Faucaria tigrina, also known as the tiger’s jaws or the tiger tooth aloe, is a plant from the Aizoaceae family and is native to South Africa.
This plant is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves.
Native to South Africa, Faucaria Tigrina is a member of the Aizoaceae family. It is closely related to other popular succulents such as Lithops and Conophytum.
Faucaria Tigrina typically grows in dry, rocky areas. In its natural habitat, it receives very little rainfall and is exposed to high temperatures and intense sunlight.
Some of the common names for Faucaria tigrina include:
- Tiger Jaws or Tiger’s Jaws
- Zebra Plant
- Leopard Plant
- Table Mountain Flower
The name “Tiger Jaws” comes from the plant’s tiger-like stripes.
“Zebra Plant” and “Leopard Plant” come from the plant’s resemblance to a zebra or leopard.
“Table Mountain Flower” comes from the plant’s native home of Table Mountain in South Africa.
Quick Facts On Faucaria Tigrina
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 70° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Drought-tolerant; allow the soil to dry out in between watering
- Fertilizer: Liquid plant food diluted during the growing season
- Propagation: Division or stem cuttings.
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot
Faucaria Tigrina Care
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about Faucaria Tigrina, from its native habitat and ideal growing conditions to the best methods for caring for it.
What Does The Tiger Jaws Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Faucaria tigrina plant is a slow-growing small, succulent perennial that typically only grows about 6″ inches tall. However, in some cases, it can grow up to 12″ inches tall.
This plant’s leaves are green with yellow, white, or cream-colored stripes, giving it its unique appearance–they are thick and fleshy, with sharp teeth along the margins.
The leaf surface is also covered in tiny white spots, which are actually glands that secrete a sugary substance that attracts ants.
The leaves are arranged in two rows and are triangular or spear-shaped with toothed edges.
When Does The Tiger Jaws Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of the Faucaria tigrina plant are small and yellow, and they bloom in the late summer or early fall.
The flowers are not particularly fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Faucaria tigrina does best in full sun to partial shade. Although it can also tolerate some shade, the leaves will become less vibrant in color.
In addition, the Faucaria tigrina plant is not frost-tolerant, so it should be protected from cold weather.
The ideal temperature for Tiger jaws is around 70° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit.
While Tiger Jaws can tolerate cooler temperatures than these, they do not do well when temperatures fall below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
It can also be grown outdoors in warm, dry climates. When growing Faucaria Tigrina indoors, it is important to provide bright light and good air circulation.
If grown outdoors, Faucaria Tigrina should be protected from excessive rainfall.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Tiger Jaws?
Tiger Jaws plant is drought-tolerant, so it does not need to be watered frequently. In fact, too much water can be detrimental to the plant.
This succulent can tolerate some neglect when watering, but it is best to water it only when the soil is completely dry.
Over-watering can lead to root rot, so be sure to err on the side of caution.
Also, allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
For feeding, Tiger jaws do not need to be fertilized. However, you may apply liquid plant food diluted monthly during the growing season to optimize growth.
What Is The Best Soil For Faucaria Tigrina, And When Should You Transplant?
The Faucaria tigrina plant grows best in sandy, well-draining soil. It does not need to be transplanted often but can be if necessary.
Faucaria Tigrina is a succulent that is well-suited to growing in containers.
The ideal growing medium for Faucaria Tigrina is a well-draining cactus mix.
Does Faucaria Tigrina Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
This plant does not require special grooming or maintenance.
How To Propagate The Tiger Jaws Plant?
To propagate Faucaria tigrina, simply do the following:
- Remove an offset from the parent plant and pot it in well-draining soil.
- Water the offset sparingly, only enough to keep the soil moist but not wet.
The offset will develop roots in a few weeks and can then be treated like a mature plant.
Faucaria tigrina are slow-growing plants and must only be repotted every 2 or 3 years.
When repotting, use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
Be sure to use well-draining soil as Faucaria tigrina are susceptible to root rot.
You can also propagate Faucaria tigrina using leaf cuttings.
To do this:
- Remove a healthy leaf from the parent plant and snip it into several pieces using sharp scissors.
- Remove the stem from each piece and dip them into a rooting hormone powder.
- Place the leaves in a damp paper towel and seal them in a plastic bag.
- Place the bag in a warm, bright location but without direct sunlight. The leaves will develop roots in two to four weeks.
- Once the roots have developed, pot the leaf cuttings in well-draining soil and treat them like mature plants.
Faucaria Tigrina Pests And Diseases
Faucaria tigrina is relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale if grown in humid conditions.
These pests can be controlled with a chemical insecticide or by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Faucaria tigrina is also susceptible to root rot if they are grown in poorly draining soil.
This can be controlled by planting the Faucaria tigrina in well-draining soil and not overwatering it.
If you suspect your plant has root rot, remove it from the pot and inspect the roots.
If they are mushy or black, the plant has root rot and should be discarded.
Faucaria tigrina are drought tolerant plants and can tolerate long periods of dryness.
However, they will not tolerate soggy soil or sitting in water. Therefore, be sure to plant Faucaria tigrina in well-draining soil and water it only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Faucaria tigrina is not susceptible to many diseases, but they can be affected by powdery mildew if they are grown in humid conditions.
This can be controlled by increasing air circulation around the plant and avoiding overwatering it.
Suggested Uses For The Tiger Jaws Plant
Faucaria tigrina is typically used as houseplants or in outdoor rock gardens. They are also well suited for growing in containers.
With its distinctive tiger-striped leaves, Faucaria Tigrina is a striking succulent that will add interest to any indoor or succulent outdoor collection.