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Description
Faucaria Tigrina, commonly known as Tiger Jaws, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family and is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements.This plant gets its name from the small, triangular leaves that resemble the jaws of a tiger. The leaves are green in color and have raised, tooth-like edges that give them a distinctive texture. The plant produces yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Faucaria |
Appearance
Tiger Jaws is a small succulent plant that typically grows up to 6 inches tall and wide. The leaves are triangular in shape and range in color from green to gray-green. The edges of the leaves are lined with small, pointed teeth that give them a jagged appearance.The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are star-shaped and have a diameter of about 1 inch. The plant’s unique appearance and small size make it a popular choice for indoor gardening and succulent arrangements.
Care Guide
Tiger Jaws is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Tiger Jaws should be watered sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In the winter, reduce watering even further to prevent the plant from becoming dormant.- Fertilization: Tiger Jaws does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Tiger Jaws prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial succulent soil mix or make your own by combining equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss.- Sunlight: Tiger Jaws prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant near a window that receives morning or afternoon sun, but avoid direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Tiger Jaws is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tiger Jaws is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. To treat an infestation, remove the affected plant parts and spray the plant with a solution of water and mild soap.Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign of root rot. In this case, you should remove the affected plant parts and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Habitat
Tiger Jaws is native to the Cape Province region of South Africa. It grows in rocky, mountainous areas and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. The plant is well-adapted to surviving in low-nutrient soil and can store moisture in its leaves, allowing it to withstand periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tiger Jaws be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, Tiger Jaws can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. The plant prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Tiger Jaws plant?
A: Tiger Jaws does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How often should I water my Tiger Jaws plant?
A: Tiger Jaws should be watered sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: How big does Tiger Jaws grow?
A: Tiger Jaws typically grows up to 6 inches tall and wide.
Related Plants
– Faucaria Boscheana- Faucaria Felina- Faucaria Tigrina ‘Goldilocks’- Faucaria Tuberculosa- Faucaria Uviferoides
References
– The Spruce, “Growing Tiger Jaws,” https://www.thespruce.com/growing-tiger-jaws-1902731.- World of Succulents, “Faucaria Tigrina (Tiger Jaws),” https://worldofsucculents.com/faucaria-tigrina-tiger-jaws/.
