The Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ is a striking houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. Its elongated, deeply lobed leaves feature serrated edges, creating an appearance reminiscent of a tiger’s teeth or claws. This unique leaf shape, combined with its lush green color, makes it a captivating addition to any indoor plant collection.
Understanding Your Philodendron Narrow Tiger Tooth
The Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’, also known as ‘Narrow Escape’ or ‘Jungle Boogie’, is a cultivar within the Philodendron genus. It is considered a hybrid of unknown origin. This plant originates from tropical regions, primarily South America, adapting to warm and moist conditions.
Unlike some vining philodendrons, the ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ typically exhibits an upright, self-heading growth habit, growing upward from a central stem. Its mature leaves can reach impressive lengths, sometimes up to 2.5 feet (75 cm).
Care Guide for Philodendron Narrow Tiger Tooth
Light
The Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat under taller trees. Placing it near a window that receives filtered sunlight, perhaps through a sheer curtain, is ideal. While it can tolerate medium or lower light, growth may slow, and leaves might not develop their characteristic deep lobes. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the afternoon, can scorch its foliage, leading to burnt spots. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth or smaller, less defined leaves.
Water
Watering is important for the health of your Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) or the top half of the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, characterized by mushy stems or yellowing leaves. When watering, ensure water drains through the pot’s drainage holes, and promptly discard any excess water from the saucer. Underwatering, indicated by browning leaf tips or wilting, should be avoided, as the plant prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, conditions.
Soil
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive soil mix is important for the Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’. An ideal aroid mix often includes potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss. This combination provides necessary aeration for roots while retaining enough moisture. Good drainage prevents waterlogging, which can suffocate roots and promote fungal issues. A slightly acidic soil pH, around 5.5 to 6.0, is preferred by philodendrons.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ prefers average to warm household temperatures, typically ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65-75°F). It can tolerate temperatures down to 15°C (59°F) but should be protected from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. As a tropical plant, it appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. While it can adapt to average indoor humidity, increased humidity can promote lusher foliage and prevent browning leaf tips. Methods to boost humidity include using a pebble tray, grouping plants, or employing a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, typically spring through summer, the Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, applied once a month or every 4 to 6 weeks. Some growers opt for a diluted solution with every watering during this period. It is advisable to reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which may damage roots and burn leaves.
Propagating Philodendron Narrow Tiger Tooth
Propagating the Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with several leaves and at least one node, the point where leaves or aerial roots emerge. Using clean, sharp shears, make a cut about 4 to 6 inches long, just below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as new roots will develop there.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged, and position it in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots typically appear within a few weeks.
Once roots are at least an inch long, transfer the cutting to a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. For direct soil propagation, plant the cutting in moist potting mix, burying the nodes, and keep the soil consistently moist until roots establish.
Common Issues and Solutions
Philodendron ‘Narrow Tiger Tooth’ can experience several common issues, often related to environmental factors. Yellowing leaves frequently indicate improper watering, with overwatering being a primary cause due to root rot. If older leaves yellow, it might suggest underwatering, while yellowing lower leaves can signal overwatering. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow the topsoil to dry out before rewatering can remedy this. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing, which can be addressed by appropriate fertilization.
Browning leaf tips or edges are often a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier can help. Direct sunlight can lead to burnt leaves with brown crisp patches, necessitating a move to a spot with filtered light. Stunted growth or small leaves might indicate insufficient light, suggesting the plant needs a brighter location.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips, can also affect the plant, causing yellowing foliage or distorted growth. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, helps detect pests early. Treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively manage these issues. Maintaining optimal care conditions helps the plant resist pests.