Philodendron ‘Narrow’, also known as Philodendron ‘Tiger Tooth’ or Philodendron ‘Jungle Boogie’, is a bold tropical aroid admired for its elongated, serrated leaves and vibrant, jungle-inspired presence. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this variety is part of the Araceae family and stands out for its distinctive, deeply lobed foliage that brings wild texture and drama to indoor spaces.

The glossy, narrow leaves have gently wavy, tooth-like edges that resemble the silhouette of a jungle canopy. As the plant matures, the leaves can grow up to 60–90 cm long, developing more pronounced lobes and a deeper green sheen. Its upright, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for creating structure and vertical interest in interior plant displays.

Exotic yet easy-going, Philodendron ‘Narrow’ is a low-maintenance statement plant that brings lush, tropical energy to any home or office — a perfect choice for those seeking both simplicity and impact.

Philodendron ‘Narrow’ – Care Guide

Light

Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaf edges, while too little light may result in slower growth and smaller leaves. East-facing windows or filtered light are ideal.

Watering

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. During spring and summer, maintain consistent moisture and reduce watering slightly in autumn and winter. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: Prefers warmth between 18–28 °C. Protect from cold drafts or temperatures below 15 °C.
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50–70%) encourages strong growth and glossy leaves. Mist occasionally, or place near a humidifier or pebble tray during dry months.

Soil and Potting

Use a well-draining, airy aroid mix — compost combined with perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir provides the right balance of moisture and aeration. Repot every 2–3 years in spring to refresh nutrients and give roots room to expand.

Feeding

Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser. Suspend feeding in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Avoid over-fertilising, as it can lead to leaf tip burn.

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even light exposure. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance their natural shine.

Growth and Maturity

A moderately fast grower, Philodendron ‘Narrow’ can reach around 1 metre in height and spread indoors. With maturity, the leaves become more elongated and intricately lobed, giving the plant a striking, sculptural quality. It’s primarily grown for its foliage, though it may produce inconspicuous spathe-and-spadix flowers under ideal conditions.

Common Issues

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.

• Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.

• Leggy growth: Insufficient light.

• Pests: Occasionally susceptible to spider mites or thrips; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Background and Benefits

Native to the understory of tropical rainforests, Philodendron ‘Narrow’ naturally grows as a self-heading (non-vining) variety, forming an elegant clump of upright, deeply lobed foliage. Its distinctive “toothed” appearance makes it a favourite among modern plant stylists and collectors.

Like other Philodendrons, it’s an excellent air-purifying plant, known to remove airborne toxins and increase humidity levels indoors. Symbolically, Philodendrons represent abundance, growth, and resilience — fitting qualities for this robust and visually powerful species.

Quick Care Summary

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light

• Water: Keep evenly moist; allow top 2–3 cm to dry

• Temperature: 18–28 °C; avoid below 15 °C

• Humidity: Moderate to high (50–70%)

• Soil: Aroid mix – compost, perlite, orchid bark, coco coir

• Feed: Every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer

• Growth: Up to 1 m tall; long, serrated dark green leaves with glossy finish

⚠️ Toxicity note: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; may cause irritation to mouth and skin.

Styling Tip

Philodendron ‘Narrow’ adds instant drama to any plant display with its striking leaf shape and upright form. Display it as a floor-standing feature in a decorative ceramic or terracotta pot, or group it with broad-leaved species like Monstera deliciosa or Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ for contrast. Its structured silhouette makes it perfect for contemporary interiors, conservatories, or offices — a bold, easy-care centrepiece that captures the wild essence of the rainforest.