How to Grow and Care for Tiger Tooth Philodendron

The Tiger Tooth Philodendron, or Philodendron hybrid ‘Tiger Tooth’, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive, deeply serrated leaves. The vibrant green leaves have jagged, tooth-like edges that give the plant its name. As a vining plant, it can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, or allowed to trail gracefully from a hanging basket, making it a versatile addition to any indoor garden.

This plant is a relatively easy-to-care-for hybrid that brings a touch of the tropics indoors. Its unique foliage and adaptable nature make it a favorite among both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. Proper care will ensure it remains a stunning focal point in your home.

Light

Tiger Tooth Philodendron prefers bright, indirect light to thrive. An east-facing window that receives gentle morning sun is ideal, but a spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window also works well. This placement ensures the plant gets enough light without the risk of leaf damage.

Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop brown spots. If the plant receives too little light, it may become leggy, with long stems between the leaves. Rotating the plant periodically helps ensure all sides receive adequate light for even growth.

Water

Watering correctly is important for the health of your Tiger Tooth Philodendron. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Before watering, check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to give the plant a drink. Water thoroughly until you see excess water drain from the bottom of the pot.

Overwatering is a common problem and can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can kill the plant. Ensure your pot has proper drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows down, so you will need to reduce the frequency of watering.

Soil

A well-draining and airy potting mix is necessary for this philodendron. Standard potting soil alone is often too dense and can retain too much moisture. You can create an ideal mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.

This combination provides the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. The perlite and orchid bark create air pockets in the soil, which helps prevent compaction and ensures the roots have access to oxygen. This mimics the natural, chunky soil environment where epiphytic philodendrons grow.

Temperature and Humidity

This tropical plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is most comfortable in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing it in drafty areas or near sudden temperature fluctuations, such as open windows or air conditioning vents. The plant should be protected from temperatures that drop below 55°F (13°C).

Average household humidity is usually sufficient, but the Tiger Tooth Philodendron will flourish with higher humidity levels of 60% or more. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or use a small humidifier nearby. Grouping it with other plants can also help create a more humid microenvironment.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, your Tiger Tooth Philodendron benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage robust growth and vibrant foliage.

Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Feeding during this dormant period can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots. Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent fertilizer burn.

Pruning

Pruning is not strictly necessary but can help maintain the plant’s shape and encourage fuller growth. You can trim any yellowing or dead leaves as they appear to keep the plant looking tidy. If your plant becomes too long or leggy, you can prune back the vines.

When pruning, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node. This will encourage the plant to branch out from the cutting point, resulting in a bushier appearance. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer.

Propagation

Propagating the Tiger Tooth Philodendron is easily done through stem cuttings. This is best performed during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

• Select a healthy vine and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node. Ensure the cutting has at least two leaves.
• Remove the bottom leaf from the cutting, leaving the node exposed.
• Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the exposed node is submerged.
• Position the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
• Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant the cutting in a small pot with a suitable soil mix.

Potting and Repotting

Repot your Tiger Tooth Philodendron every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Signs that your plant needs a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes or water running straight through the pot without being absorbed. The best time to repot is in the spring.

When you are ready to repot your plant, follow these steps.

• Choose a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one.
• Carefully remove the plant from its old pot and gently loosen the root ball.
• Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot and position the plant in the center.
• Fill in the sides with more potting mix, gently firming it down around the roots.
• Water the plant thoroughly and allow it to acclimate to its new home.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Tiger Tooth Philodendrons are relatively resistant to pests, but they can occasionally attract common houseplant insects. Keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, especially on the undersides of leaves. If you spot any pests, treat the plant by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying it with insecticidal soap.

The most common disease is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent this, always use a well-draining soil mix and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Yellowing leaves are often the first sign of overwatering.

Toxicity

The Tiger Tooth Philodendron is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, as well as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of curious children and pets.