All You need to know about Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’

Faucaria tigrina, commonly known as “Tiger’s Jaw,” is a succulent plant species native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Aizoaceae and is a small, low-growing plant with distinctive, triangular leaves that form a rosette shape.

The leaves of Faucaria tigrina are covered in tiny white hairs and have teeth-like ridges on their edges, which gives the plant its unique “tiger’s jaw” appearance. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

How to grow and take care of Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’?

Faucaria tigrina, commonly known as “Tiger’s Jaw,” is a unique succulent plant with thick, triangular leaves that resemble the jaws of a tiger. It is relatively easy to grow and care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions.

Here are some tips for growing and caring for Faucaria tigrina:

1. Light: This plant needs bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Place it near a south-facing window or under grow lights if you live in a location with limited sunlight.
2. Soil: Plant in a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. You can also mix in perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
3. Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot. Water once a week in the summer and reduce watering in the winter.
4. Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Protect it from frost and extreme heat.
5. Fertilizer: Feed once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
6. Propagation: Faucaria tigrina can be propagated from offsets or leaves. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.
7. Pests and diseases: Watch out for mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

With proper care, your Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ will grow healthy and thrive in your home or garden.

What is the lifespan of Faucaria tigrina?

The lifespan of Faucaria tigrina, also known as “Tiger’s Jaw,” can vary depending on growing conditions and care. However, with proper care and maintenance, it can live for several years, with some reports of the plant living up to 10 years or more. In general, succulent plants like Faucaria tigrina are long-lived and can be enjoyed for many years with the right care.

How to water it?

Watering Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ properly is important for its overall health and growth. Here are some tips for watering this succulent plant:

1. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. This is because overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.
2. Water the plant deeply when you do water it. This means thoroughly saturating the soil until water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
3. Use room temperature or lukewarm water when watering, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots.
4. During the summer months when the plant is actively growing, water once a week. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks.
5. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to rot and damage the plant.

Remember that the amount and frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, humidity, and amount of sunlight the plant receives. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering or underwatering. With the right watering routine, your Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ can thrive and grow beautifully.

How to prune it?

Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ does not typically require pruning. However, if you notice any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves, it is recommended to remove them promptly to keep the plant healthy. Here are some tips for pruning Faucaria tigrina:

1. Use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Identify the damaged or diseased leaves, which may appear brown, black, or wilted.
3. Cut the damaged leaves off at the base of the plant, where they meet the stem.
4. If the plant has grown too tall or leggy, you can trim the stem back to encourage branching and a more compact growth habit. However, be careful not to remove too much of the plant’s foliage as this can harm its overall health.
5. After pruning, allow the plant to heal for a few days before resuming normal care.

Remember that over-pruning can be harmful to the plant, so only remove what is necessary for its health and appearance. With proper care and occasional maintenance, your Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ can remain healthy and beautiful.

How big does the Tiger’s Jaw succulent grow?

Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ is a small to medium-sized succulent plant that typically grows to be 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) tall and wide. The plant forms a rosette of thick, triangular leaves that resemble the jaws of a tiger, which can grow to be around 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

The plant also produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers on short stems in the summer months. Overall, Faucaria tigrina is a compact and slow-growing succulent that can be grown as a houseplant or in outdoor rock gardens or succulent arrangements.

Which soil is the best for growing it?

Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ requires a well-draining soil mix that is specifically designed for cacti and succulents. The ideal soil mix should be porous and able to hold moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly. Here are some tips for selecting the best soil mix for growing Faucaria tigrina:

1. Choose a soil mix that contains a high proportion of inorganic materials such as sand, perlite, or gravel. These materials help improve drainage and prevent soil compaction.
2. Avoid using heavy garden soils or potting mixes that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
3. You can make your own soil mix by combining equal parts of perlite, coarse sand, and peat moss or coconut coir.
4. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-made cactus or succulent soil mix from a garden center or online retailer.

When potting Faucaria tigrina, make sure to select a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Fill the pot with the soil mix, leaving enough space for the plant’s roots, and then water thoroughly. Over time, the plant may require repotting as it outgrows its container or the soil becomes depleted.

Where can I buy it?

Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ can be purchased from various sources, including local nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers. Here are some places where you can buy this succulent plant:

1. Local nurseries and garden centers: Check with your local nurseries and garden centers to see if they carry Faucaria tigrina. They may have a variety of succulent plants available, including ‘Tiger’s Jaw.’
2. Online plant retailers: There are many online plant retailers that sell succulent plants, including Faucaria tigrina. Some popular online retailers include Etsy, Amazon, and The Succulent Source.
3. Specialty succulent plant growers: Some nurseries specialize in growing succulent plants and may carry a variety of rare or hard-to-find succulents, including Faucaria tigrina.

When purchasing Faucaria tigrina, look for healthy plants with firm, green leaves and no signs of damage or disease. It’s also a good idea to check the seller’s reviews and return policy before making a purchase. With proper care, your ‘Tiger’s Jaw’ succulent can thrive and add a unique touch to your indoor or outdoor space.

Summary

In this post, we discussed Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaw’, a small to medium-sized succulent plant that is native to South Africa. We talked about the plant’s growth habits, care requirements, and soil needs, as well as where to purchase it. We covered several aspects of taking care of Faucaria tigrina, including watering, lighting, fertilizing, and pruning. Overall, Faucaria tigrina is a hardy and low-maintenance succulent that can be a great addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.

Have a nice day!