Faucaria tigrina (fow-KAR-ee-uh tig-REE-nuh), the Tiger’s Jaw, is a succulent which belongs to the Aizoaceae family.
Native to the dryer areas of the South African Cape Province, these plants were first introduced to Europe in the 1790s.
Like most other succulent plants, they have thick and fleshy leaves.
The inside margins of the foliage have spikes on adjacent sides – making the leaves look like open jaws of an animal.
For this reason, these plants are more commonly known as Tigers’ jaw.
The foliage is unique, with triangular leaves growing in cross-sections perpendicular to each other.
It is no wonder the plant is a collector’s item and fairly famous among plant lovers all around.
Faucaria Tigrina (Tiger Jaws) Care
Size & Growth
The Faucaria plant is a relatively small plant with thick leaves.
An adult plant can grow up to 0.2m in height and around 0.3 m in width.
It takes time to grow as the plant has a medium growth rate growing actively during the summer.
Flowering and Fragrance
In the fall, the tiger’s jaw blooms when most plants are getting ready for winter rest.
However, the flowering window is considerably small. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that open only when the sun shines with all its might.
Keep in mind that, when grown indoors, Tigrina may not bloom at all.
Light & Temperature
The succulent Faucaria loves light. During the summer, it requires a lot of light and plenty of sunshine.
It can withstand direct sunlight, and these plants do well outside during the hotter months of the year.
On the other hand, they can also tolerate lower temperatures during winters.
Damp air or high humidity can cause tigrina plants to rot.
To keep it from rotting, ensure the plants receive fresh air at all times. Nonetheless, it is best to keep this plant out of cold drafts.
Watering and Feeding
Water the plants thoroughly throughout the summer. As the temperature drops, reduce watering or stop doing it altogether. Either way, it is healthy for the plant.
These plants do not require or need regular fertilizer.
Feeding the Faucaria tiger jaw once before the flowering season is enough to ensure it gets all the nutrients it requires to grow and bloom.
Soil & Transplanting
These plants require porous well-draining soil to thrive and flourish.
Use cactus soil or a mixture of part potting soil and part perlite or pumice soil to ensure that water drains quickly and properly from the roots.
Transplant only when the plant outgrows the pot.
Grooming and Maintenance
Faucaria plant is a self-sufficient plant that does not require additional grooming.
How to Propagate Faucaria
Faucarias can be propagated from cuttings as well as through seeds.
When the cutting method is employed, it is advisable to take cuttings during the spring, preferably in April.
Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a few days before placing them in the soil.
Use a mixture of part potting soil and part sand. Provide heat from the bottom and keep the cuttings in the shade to encourage rooting and growth.
The best time of the year to propagate this plant through seeds is during April.
Sow the seeds in sandy soil, spreading a thin layer of sand on the surface.
Cover the propagation tray or pot with plastic until the seeds germinate.
When the seedlings are large enough, move them to their individual pots.
Tiger’s Jaw Pest and Disease Problems
Brown patches can appear at the base of the stems.
Generally, this happens due to overwatering.
However, high humidity levels can also be the culprits behind these spots.
Unfortunately, not much can be done to reverse the damage.
The best approach is to take cuttings from healthy stems and grow new healthy plants.
The plant may still have a chance if the rot is limited to the leaves.
Remove the affected leaves as soon as possible to limit the damage.
At the same time, refrain from watering the plant and create an environment with less humidity.
Suggested Use For Faucaria
With foliage resembling a tiger’s jaw, the tigrina Faucaria is an unusual plant.
It is a collector’s item and is equally famous for its foliage and flowers.
As a houseplant, it not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings but is also fascinating to look at.