Use code TWOPEAS to get $150 off a Gardyn and membership here.

How To Easily Grow Philodendron Jungle Boogie Guide

The Philodendron Jungle Boogie, also called Philodendron Tiger Tooth, is a tropical plant known for its unique and attractive foliage. This exotic perennial is easy to care for and enjoys humidity.

What Is Philodendron Jungle Boogie?

The Philodendron Jungle Boogie is also known as Philodendron Tiger Tooth, Philodendron Henderson’s Pride, and Philodendron Narrow.

This perennial is part of the Araceae family and is well-known for its unique and attractive foliage. It is long and narrow with deep serration on the edges and has dark green-colored leaves.

The groovy name “Jungle Boogie” is believed to be given due to the plant’s zig-zag growing habit, and this absolutely adds to the plant’s exotic appeal.

We will mainly discuss the ideal conditions when caring for the Philodendron Jungle Boogie indoors, but you can also grow it outdoors in hardiness zones 9-11.

Origin And Family

Philodendron Tiger Tooth belongs to the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family. Natively, it’s from the rainforests of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Believed to be a Thai hybrid, Philodendron Jungle Boogie is said to be a cross of Philodendron Wendlandii and Philodendron Tortum.

Where To Buy

Philodendron Jungle Boogie plants can be purchased in a nursery or a home improvement store. It’s usually better to buy it on Etsy, where you’ll likely find more affordable options. Esty frequently provides fantastic deals from plant enthusiasts who cultivate this variety in their homes as a hobby.

Philodendron Jungle Boogie has relatively affordable pricing, which starts from $20 up to $50.

Philodendron Jungle Boogie is available on Etsy

Philodendron Jungle Boogie Plant Size

The Philodendron Jungle Boogie grows about 2-3 feet tall and 10 inches wide as a houseplant. This stunning perennial prefers to be placed near an east or west-facing window and is considered a fast grower.

Philodendron Jungle Boogie Care Needs

Philodendron Jungle Boogies are humidity-loving plants that need relatively dry soil throughout the year. Water your plant when the soil’s top two inches are dry during the summertime. Keep pouring until water flows out of the drainage hole. Be sure to empty the catch plate to avoid root rot.

Check out this more detailed guide to care for your Philodendron Jungle Boogie!

Care Difficulty

Have no fear. The Philodendron Henderson’s Pride is easy to grow. To raise this remarkable plant, it needs lots of sunshine and proper drainage.

Growth Rate

The Philodendron Narrow plant grows 2-3 feet in height when grown indoors. Its growing season is in the spring and summer.

Most Philodendron species, including the Jungle Boogie, have a fast growth rate.

Potting

This tropical plant thrives in nearly any sort of quality potting material. Most gardeners choose plastic, terracotta, or clay containers for P. Tiger Tooth.

Most plants require a large container in terms of size. So long as your pot contains drainage holes, your plant should be protected from root rot.

Repotting

Philodendron Jungle Boogie typically needs to be repotted every year or when you see it getting top-heavy. If you see this, carefully remove the plant from its pot but be careful not to disrupt the main root ball. At this point, transfer the plant to a bigger pot. The roots adapt quicker when planted in the same substrate that it’s used to.

Soil

A standard commercial potting mix works for Philodendron Henderson’s Pride. Coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite are the ideal components for the soil, as it prefers good aeration and drainage.

Here are some growing options we recommend for this plant:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $16.04 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.60
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

The Tiger Tooth Philodendron prefers a pH of 5.5-7.5, which is neutral to acidic. If you’re worried about acidity, you can test your soil’s pH online.

If you think the pH is too high, add sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

If the pH is too low, you can add baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to the soil.

Water

The watering frequency will vary based on the temperature and the humidity in your plant’s surroundings. Generally speaking, your Philodendron Tiger Tooth prefers a relatively dry growing medium.

Avoid overwatering your Philodendron Tiger Tooth. When the soil’s top two inches are dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink. The best way is to water directly on the soil and take care not to wet its narrow leaves so you can avoid fungal diseases.

Allow the water to flow through the bottom of the pot. Remember to empty the collection tray if your plant is sitting in one.

Avoid putting your Philodendron Jungle Boogie in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Light

Like many indoor plants, Philodendron Jungle Boogie prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours per day. Remember, you’re trying to recreate the low light conditions in the rainforests of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. Placing this plant near an east or west-facing window or in the low-light areas of the home works well in most situations.

You’ll know your Philodendron Jungle Boogie is getting too much light when its leaves may show signs of getting scorched. On the other hand, if it doesn’t get enough light, its stems may get leggy.

