Tiger Pitcher Plant Plant Care
Nepenthes bicalcarata Hook.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nepenthes bicalcarata, also known as the fanged pitcher-plant, is a tropical pitcher plant which is endemic to Borneo. It is a vine up to 40 m (130 ft) length.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Water Tiger Pitcher Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Tiger Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes bicalcarata) belongs to the Nepenthaceae family within the Nepenthes genus. Tiger Pitcher Plant is native to Borneo. Tiger Pitcher Plant is also known as Dragon's Mouth Pitcher Plant.
Tiger Pitcher Plant displays a vining, climbing habit growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tiger Pitcher Plant produces unique pitcher-shaped traps, not typical flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Nepenthes bicalcarata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tiger Pitcher Plant Need?
Tiger Pitcher Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tiger Pitcher Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tiger Pitcher Plant Prefer?
Nepenthes bicalcarata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Tiger Pitcher Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with sphagnum moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Tiger Pitcher Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Feed Tiger Pitcher Plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Tiger Pitcher Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tropical pitcher plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tiger Pitcher Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tiger Pitcher Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tiger Pitcher Plant?
Tiger Pitcher Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tiger Pitcher Plant Need?
Tiger Pitcher Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Tiger Pitcher Plant is native to Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Tiger Pitcher Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Tiger Pitcher Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Nepenthes genus — compare its care with other Nepenthes species on PlantoScan.
Nepenthes is part of the Nepenthaceae plant family — browse all Nepenthaceae genera and species.
Tiger Pitcher Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nepenthes Species
Other Nepenthes species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nepenthes bicalcarata Hook.f., family Nepenthaceae (first published in in: de Candolle, A. L. P. P., Prodr. 17: 97 (-98). 1873.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tiger Pitcher Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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