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How to Grow Tiger Jaws

iNaturalist

Tiger Jaws

Faucaria tigrina

succulent

Tiger Jaws is a low-growing succulent with distinctive thick, triangular leaves arranged in rosettes that resemble a tiger's open mouth, hence its common name. The leaves are gray-green with white tubercles and reddish margins. It produces cheerful yellow flowers in late summer to fall.

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Example Tiger Jaws timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Tiger Jaws

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Tiger Jaws

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tiger Jaws dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best leaf color and flowering
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Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Water more frequently during growing season (spring/summer), very little in winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of death.
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Spacing: 6-8 inches
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Days to maturity: Matures in 2-3 years from young plants
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Planting depth: Plant at soil level; do not bury rosette center

Soil

Type: Well-draining, gritty cactus or succulent mix
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite Coarse sand Pumice Gravel

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11; grow indoors in cooler climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young rosettes are small with tightly clustered leaves; roots are developing

Plant in well-draining soil; water sparingly until established (2-3 weeks); keep in bright light

2

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Rosettes expand, developing characteristic jaw-like appearance; multiple offsets may form around the base

Maintain bright light; water when soil is completely dry; ensure excellent drainage; pinch back if becoming too tall and leggy

3

Pre-flowering

1-2 months

Mature rosettes begin to show signs of stress coloring with deeper reds and purples; flower buds form at the base of the rosette

Reduce watering further; provide cool, dry period in winter (50-60°F if possible) to encourage blooming

4

Flowering

4-8 weeks (August-October)

Bright golden-yellow daisy-like flowers appear at the center or among the leaves; flowers open in afternoon and close at night

Maintain dry conditions; do not water flowers; enjoy the blooms which last several weeks

5

Post-flowering

3-4 months

Flowers fade and drop; plant enters dormancy; growth slows significantly during winter months

Minimize watering almost completely; keep in cool location if possible; resume normal watering in spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Echeveria Sedum Aloe Jade plant Lithops Haworthia

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants Ferns Mosses Any plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

  • Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infected plant; use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for small infestations

  • Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and not overwatering; repot in fresh soil if roots show blackening and mushy texture

  • Increase humidity slightly; spray with water; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation

  • Remove by hand with tweezers; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; isolate plant during treatment

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Houseplant & Container Garden

Household

Tiger Jaws is prized as a low-maintenance houseplant for sunny windowsills, rock gardens, and succulent collections. Its distinctive appearance makes it a striking accent plant in containers and xeriscaping landscapes. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators in late summer when few other plants are blooming, making it valuable for supporting local insect populations. [source]

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Arrangement & Terrarium Material

Craft

Tiger Jaws is excellent for creating living succulent wreaths, terrariums, and miniature garden scenes due to its compact size and striking leaf patterns. [source]

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Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Household

In arid and semi-arid climates (zones 9b-11), Tiger Jaws thrives as a low-water groundcover or rock garden specimen, requiring minimal supplemental irrigation once established. [source]

Harvest Tips

Tiger Jaws is an ornamental plant grown for foliage and flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy the yellow flowers in late summer/fall when they appear. Deadhead spent flowers if desired. Propagate by seed or leaf cuttings to expand your collection; allow leaf cuttings to callus for 3-5 days before placing on moist soil.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The common name 'Tiger Jaws' comes from the plant's resemblance to an open tiger's mouth, with the thick triangular leaves forming tooth-like protrusions along the leaf margins.
  • 🌱 Tiger Jaws flowers typically open in the afternoon and close by evening, following a circadian rhythm that helps conserve moisture in arid climates.
  • 🌱 This plant is native to South Africa's arid regions and has evolved remarkable water-storage capabilities in its leaves, allowing it to survive extended periods without water.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Pinch Back
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