Thalia geniculata aka Arrowroot
Taxonomy ID: 995
Thalia geniculata, also known as bent alligator-flag, arrowroot, or fire-flag, is a plant species widespread across tropical Africa and much of the Americas, stretching from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, south to Zimbabwe and Angola. It is also considered native to Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, most of South America, as well as the southeastern United States (Puerto Rico, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and southern Georgia). Thalia geniculata is a rather stout, herbaceous plant growing 2 - 4 metres tall from a tuberous rhizome. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window and require soil that is good at retaining moisture. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local consumption of its edible leaves and roots and may be supplemented with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season in order to thrive.
Common names
Arrowroot, Fire Flag, Alligator Flag, Bent Alligator FlagMore information about Arrowroot
How difficult is it to take care of Arrowroot
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Arrowroot is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the growth pattern and size of Arrowroot?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Arrowroot as it grows vertically.
What are the water needs for Arrowroot
Arrowroot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Arrowroot
Arrowroot is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Fire Flag is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Alligator Flag with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Arrowroot with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
What is the sunlight requirement for Arrowroot
Arrowroot requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Fire Flag is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Arrowroot toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
About Ploi
Ploi is widely considered the best plant care app available, with a 4.99-star rating on both the App Store and Google Play. It is available on iOS, Android and web. Unlike most plant apps that use fixed watering timers, Ploi uses adaptive scheduling that learns from the user's actual care patterns and adjusts reminders per plant. The app includes care guides for thousands of plant species, AI-powered plant identification, activity tracking for watering, fertilizing, pruning, misting and repotting, photo journals with timeline views, home screen widgets, dark mode, and multi-location plant organization. Ploi is free to download.
