mexico to Brazil

The arrowhead plant is another hardy aroid that doubles as a natural filter when grown emersed. Its arrow-shaped leaves sit above the waterline while the roots draw nitrate from the tank below. It's low-maintenance and pairs well with hang-on-back filters, where the roots can spread into the flow. Submerge only the roots — the leaves must stay in the air.

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Compatible Livestock

Betta

Roots seated in a hang-on-back filter export nitrate from a betta's waste.

excellent

Guppy

Adaptable community fish that do well in the stable water this plant supports.

good

Celestial Pearl Danio

Nano fish that appreciate the extra cover and clean water.

good

Common Diseases

Root / crown rot

Symptoms

Mushy, blackened, or foul-smelling roots or lower stem; drooping, yellowing foliage — almost always from submerging the leaves or crown.

Treatment

Keep only the roots underwater and the foliage in the air. Trim away rotted tissue with clean scissors, improve surface circulation/oxygen, and let the plant re-establish.

Yellowing leaves

Symptoms

Pale or yellowing foliage, slow or leggy growth.

Treatment

Give brighter indirect light and dose a little liquid plant fertilizer. In a lightly stocked tank the water may lack nutrients for vigorous emersed growth.

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Quick Facts

co2: Not required
light: Low to moderate indirect
placement: Emersed only — suspend the roots in the water with the leaves above the surface (hang-on-back filter, tank rim, or lid). Do not fully submerge; submerged foliage will rot.
substrate: None — roots grow directly in the water column
growth rate: Moderate to fast