Moisture
The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Arrowhead Plants is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Only water your Arrowhead when 50% of the soil volume is dry. You will know your Arrowhead Plant needs a drink when the leaves start to wilt slightly.
When you water your Arrowhead Plant, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. It’s extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer and not to let your plant sit in any standing water. Your Arrowhead Plant will not respond well to “wet feet,” which will cause the roots to rot and lead to the eventual death of the plant. Yellow leaves are the first sign that root rot may be occurring.
Providing proper and consistent soil moisture is important in caring for an Arrowhead Plant. Alternating between bone-dry and wet soil from ill-timed watering can create stress and cause your plant to yellow.
Humidity Level
Low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to droop and brown on their edges, later followed by entire yellowing, browning, and shriveling. Your Arrowhead Plant will appreciate a boost in humidity from regular misting, a humidifier, or pebble tray.
Improper Light
Arrowhead Plants grow best when placed in bright indirect sunlight, but they will tolerate lower light. When exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the foliage will burn. While Arrowhead Plants can adapt to low light areas, their growth may slow. If placed in very low light, yellow leaves may develop.
Pests
A weakened or stressed Arrowhead Plant is more susceptible to insect infestations. Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites can drain your plant of moisture. This problem quickly manifests itself by yellowing leaflets and fronds. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites occur frequently in indoor conditions. If not killed early on, these small pests proliferate and move all along frond parts into nooks and crannies. The piercing mouths of the insects exhaust your plant and accelerate yellowing, especially if your Arrowhead is already unhealthy from poor lighting, a nutrient deficiency or improper soil moisture.
Natural Yellowing
Is your Arrowhead Plant pushing out new growth? If there is new growth on your plant and the yellowing leaves are older, particularly at the bottom of the plant, this yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves and sends energy to new growth.
