Tiger Jaws
Faucaria tigrina
A small clumping succulent with paired, triangular fleshy leaves edged in soft, tooth-like spines that resemble a tiger's open jaws. It produces large golden-yellow daisy-like flowers in autumn.
- Light
- Bright light to full sun
- Water
- Sparingly; let soil dry fully
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Tiger Jaws is a low-growing South African succulent named for its menacing-looking but harmless foliage: pairs of thick, triangular, grey-green leaves lined with soft, recurved, tooth-like projections along their edges, giving the look of a tiger's open jaws.
The leaves are often speckled with tiny white dots. In autumn the plant rewards growers with surprisingly large, bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers that open in the afternoon sun.
Compact, slow, and tough, it stays small enough for a windowsill and is one of the more forgiving succulents for beginners.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Thick, triangular, grey-green, arranged in opposite pairs forming a clump; edges lined with soft, hair-like teeth
- Spots: Surfaces often dotted with small raised white flecks
- Flowers: Large, golden-yellow, many-petaled daisy-like blooms in autumn, opening in afternoon sun
- Size: Small and clumping, usually under 6 in (15 cm) tall
- The 'teeth' are soft and harmless despite the fierce appearance
Care & growing
Light: Bright light to full sun encourages compact growth and flowering.
Water: Water only when the soil is completely dry; very drought tolerant and prone to rot if overwatered. Keep nearly dry in winter.
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Temperature: Warm in growth; tolerates cool, dry winters and helps trigger autumn flowering.
Feeding: Light succulent fertilizer once during the growing season.
Propagation: From division of clumps, leaf cuttings, or seed.
Habitat & origin
Faucaria tigrina is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-drained, semi-arid grassland and scrub.
It is grown worldwide as a compact ornamental succulent, well suited to small pots and bright windowsills.
Uses & benefits
Tiger Jaws is grown as a novelty ornamental for its fierce-looking yet harmless toothed leaves and its showy golden autumn flowers, making it a fun collector's and beginner succulent.
It has no notable culinary or medicinal use.
Frequently asked questions
Are the teeth on Tiger Jaws sharp?
No. Despite the fearsome look, the tooth-like edges are soft and harmless to handle.
When does Tiger Jaws bloom?
It produces large golden-yellow daisy-like flowers in autumn, which open in the warmth of afternoon sun.
How often should I water it?
Only when the soil is fully dry. It is very drought tolerant and rots easily if kept too wet, especially in winter.
Is it safe for pets?
Yes, Tiger Jaws is considered non-toxic.
Tiger Jaws guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Tiger Jaws.
