Tiger Foot Vine

ipomoea pes-tigridis

Also known as: ["Tiger Foot Morning Glory","Tiger Foot Vine"]

Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Ipomoea Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, twining vine with striking, foot-shaped leaves and small, funnel-shaped flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Ipomoea
Botanical Name: Ipomoea pes-tigridis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm, sunny area
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); sensitive to frost; prefers stable temperatures.

Avoid drafts; maintain stable temps; protect from sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize sparingly to prevent leggy growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C)

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node

Pruning Plan

Encourage bushier growth and more blooms; remove dead or leggy stems to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or diseased parts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot)

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.

Checklist

Choose right pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overwatering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water exits the pot; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target roots precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth halts; leaves may turn purple or black; risk of death in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat; cover outdoors in frost.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Ipomoea pes-tigridis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ipomoea pes-tigridis can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen attack, impairing the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Ipomoea pes-tigridis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Ipomoea pes-tigridis due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to tissue decay and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to mild toxicity from Ipomoea pes-tigridis seeds due to their alkaloid content, which can lead to gastrointestinal and mild neurological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is observed.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Ipomoea pes-tigridis contain alkaloids that may induce mild gastrointestinal upset and mild neurological symptoms in dogs if consumed in sufficient amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the plant, especially the seeds. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ipomoea pes-tigridis contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to temporary discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ipomoea pes-tigridis toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should I water this plant?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Quick Reference
Family: Convolvulaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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