Fertilizer

To ensure a thriving Philodendron Jungle Boogie, give it some extra nutrient boost. Use a water-soluble fertilizer monthly in the spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options you can use:

Photo Title Price Buy
Fiddle Leaf Fig...image Fiddle Leaf Fig Slow-Release Fertilizer by Perfect Plants - Resealable 5oz. Bag - Consistent Nutrient Enrichment - for Indoor and Outdoor Use on All Ficus Varieties $9.95 ($1.99 / Ounce)
Osmocote Smart-Release Plant...image Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lb. $31.84 ($0.25 / Ounce)
EcoScraps Slow-Release Fertilizer,...image EcoScraps Slow-Release Fertilizer, Made with Recycled Nutrients and Organic Matter, Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft., 45 lbs. $23.47 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Osmocote 14-14-14 Classic...image Osmocote 14-14-14 Classic Slow Release Fertilizer - 50 Lbs.
Osmocote Fertilizer 15-9-12,...image Osmocote Fertilizer 15-9-12, Slow Release 3-4 Months, 50lbs. Bag $170.44 ($0.21 / Ounce)

In wintertime, when growth naturally slows down, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Philodendron Jungle Boogie

Perhaps you’re impatient to see your Philodendron Jungle Boogie sprout new leaves. In that case, you can prune back the stem to encourage new growing points. The cuttings you’ve pruned back can then be propagated to grow a new plant!

We’ve laid out various propagation methods for you to choose from.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Directly placing stem cuttings into soil is one simple way to propagate a Philodendron Tiger Tooth. If you don’t already have a mature plant handy, consider buying one from either Facebook or Etsy.

It is ideal to propagate your plant during its growing season, which is from spring to summer, so that it may recover from transplant shock more easily.

1. Make Your Cut. Cut a healthy portion of the plant with clean shears. A cutting should be at least three inches long and have a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Bury the cutting so that the nodes are covered with wet soil. Be sure you pinch the dirt around the stem. Too much movement might hurt root development.

3. Place Your Cutting. Place your container near a window with bright, indirect light. Remember to keep the soil wet.

4. Wait and Watch. You should expect new roots in roughly 2-3 weeks. A developing sprout is the best sign that your cutting has successfully acquired roots!

Stem Cuttings In Water

With six simple steps, a Philodendron Henderson’s Pride can be propagated in water.

Similar to soil propagation, start with a cutting that’s a few inches long with at least one node – preferably two or more.

2. Submerge. Put your cutting in a cup or jar of water. We recommend that the container is clear glass so you can monitor root development.

3. Placement. Place your new cutting in an area with bright indirect light, and you may put a fan nearby to improve airflow.

4. Refill. You should be replacing your water every 4-5 days (max) to protect your plant from infections.

5. Transplant. Check for progress after two weeks. If the roots are about an inch or longer, plant the cutting into a sterile potting mix.

6. Wait. Your new plant may look wilted initially, but this is normal while its roots adjust to the soil. Avoid applying fertilizer or any treatments until your plant has gotten the chance to stabilize.

Humidity And Aeration

High humidity ( 70% or higher) is best for your Philodendron Jungle Boogie.

Crispy leaves and browning edges often characterize the lack of humidity in houseplants. Consider getting a humidifier, or place your plant in well-lit spaces naturally higher in humidity (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).

Temperature

Warm temperatures are preferable for your Philodendron Narrow plant, but it can thrive in a temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

They want a consistent temperature, so keep them away from windows and openings that let in cold air. Keep them away from heat sources like vents that might dry the air.

Toxic

Be cautious if you have young children or pets. The Philodendron Henderson’s Pride is an intriguing plant, but it is toxic to cats, dogs, and people. Ingestion causes swelling of the tongue, throat, and lips, vomiting, and diarrhea. This plant is usually non-lethal.

Soil Care Specifics
Botanical Name Philodendron Jungle Boogie
Common Name Philodendron Tiger Tooth, Philodendron Henderson’s Pride, Philodendron Narrow
Plant Family Araceae
Origin Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape long and narrow with serrated edges
Leaf Color dark green
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate fast
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water When the soil’s top two inches are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 5.5-7.5
Humidity Range 70% or higher
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include swelling of the tongue, throat, and lips, vomiting, or diarrhea
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, fungus gnuts, white flied, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, aphids, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Things can go wrong – even with proper treatment. In general, the Philodendron Jungle Boogie is neither disease or insect resistant.

Read on to learn how to diagnose common issues and how to help your plant recover.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unwelcome but widespread problem on houseplants, particularly in Philodendron Narrow. Spider mite damage appears initially as little brown or yellow dots on your plant’s leaves. When the infestation is severe, you might notice fine, sticky webs crawling with red bugs.

To dislodge the spider mites, begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your Philodendron Narrow. You will need to do this on a sink, in a tub, or outdoors. If that doesn’t work, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to suffocate the spider mites.

If you have several plants in your home, you might need to quarantine your sick plants while you’re getting the spider mite population under control.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small insects that feed on organic matter in soil and other growing media. Their larvae eat soil fungi, organic materials, and roots – which is detrimental for your Philodendron Tiger Tooth.

