Sagittaria Platyphylla

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Delta arrowhead; Broadleaf arrowhead; Broad leaf sagittaria

Synonyms

Sagittaria chilensis; Sagittaria obtusa

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Southeastern United States, Central America

Habitat

Shallow standing or slow-moving water: ditches, canals, ponds, marshes, streams, and lake margins with muddy or silty substrate

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Foreground

Water

Temperature

66 – 79 °F (19 – 26 °C)

pH

5.7 – 8.0

GH

0 – 12 dGH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Runners, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Suited to midground planting in beginner to intermediate freshwater setups, this rosette-forming plant produces broad, ribbon-like leaves that arch outward for a coarser texture than typical carpet species. It tolerates a wide pH and hardness range, spreads gradually by runners once established, and benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate with root feeding.

Care

Delta arrowhead adapts to a wide range of freshwater conditions and is a reasonable choice for beginners setting up a midground planting. It forms a low rosette of broad, ribbon-like leaves that arch outward, giving it a different texture than fine-leaved carpeting plants. Medium lighting keeps growth compact, while dim conditions cause the leaves to stretch and become less attractive. Given a nutrient-rich substrate it will slowly spread by runners and eventually fill in an area without needing much intervention.

Planting & trimming

Plant individual crowns directly into the substrate with the rhizome base buried but the crown left exposed, spacing plants roughly 5-7 cm apart if planting in groups for a fuller look. It tolerates being uprooted and replanted better than many rosette plants, making rearranging straightforward. Trim off outer leaves that yellow or become overly long, and remove excess runners periodically if a denser, more contained clump is desired rather than a spreading colony.

Fertilizing

Root feeding is important for this plant since it draws much of its nutrition through the rhizome and root system in the substrate. Occasional root tabs or a nutrient-rich base layer support steady growth, and iron supplementation helps maintain good leaf color. Liquid fertilizers containing potassium and micronutrients are also taken up through the leaves and are useful in low-tech tanks without a rich substrate. Pale or yellowing new leaves usually point to an iron or nitrogen deficiency.

Propagation

Propagation happens mainly through horizontal underground runners that produce small plantlets, which can be left attached until they develop their own root systems and then separated from the parent. The rhizome can also be divided directly when a plant becomes crowded. Compared to some other Sagittaria species, platyphylla spreads at a more moderate pace, so patience is needed when trying to fill a large area.

Problems

This species is generally hardy and not particularly prone to melt once established, though newly planted specimens may shed a few older leaves while adjusting to submersed life. Poor lighting or a nutrient-poor substrate can lead to weak, elongated growth that is more susceptible to algae fouling. Diatoms or green algae can settle on the broad leaves if flow and light are not well balanced, so periodic leaf cleaning helps keep the rosette looking tidy.

Sources

1. Sagittaria platyphylla – Care, Propagation, and Tank Setup Guide
2. Sagittaria Platyphylla - Akvarieboden
3. Growing Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria Platyphylla) in the aquarium

More Sagittarias

Sagittaria PusillusSagittaria Subulata