Arrowroot: A Tropical Beauty for Warm Climate Gardens
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your garden, arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) might just be the plant you’ve been searching for. This striking perennial herb brings lush, green foliage and an interesting cultural history to any warm-climate landscape.
What is Arrowroot?
Arrowroot is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the forb family – essentially a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each year but returns from underground rhizomes. You might know this plant better from the kitchen than the garden, as arrowroot starch has been used for centuries as a cooking ingredient and natural remedy.
While arrowroot is native to tropical South America and the Caribbean, it has found its way into gardens across warmer regions of the United States. Currently, you can find it growing in Florida, Guam, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, where it has established itself as a non-native but generally well-behaved garden resident.
Why Gardeners Love Arrowroot
The main draw of arrowroot is its stunning foliage. The plant produces broad, oval-shaped leaves with a brilliant green color and prominent parallel veins that create beautiful texture and pattern. These leaves can grow quite large, making arrowroot an excellent choice for creating that coveted tropical look.
In addition to its foliage, arrowroot produces delicate clusters of small white flowers that add a subtle charm to the plant. While these blooms aren’t the main attraction, they do provide a gentle contrast to the bold leaves.
Where Arrowroot Thrives
Arrowroot is definitely a warm-weather lover, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. If you live in an area that experiences frost, you’ll want to treat this plant as an annual or grow it in containers that can be moved indoors during cold snaps.
This plant is particularly well-suited for:
- Tropical and subtropical gardens
- Shaded garden areas where other plants struggle
- Container gardens on patios or decks
- Indoor growing as a houseplant
Growing Conditions and Care
Arrowroot is relatively easy to grow once you understand its preferences. Think tropical rainforest and you’ll be on the right track:
Light: Arrowroot prefers partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch those beautiful leaves, so find a spot that gets gentle morning sun or filtered light throughout the day.
Soil: Well-draining soil that stays consistently moist is ideal. Arrowroot doesn’t like to dry out completely, but it also won’t tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. Think of it as a plant that likes to have its feet slightly damp but not drowning.
Humidity: High humidity is a must for this tropical native. If you’re growing indoors or in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Arrowroot grows from underground rhizomes, which are thick, root-like structures that store energy for the plant. Plant these rhizomes in spring when soil temperatures have warmed up, burying them about 2-3 inches deep.
The plant is fairly low-maintenance once established, but here are a few care tips:
- Protect from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves
- Remove any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant looking its best
- If growing in containers, ensure adequate drainage holes
- In colder zones, dig up rhizomes before the first frost and store them indoors over winter
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While arrowroot’s small white flowers may attract some pollinators, it’s not considered a major pollinator plant. The primary wildlife benefit comes from providing shelter and habitat structure in tropical garden settings.
Consider Native Alternatives
While arrowroot can be a lovely addition to appropriate gardens, you might also consider native plants that provide similar tropical appeal. Depending on your location, native alternatives might include wild ginger species, native ferns, or other indigenous shade-loving perennials that support local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Arrowroot offers gardeners in warm climates a chance to grow an attractive, low-maintenance plant with beautiful foliage and interesting cultural significance. While it’s not native to the United States, it’s generally well-behaved in garden settings. Just remember that this tropical beauty needs warmth, shade, and consistent moisture to truly thrive. Whether you’re creating a tropical oasis or just looking for an unusual container plant, arrowroot might be worth adding to your gardening wish list.
