Discover the Fascinating Tiger Jaws Plant

Bring a touch of the African savanna to your home with the fascinating Tiger Jaws Plant (Faucaria tigrina). This captivating succulent, named for the distinctive teeth-like projections along its leaves, is a conversation starter and a low-maintenance addition to any plant collection. Originating from South Africa, this compact plant typically stays under 6 inches in diameter, making it ideal for windowsills, desks, or rock gardens.

The Faucaria tigrina thrives in zones 9-11 outdoors, but can easily be grown as a windowsill houseplant in cooler climates. Its unique foliage offers year-round interest, and mature plants will reward you with cheerful yellow blooms in late summer to mid-fall. These flowers open in the early afternoon and close as darkness falls, adding a touch of magic to your day. The Tiger Jaws Plant is a great choice for adding visual interest to your home or garden.

Benefits of Growing Tiger Jaws Plant:

• Unique Aesthetic: The distinctive ‘jaws’ give this plant a striking appearance.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, perfect for beginners.
• Drought Tolerant: Needs infrequent watering, ideal for busy individuals.
• Indoor/Outdoor Versatility: Thrives both indoors and in suitable outdoor climates.
• Air Purifying: Helps to purify the air in your home.

Caring for your Faucaria tigrina is simple. It prefers bright light to maintain its vibrant green color and encourage blooming, but can tolerate lower light conditions. Optimal temperatures range from 50ºF to 75ºF (10ºC – 24ºC), and it should be protected from temperatures below 40ºF. Water sparingly during the summer, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings (approximately every 1 1/2 – 2 weeks). Reduce watering frequency in the winter to every 2-3 weeks. Fertilization is generally not necessary, but a diluted liquid fertilizer or cactus fertilizer can be applied once a month during the spring and summer growing season.

Repot your Tiger Jaws Plant during its active growing period in the spring, using a well-draining soil mix amended with sand and/or pebbles. Propagation is easily achieved through offsets that form at the base of the plant, or through leaf cuttings. With its unique appearance and easy-care nature, the Tiger Jaws Plant is a must-have for any succulent enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Jaws Plant

• How big does a Tiger Jaws Plant get? A mature Tiger Jaws Plant typically stays under 6 inches in diameter, making it a compact and manageable succulent.
• How often should I water my Faucaria tigrina? During the summer, water every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to every 2 to 3 weeks.
• What kind of light does a Tiger Jaws Plant need? This succulent thrives in bright light, which helps maintain its green color and encourages blooming. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth and flowering may be reduced.
• Is the Tiger Jaws Plant safe for pets? It is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets. Consult with your veterinarian.
• How do I propagate a Tiger Jaws Plant? The easiest way to propagate a Tiger Jaws Plant is by separating offsets (small plants that grow at the base of the mother plant) and planting them in well-draining soil. Leaf cuttings are also an option.