How to Grow Faucaria Tigrina - Tiger Jaws

Large flowering Faucaria Tigrina Tiger Jaws

Large flowering Faucaria Tigrina – Tiger Jaws

Key takeaways - Tiger Jaws / Faucaria

  • Common Plant Name

    - Tiger Jaws

  • Botanical Name

    - Faucaria Tigrina

  • Botanical Family

    - Aizoaceae

  • Plant Type

    - Succulent perennial

  • Mature Size

    - 2 to 6 inches

  • Sun Exposure

    - Full sun

  • Soil Type

    - Well-draining, sandy or rocky

  • Soil pH Neutral

    - Slightly acidic to neutral

  • Bloom Time

    - Late fall to early winter

  • Flower Color

    - Yellow or orange

  • Hardiness Zones

    - 9 to 11

  • Native Region

    - Southern Africa

Tiger Jaws succulents are beautiful succulents that easily become the centre of attention with their unique growth. Where spiky charm meets sun-soaked elegance, especially in full bloom. This very simple to follow How-to-Guide will show how Tiger Jaws are cultivated successfully. These fascinating succulents are not just green companions; they’re your ticket to a lively and visually enchanting garden. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s experience the delightful presence of Faucaria Tigrina care and cultivation!

Best Light

Faucaria Tigrina, better known as Tiger Jaws. These guys are all about soaking up the sunshine and prefer a sunny spot. Whether it’s a cozy windowsill indoors or a breezy deck outdoors, these succulents love to bask in bright, direct light. The more sunlight, the merrier – it’s like their daily spa treatment for vibrant leaves and stunning blooms!

During dark winters in northern regions, Faucaria needs extra light from a grow light to survive. Since they tend to struggle a lot with many months of darkness. They tend to be fine up until Christmas time, but three more months of darkness is too much for this plant to endure without proper daylight. 

Soil or Medium

Now, let’s talk dirt, but in a good way! Tiger Jaws are all about well-draining soil. Provide them with a mix of sand, some cactus soil, and organic material that is well-draining. Proper drainage prevents soggy roots and ensures happy and healthy growth.

Watering needs

Watering time – like most succulents, Tiger Jaws like the soil dry out between watering sessions. When it’s time to water them, give them a good thorough soak. Adjust your watering based on the season – less water during their winter siesta.

Be very careful with watering your Tiger Jaw during the dark winter months in northern regions. Since they tend to be very sensitive when overwintering in unnatural conditions. It’s not uncommon to see a Faucaria turn into mush during the winter. But good light or a supporting grow light and very little water is the right path for this plant.

Faucaria Felina with flowerbuds

Faucaria Felina with flowerbuds

Types of Tiger Jaws

Lets have a look at a few different types of Tiger Jaws below:

  • Faucaria tigrina ‘Super Warty’: The one with the extra-textured, warty leaves stealing the spotlight.
  • Faucaria tigrina ‘Green’: Picture a variety showing off its vibrant green triangular leaves, like a succulent fashion show.
  • Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Tooth’: Meet the rebel with pronounced, tooth-like leaf edges. Edgy and distinctive – the rockstar of the Tiger Jaws clan.
Small Faucaria Tigrina - Tiger Jaws

Temperature and Humidity

Tiger Jaws typically prefer the sun and heat. They adore temperatures between 70°F to 80°F during the day, and a cozy 50°F to 60°F at night. Keep them cozy, but not too warm. And humidity? Keep it low, like a desert breeze. High humidity might bring unwanted fungal guests to the party, and we want our Tiger Jaws to be the star!

Fertilizer

Feeding time! Treat your Tiger Jaws to a succulent feast during the growing season. A diluted succulent fertilizer every 4-6 weeks is ideal. Hold back with fertilizer during winter, though. Let them enjoy their dormant season without the extra plant food.

Pruning your Tiger Jaw

Keeping your Tiger Jaws looking sharp is with a little pruning and trimming. Snip away any dead or damaged leaves – aka clean, sharp scissors. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also giving them room to breathe and minimizing any chance of fungal issues.

How to Propagate Tiger Jaws - Guide

Fancy growing your own Tiger Jaws? All in all, it is rather easy:

  1. Offsets: Gently pluck them, let them air-dry for a day or two, and then plant them in their own spot.
  2. Drying phase: Allow the Tiger Jaws offset to form a callus, which usually takes a few days.
  3. Planting in soil: Find them a cozy home in well-draining soil. Go easy on the watering until they’ve settled in – just like welcoming a new roommate.

How to Grow Tiger Jaws From Seed - Guide

Feeling adventurous? Let’s start from scratch and grow Tiger Jaws from seeds.

  1. Soil preparation: Create a suitable soil with a succulent-friendly mix.
  2. Sowing seeds: Scatter them like confetti on the soil surface, pressing them down gently.
  3. Soil misting: Keep the soil moist until the seedlings make their grand entrance.
  4. Light exposure: Once they’ve sprouted, give them a VIP seat in a bright, indirect light setup.
  5. Cover with a sterilized plastic bag: After you spray the soil and seeds with diluted Peroxide. Then gently poke holes in the plastic a few weeks after germination.

Potting and Repotting Faucaria Plants

Time for a plant makeover! Choose a well-draining mix for potting and consider a repotting session every 2-3 years or when your Tiger Jaws outgrow their current pots. Fresh soil, happy plant – and they will reward you with new growth and impressive bloom.

Overwintering

When winter knocks, adjust your care routine for your Tiger Jaws’ semi-dormant phase. Less water, a cozy indoor spot, or some protective covering if located outdoors – just what they need to chill and recharge for spring.

As mentioned in sections about Light and Watering. If you live in northern regions, you may need extra support from a grow light, and be very careful with watering.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Keeping it drama-free involves keeping an eye out for uninvited guests like aphids and mealybugs. Treat them to a little insecticidal soap spa treatment. And don’t forget to create some airflow.

How to Get Tiger Jaws to Bloom

Getting your Tiger Jaws to bloom is very easy. Just treat them to bright, direct light, stick to the care routine, and watch them show off their charming yellow flowers with narrow petals.

Common Problems With Tiger Jaws

Leaves Turn Pale in Color

  • Cause: Too much direct sunlight stealing the spotlight.
  • Solution: Gradually introduce them to brighter light or give them a little shade during the peak sun hours. It’s all about finding that perfect balance.

Leaves Turn Mushy

  • Cause: Either too much love in the watering department or a drainage issue.
  • Solution: Let the soil dry out completely between sips, and make sure their home has proper drainage. Nobody likes soggy roots!

Other plant- and care guides

FAQ - Faucaria Tigrina

Most frequent questions and answers

Make sure they get great light, also during the winter in order to gather energy for the growth season. Give them bright, direct light. Stick to the care routine, and watch them bloom when they’re ready. 

Tiger Jaws come in various captivating varieties. For instance, ‘Super Warty’ boasts exceptionally textured and warty leaves, while ‘Tiger’s Tooth’ flaunts pronounced tooth-like edges. Each variety brings its own personality to the succulent party!