A small clumping succulent whose paired triangular leaves bear soft white teeth along their edges, snapping shut like tiny jaws, and opening golden-yellow daisy flowers in autumn. A fun, easy collector's plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 10 cm H × 15 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Tiger Jaws
Botanically, Faucaria tigrina is a slow-growing succulent in the Aizoaceae family. It reaches around 10 cm tall and 15 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in autumn.
Where to grow Tiger Jaws
Tiger Jaws suits arid and semi-arid and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Tiger Jaws does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Tiger Jaws is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Tiger Jaws after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Tiger Jaws in the garden
Tiger Jaws earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Tiger Jaws with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Tiger Jaws
Plant Sale lists Tiger Jaws as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.