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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Tiger Jaws handles dry conditions well once established. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Tiger Jaws after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Tiger Jaws with species that also favour very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Tiger Jaws
Plant Sale lists Tiger Jaws as potted plants. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