If you see these grayish-black bugs, you should start reducing your watering schedules (not enough to harm the plant, but enough to let the topsoil dry in between waterings to dissuade adult gnats from laying eggs).

Hydrogen peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Spray your topsoil with four-part water, one-part hydrogen peroxide solution.

White Flies

Whiteflies are grayish-white, triangular bugs that fly around like tiny moths. They can cause significant leaf damage by feeding on the sap of your Philodendron Tiger Tooth.

Whiteflies and their eggs can be vacuumed off, but make sure to empty your vacuum bag outside before the bugs get the chance to multiply.

In the event of a serious infestation, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. These products will coat the eggs, larvae, and adults, thereby suffocating them. Reapply for the chosen treatment as needed.

Scale Insects

Your Jungle Boogie may be vulnerable to scale insects, which usually look like small lumps on the leaves or stems of your Philodendron.

These little green, gray, brown, or black beetles are generally stationary once attached to a plant.

If the infestation is mild, you might use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four glasses of water to deter scale insects. Spritz the plant with a strong stream.

While neem and horticultural oils may not kill bugs, they will surely harm them. Many insecticides against scales are safe to use inside.

Aphids

Aphids feed on the sap of your Philodendron Henderson’s Pride. Aphids can be crawlers or fliers, and their colors range from brown to black, red, green, white, and more.

Look for aphids on the undersides of leaves, unfolded shoots, and sensitive stem regions. Don’t let these insects (typically in a cluster) spread to other houseplants!

First, wrap the soil in plastic. Then wash your plant thoroughly with soap and water, wiping down all surfaces with a sponge. After cleaning, place your plant in a shady, well-ventilated area to avoid soap burn.

If aphids return, treat with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute first.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can potentially infest your Philodendron Narrow. They leave a white powdery film, and they secrete honeydew which causes black sooty mold on leaves. Plants infested with mealies will have yellow dropping leaves.

Remove adult mealies using a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol, and they usually die and turn an orange color upon contact. Proceed to spray the rest of the leaves with diluted alcohol.

There are so-called root mealies that will bury themselves and target the roots. Dehydrate them by sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth powder on the topsoil in between waterings. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide when you water.

Brown Leaf Tips

Many things might cause browning margins on your Philodendron Tiger Tooth leaves. Lack of humidity is one factor, as is too much light, heavy tap water or too much fertilizer.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping Philodendron Jungle Boogie leaves mean thirsty plants. In this instance, watering your plant normally revives it. It may also help raise humidity.

Caution! Infested plants first exhibit droopy, curled leaves, but later acquire spots, reduced growth, and an overall deterioration in health. If you suspect pests, always examine the underside of leaves.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause the leaves of a Philodendron Henderson’s Pride to become yellow. One possibility is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight, and it could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. Trim your leaves with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

Root Rot

An overabundance of water leads to root rot, which is often fatal for the Philodendron Narrow. Once rot starts to set in, it isn’t easy to control. Your best chance is to completely cut off the root system and restart your plant like you would when propagating a c

Of course, you can always take certain precautions to prevent root rot. Start by giving your plant a fast-draining, well-aerated soil mix. You can add chunky materials that will create air pockets and allow the roots to breathe.

Next, make sure you choose a pot for functionality, not just for aesthetics. An essential requirement for houseplants is drainage. If there are no drainage holes on your chosen pot, don’t be afraid to use your driller!

Finally, hold off on giving your plant a drink until you are completely sure that the soil is no longer wet from your last watering. Stick your finger into the soil, or use the classic wooden skewer trick to check for moisture.

Similar Plants

Love Philodendron Tiger Tooth? Try these other fan favorite Philodendrons:

Philodendron Pedatum: P.Pedatum is a popular plant especially for decorating living spaces, and its lush foliage is sought-after for this very reason.

Philodendron Mayoi: This is a great accent plant and fits exactly anywhere it’s placed. The perfect plant for beginners and enthusiasts as it requires little care.

Philodendron Mamei: A great decorative potted plant, this Philodendron will enliven your space. It also requires little care, so you can feast your eyes on the beauty of this plant without too much effort.

Philodendron Goeldii: This plant’s unique spiraling stems are sure to spark joy no matter where it is placed in your living space. A truly unique plant, gardeners and beginners love caring for it.

Conclusion

Prized for its unique and attractive foliage, Philodendron Jungle Boogie is a beautiful decoration for your household that gives your home exotic jungle vibes. If you follow our growing tips, you’ll have no trouble growing this beautiful tropical accent Philodendron.

Do you have a Philodendron Tiger Tooth in your collection? We’d love to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected], and we might post them on our blog!

Please help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. However, all opinions are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Pea Pod!

Receive top indoor gardening and hydroponics tips directly to your inbox.

    © 2023 Copyright Two Peas In A Condo