Appearance

Growth form

It starts as a compact plant and later trails or climbs on fleshy stems; in Florida, vines can reach about 33 ft (10 m).

Leaves

Young leaves are whole and arrow-shaped, often with pale patterns. On mature climbing vines, a leaf may divide into 3–12 parts.

Look-alikes

Heartleaf philodendronPhilodendron hederaceum

Look at several leaves: arrowhead vine has arrow-shaped young leaves and often divided adult leaves. Heartleaf philodendron keeps a simple, heart-shaped leaf blade.

Why they get mixed up · Both are common trailing houseplants.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Houseplants
• Shaded Florida woodlands
• Forested wetlands

Range

Native from Mexico through tropical America, it is sold as a houseplant across the United States. Escaped populations occur mostly in central and south Florida.

Preferred conditions

In Florida it grows in light to deep shade and tolerates seasonally wet ground.

Growing it

Care

In Florida, avoid planting it outdoors because escaped vines can overgrow native vegetation.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root readily. In Florida, discarded garden pieces are a major route into natural areas.

Toxicity

All parts contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing the plant can painfully irritate and swell the mouth, and sap can irritate skin and eyes.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Houseplant cultivars include 'Bold Allusion' and 'Milk Confetti'. A named hybrid called 'Mojito' is also grown.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Threats

In south Florida, dense mats can suppress native plants, including native ferns.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• Houseplants are usually sold while they still have their young leaf shape.