Description
Plant Profile
Sagittaria platyphylla (Delta Arrowhead) is a freshwater aquarium plant native to the southeastern US, from central Texas to Florida and up to southern Illinois. It forms dense colonies in ponds and slow streams; submerged leaves are ribbon‑like, while emergent leaves range from narrow and pointed to oval. During its blooming period, Sagittaria platyphylla can produce small, white, three-petaled flowers, typically flowering from late spring through early autumn. Fairly uncommon in the hobby, it’s an undemanding choice for larger, low‑tech aquariums.
Key Features & Benefits
Produces broad, strap-like leaves that contrast visually with fine-leaved stem plants.
Suitable for low-tech, high-tech, and emersed setups.
Thick leaves offer shelter and line-of-sight breaks for shrimp and fish.
Care & Planting Instructions
Plant in nutrient-dense aquarium soil or insert root tabs near the root base, as this species relies heavily on substrate nutrients.
Provide low to moderate lighting for steady submerged growth, or supply stronger lighting to encourage faster runner production.
Inject pressurized CO2 to accelerate leaf expansion and density, though CO2 remains completely optional in low-tech setups.
Maintain stable aquarium parameters and avoid drastic shifts in water quality to prevent leaf melting.
Master the basics by learning how to properly grow aquarium carpet plants and midground foliage to ensure your layout fills in quickly, evenly, and stays free of algae.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Sagittaria platyphylla
Common Name(s)
Delta Arrowhead, Broad-leaf Arrowhead, Sagittaria Platyphylla
Family
Alismataceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Rosette / Midground to Background
Care Difficulty
Easy
Light Requirement
Low to Medium
CO2 Requirement
Optional (Accelerates growth and density)
Placement / Usage
Midground to Background
Height / Size
8-16 inches
Growth Rate
Moderate
Water Parameters
pH 6.0 – 7.8 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
Propagation Method
Separate subterranean runners or daughter plantlets
Origin
Southeastern United States
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the best placement for Sagittaria Platyphylla in an aquarium?
Due to its taller height (8–16 inches) and broad, strap-like leaves, Sagittaria Platyphylla works best as a midground accent in large aquariums or a background plant in small-to-medium nano tanks.
2. Can Sagittaria Platyphylla be grown without CO2 injection?
Yes. Sagittaria Platyphylla is an undemanding, low-tech friendly plant that grows well without pressurized CO2. Providing a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs is much more important for its long-term health.
3. How does Sagittaria Platyphylla propagate?
Sagittaria Platyphylla propagates by sending out thick underground runners that pop up as new daughter plantlets. Once the daughter plants develop a few leaves and roots, simply snip the connecting runner and replant them elsewhere.
