The arrowhead-shaped young leaves of the arrowhead or goosefoot plant, which originates from coun­tries including Mexico to Brazil and Bolivia, are leathery, glossy, and brightly colored. As the plant ages, it grows long stems, which can either be trailed from a hanging basket or trained up a support.

These stems bear the mature leaves, which are progressively 3- and then 5-lobed. The long stems should be cut off as they develop, as this will help to prolong the juvenile stage, with its particularly attractive foliage. S.p. ‘Emerald Gem’ has fleshy, shiny’, dark green leaves, those of S.p. ‘Silver Knight’ are silver green, and those of S.p. ‘Variegatum’ are splashed pale green.

Size: Height 6 ½ – 7 ft. (2—2.2 m).

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply only enough water to prevent the soil drying out.

Feeding: Use standard liquid fertil­izer every two weeks in spring and summer.

Propagation: Take 4 in. (10 cm) tip cuttings in spring, or stem cuttings with aerial roots in spring or summer.

Special needs: This is an ideal subject for growing up a moss pole because it has aerial roots. Mist regularly, especially in high temperatures, to prevent the foliage from drying out.