Fiji arrowroot (Tacca leontopetaloides)

Also known as: Arrowroot, East indies arrowroot

Fiji arrowroot (Tacca leontopetaloides) is a starchy relative of the yam. Its bast fibers from the stems can be woven to create mats and the roots' stach functions as laundry starch. Noted that its tubers may be toxic if it is not properly handled.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Fiji arrowroot

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Color

Green

Images of Fiji arrowroot

Quickly Identify Fiji arrowroot

Tacca leontopetaloides can be identified by its large hand-shaped leaves that emerge from the base, its unique umbel of small greenish-yellow flowers surrounded by long, thread-like bracts, and the presence of its edible tuberous roots.

Scientific Classification of Fiji arrowroot

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Dioscoreales

Family

Yam

Genus

Batflowers

Species

Fiji arrowroot

Planting and Growing of Fiji arrowroot

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

75-85℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Fiji arrowroot?

Tacca leontopetaloides requires thorough watering. It is optimal to water until water runs out of the drainage holes, ensuring the soil is well-moistened without becoming waterlogged. This imitates the plant's natural conditions, keeping the roots healthy and hydrated.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Fiji arrowroot? ›

What should I do if my Fiji arrowroot is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Fiji arrowroot? ›

How to save an overwatered Fiji arrowroot? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Fiji arrowroot?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 2-4 hours of sun

Preferring partial sun, this plant prospers with moderate light exposure, replicating its natural habitat under a tropical canopy. Such lighting fosters healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and successful flowering cycles.

What is the ideal location for Tacca leontopetaloides? ›

How can I ensure consistent light levels? ›

Why is maintaining proper light crucial? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Fiji arrowroot?

Ideal Temperature: 75 ~ 85℉

Tacca leontopetaloides thrives best in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. This temperature range supports optimal growth and photosynthesis, as it mimics the plant's natural tropical environment. Ensuring constant warmth without sudden drops or spikes is crucial for its vibrant health.

What Soil is Best for Fiji arrowroot?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Tacca leontopetaloides requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot and negatively impact plant health. Effective drainage ensures adequate oxygen reaches the roots, promoting vigorous growth and blooming. This plant thrives in nutrient-rich soil that provides essential minerals and organic matter for robust growth. High nutrient levels support strong root systems, lush foliage, and successful tuber development. Maintaining a consistently moist soil, without oversaturation, is crucial for this plant's health. Adequate moisture supports its tropical nature and prevents wilting, ensuring optimal absorption of nutrients and water.

How to Fertilize Fiji arrowroot?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Tacca leontopetaloides, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength to prevent nutrient overload. Apply about 100 ml per plant per liquid feeding, ensuring the soil is moist before application to allow even absorption. For slow-release fertilizers, distribute about 50 grams evenly around the base once a year.

How to Prune Fiji arrowroot?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by sterilizing your pruning shears with alcohol to prevent disease transmission. Identify any dead or discolored leaves and stems on your Tacca leontopetaloides. Carefully cut these sections back to the main stem to prevent any rot from spreading. Trim any excessively long stems to maintain a balanced shape. Make clean cuts at a slight angle to facilitate healing. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Fiji arrowroot plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Allow the seed pods to mature on the plant before collecting them. Once dry, gently open the pods to extract the seeds, placing them in a container for sowing.

Carefully dig out the rhizomes from the plant, ensuring not to damage them. Use a sharp knife to divide them into sections, each with at least one bud.

Fill a seed-tray with a potting mix and sow the seeds on the surface. Cover the seeds lightly with more soil and water gently to settle the soil around them.

How to Repot Fiji arrowroot plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2 years

Repot Tacca leontopetaloides when you notice its roots are tightly packed and starting to circle the pot. An ideal time to repot is in Spring or Summer when the plant is actively growing, as it can better recover from the stress of repotting. Also, check for signs like reduced growth or poor soil drainage.

Choose a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to provide ample room for root growth. A pot with drainage holes is essential as it prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Select a material that suits your environment; clay pots are excellent for their breathability in humid areas.

Opt for well-draining sandy loam, which provides a balance of moisture retention and drainage. This type of soil ensures that excess water does not accumulate, allowing the roots to breathe and prevent overwatering-related issues, promoting healthy root development and nutrient uptake.