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The tiger jaws succulent, also known as Faucaria tigrina, is a unique and eye-catching plant that is often kept as a houseplant or at outdoor gardens in warmer regions. The succulent gets its name from its spiky “teeth” and jaw shaped leaves, which resemble the jaws of a tiger. Although they look intimidating, tiger jaws are very easy to maintain. They are drought-resistant and can even tolerate cooler temperatures when compared to other succulent varieties, making them perfect for those who live in temperate climates.
During the fall and early winter, tiger jaws produce beautiful yellow or white flowers that resemble dandelions. Keep on reading to learn how to grow and care for these unique succulents.
| Common name | Tiger Jaws |
| Botanical name | Faucaria Tigrina |
| Plant type | Perennial succulent |
| Native area | South Africa |
| Plant size | 15cm (6 inches) tall and wide |
| Hardiness zones | 9-11 |
| Sunlight | Full / partial sun |
| Soil | well-draining, succulent/cactus potting soil |
| Soil pH | 6-6.5 |
| Bloom time | fall, early winter |
| Flower color | yellow, white, pink |
Tiger Jaws Varieties
There are several different varieties of Tiger Jaws succulents, each with distinct characteristics. Some varieties may have larger, more pronounced “teeth” along the edges of their leaves, while others may have a more compact growth habit. Additionally, the color of the leaves and flowers can vary as well. Some have yellow flowers, while others may have white or even light pink blooms. A few popular varieties are Faucaria Felina, Faucaria Tigrina, and Faucaria bosscheana.
Where to Buy Tiger Jaws
Tiger Jaws Care
Light
Tiger jaws thrive when they receive at least 3-4 hours of sunlight every day. Insufficient sunlight can prevent the plant from flowering and cause the leaves to grow stretched out.
If you’re planting tiger jaws outdoors, remember to shield them from prolonged, intense sunlight to prevent leaf burning and browning.
Water
Just like other succulents, tiger jaws only need to be watered about once every few weeks or when the top layer of soil dries out. In the winter, you can cut back on watering to just once a month. Tiger jaws are good at handling drought, so its better to water them less rather than more. Giving them too much water can cause fungal issues and root rot, which can make the leaves turn yellow and mushy
Soil and Fertilizer
Plant tiger jaws in a well-draining succulent/cactus potting mix that is slightly acidic. Or, you can make your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil with perlite or sand which will provide good drainage.
Fertilize every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer for house plants. During the winter you should stop fertilizing.
Temperature and Humidity
Tiger jaws are native to South Africa where they grow in dry and hot conditions. The plant does best in temperatures between 21-32°C (70-90°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but be sure to protect it from frost by bringing the plant indoors during the winter.
Humidity levels should be moderate, as this plant is not a fan of high humidity. You can keep the humidity low by keeping windows open and allowing for good air circulation.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for tiger jaws, but to maintain the plant’s appearance and health, remove any brown or mushy leaves and deadhead flowers.
Propagating Tiger Jaws Succulents
Tiger jaws can be easily propagated by both offsets and leaf cuttings.
To propagate from offsets, gently detach the offsets from the parent plant and allow it to form a callus over the course of a few days. Once calloused, plant the offsets in a pot of well-draining succulent mix and place them in indirect sunlight. Water the plant every few days until the roots develop. Once roots have developed and there is new growth, you can keep the plant in direct sunlight.
To propagate plants from leaf cuttings, start by carefully taking a healthy leaf and allowing it to dry out for a few days until a callus forms at the cut end. Once the callus has formed, place the leaf on top of the soil and lightly cover it with some soil. Mist the cutting with water every few days until the roots develop.
How to Grow Tiger Jaws From Seed
When compared to propagating, growing tiger jaws from seeds is a lot slower. To grow from seed, sow them in a succulent potting mix or sand. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil moist. Germination will take about 7-10 days.
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers and placed in an area that receives plenty of bright light.
Overwintering Tiger Jaws
If you live in hardiness zones 9 and above, you can leave your tiger jaws succulent outside during the winter. Otherwise, bring the plant indoors to protect it from the frost, as they do not do well in temperatures under 10°C (50°F).
During the winter, only water your tiger jaws if the soil is completely dry to reduce the risk of root rot. Fertilization is not required during the winter.
Repotting
Thanks to their slow growth you only need to repot tiger jaws when the plant outgrows its container, which should be approximately once every 2-3 years. When repotting, choose a slightly larger container than the current one, and use a well-draining succulent/cactus mix. Make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes.
Common Pests and Diseases
Tiger jaw succulents are usually resistant to most pests and diseases. Nonetheless, they can still be infested by pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale, which can damage the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to wilting and discoloration. Neem oil or garlic spray can be used to organically eliminate these pests.
Excessive watering or high humidity can lead to diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew, which can harm the plant if left untreated. Mushy leaves are a common sign of root rot. To treat the plant, remove affected leaves, reduce watering, and allow the soil to dry out.
To prevent and manage these issues, it is important to regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and provide proper care, such as well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.
FAQ
How big do tiger jaws get?
Tiger jaws can reach a height of 15cm (6 inches) and their leaves can grow up to 5cm (2 inches) long. Different varieties can have various sizes as well.
Why are my tiger jaws squishy?
The cause of squishy leaves is often root rot from overwatering. To treat your plant, remove the affected leaves and let the soil dry out by reducing watering frequency. Ensure the soil dries between waterings.
Are tiger jaws succulents safe for pets?
Yes, these succulents are safe for both pets and humans. They are non-toxic, so there’s no need to worry.
