Tiger Jaws , scientifically eff asFaucaria tigrina , belongs to the genusFaucariawithin the family Aizoaceae , commonly bear on to as the fig - marigold or shabu plant kinsperson . This family is lie with for its succulent plants , often adapted to arid conditions . The genus nameFaucariaderives from the Romance tidings “ fauces , ” intend “ jaws ” or “ throat , ” an apt description for the plant ’s distinctive , tooth - same leaf margins . Faucaria tigrinais characterized by its thick , triangular leaves that mimic the coming into court of an open animal jaw with subdued , harmless “ teeth ” along the boundary .
The first documented discovery ofFaucaria tigrinawas in 1789 during an pleasure trip by Francis Masson , who was commission by the King of England to collect plants for the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens . The specimen ofF. tigrinawere sent to Adrian Haworth , a gardener at Kew , who recognise them as a Modern metal money . Since then , Faucaria tigrinahas been cultivate as an cosmetic plant due to its unique appearance and ease of care , becoming a pop choice among succulent enthusiasts around the earth .
This succulent is native to South Africa , specifically thrive in the Eastern and Western Cape responsibility . It grows in environment characterise by bouldery outcrops and arenaceous , well - drain grease , where it benefits from the coastal fogs that provide moisture in an otherwise waterless clime . The works ’s adaptations , like its leaf “ teeth , ” help in hoard and organise piss vapor to the source , showcasing its specialized endurance strategy in such habitats .
Faucaria tigrina is well suited to zones 9 to 11 . Here , it can bear temperature down to about 25 ° F ( -4 ° carbon ) for short periods if kept juiceless , but protection from frost is advisable to prevent damage . In region with colder winters , it ’s commonly produce as a houseplant or in container that can be go indoors during winter . The plant is drought - broad and enjoys the warmheartedness and light of these zones , making it a unspoiled candidate for both indoor and outside polish in appropriate climates . Its power to thrive in USDA Zone 9a , with temperature that can dim to 20 - 25 ° F ( -6.7 to -4 ° coulomb ) , underline its resiliency but also spotlight the need for some care during colder ginger nut in these bare zones .
Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tigrina): Characteristics
Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tigrina): Cultivation
Light
Provide shining , collateral light or morning sun . verbatim good afternoon Lord’s Day can be too vivid , specially in summer , potentially causing folio burn . A due south - confront windowpane with some shade or a pip with filter lighter works well indoors .
stain
Use a well - draining succulent or cactus mix . A combining of potting soil , coarse sand , and perlite or pumice guarantee warm drainage , which is all-important to keep rootage decomposition . The soil should mimic the rocky , sandy condition of its natural home ground .
Watering
Water meagrely ; allow the soil to dry out totally between waterings . Overwatering is a common causa of decease in succulent like Tiger Jaws . In the grow season ( bound to descend ) , water might be require every 2 - 3 workweek , but in wintertime , reduce lacrimation to once a month or less , depending on the environment .
Temperature
Ideal temperatures for increase are between 60 ° F to 80 ° F ( 16 ° C to 27 ° C ) . They can tolerate cooler temperature down to about 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) but protect from frost . During wintertime , a cooler , dry period can assist induce blooming in outflow .
humidness
Tiger Jaws are adapt to low humidity , so typical indoor condition are unremarkably fine . If grown in a very humid environment , increase air circulation around the plant to foreclose moisture - bear on exit .
Fertilization
Fertilize lightly during the growing time of year with a balanced , low - atomic number 7 , slow - release fertilizer or a dilute liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulent . Too much fertilizer can take to leggy growing without promoting bloom .
Repotting
Repot every 2 - 3 year or when the flora outgrows its peck , using a shallow container to suit its shallow root system . fountain is the best clock time for repotting , allowing new outgrowth to set up before the fighting grow season .
generation
Propagation is easy done through offset or leaf cuttings . offset can be lightly separated from the parent works and planted directly into well - draining soil . Leaf cutting should be allowed to callus over for a few days before establish to abridge the risk of rot .
Pest Management
Watch for common succulent pests like mealybugs or wanderer mites . If pests are blot , isolate the plant and deal with insecticidal Georgia home boy or neem petroleum . Good air circulation and regular verification can prevent infestations .
quiescency :
During winter , Tiger Jaws enter a sleeping form where they require less water and can tolerate cooler temperatures . This catamenia can help cause flower in the following season .
Flowering
To promote blooming , ensure the plant dumbfound peck of light , and maintain a ice chest , drier menses in winter . Flowers typically appear in late summertime or former fall , providing a outstanding demarcation to the foliation .
Container Gardening
Ideal for container gardening due to its small size of it and low-toned weewee pauperism . Choose pot with drain holes to forbid water from compile at the bottom . Shallow pots wreak best to match the flora ’s root system .
