Thalia geniculata aka Arrowroot

Taxonomy

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

How to care for Arrowroot

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Arrowroot is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Arrowroot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Arrowroot prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Arrowroot as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia