Lance-leaved Arrowhead
sagittaria lancifolia
Also known as: ["Broadleaf Arrowhead","Lance-leaved Duck Potato"]
Overview
A perennial aquatic plant native to North America, known for its arrowhead-shaped leaves and small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Genus: | Sagittaria |
| Botanical Name: | Sagittaria lancifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: Shallow water garden, pond margins, or bog garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: Not required, as it thrives in submerged or bog conditions
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions but do not let soil dry out completely.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soils if well-drained.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates lower light but may grow more slowly.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn; provide shade during intense midday sun in hot climates; adjust light exposure based on indoor vs. outdoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days or as needed to maintain saturation
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
Silty or loamy soil with high organic content, suitable for bog or aquatic conditions
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is well-aerated; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); prefers stable conditions, avoiding extreme fluctuations.
Monitor temperature changes; adjust watering in heat; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; match fertilizer to plant’s growth stage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth typically appears within 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut leaves at the base; trim stems just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics; prune to control size and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; cut dead or damaged leaves; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Select new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in cold; leaf scorch or browning in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dormancy; prolonged cold may lead to plant death.
Solution: Protect from frost with a layer of mulch; move potted plants indoors during cold spells; ensure adequate warmth in winter.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced vigor; may lead to dehydration if water needs are not met.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSagittaria lancifolia is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are known to be harmful to felines upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicSagittaria lancifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known substances that would be harmful to canines if ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicSagittaria lancifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sagittaria lancifolia edible?
A: The tubers of Sagittaria lancifolia are edible and often consumed by wildlife, though human consumption is not commonly documented.
Q: How does Sagittaria lancifolia grow?
A: It grows in shallow water or wet soil, typically in marshes, ponds, and along the edges of lakes.
Q: Does Sagittaria lancifolia require full sun?
A: It prefers partial to full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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