About Tiger Jaws
A small, clump-forming succulent with thick, triangular leaves arranged in opposing pairs that resemble open jaws lined with soft, tooth-like projections along the margins. The 'teeth' are actually harmless fleshy projections. The gray-green leaves are dotted with white specks, and in autumn, it produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers that open in the afternoon sun. A charming and unusual desk plant. Tiger Jaws belongs to the Aizoaceae family and originates from Eastern Cape, South Africa; found in semi-arid grasslands and rocky terrain..
Tiger Jaws is an eye-catching novelty succulent that gets attention at Philippine plant fairs for its unusual 'jaw' shape. Available from specialty succulent sellers and online communities. It is easier to grow than its Aizoaceae relatives like lithops (living stones), which makes it a better entry point for Filipino growers interested in mesembs. Keep under a rain shelter with good morning sun. Use a gritty mix (60-70% mineral) in shallow terra cotta pots. During the habagat (wet monsoon), reduce watering dramatically and ensure maximum airflow. The bright yellow flowers are a nice surprise when conditions are right.
Also known as: Shark Jaws, Faucaria.
Popular Varieties
- Faucaria tigrina (standard) — gray-green with white dots and soft teeth
- Faucaria felina — 'Cat Jaws,' smoother edges with fewer teeth
- Faucaria tuberculosa — very warty, bumpy leaf surfaces
- Faucaria bosscheana — larger form with pronounced teeth
How to Plant Tiger Jaws in the Philippines
Tiger Jaws can be propagated through division, seeds, stem cuttings. The recommended method is division of established clumps.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Unpot the plant and gently separate individual rosette pairs with roots attached.
- Step 2: Let cut surfaces callous for 1-2 days.
- Step 3: Plant each division in a small pot with well-draining succulent mix (60% mineral grit).
- Step 4: Do not water for 5-7 days, then water lightly.
- Step 5: Divisions establish quickly — new growth in 3-4 weeks.
- Step 6: For seeds: sow on fine mineral grit, keep moist and warm (25-30°C). Germination in 2-4 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to bright indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun). Needs adequate light to flower and maintain compact growth.. Position your tiger jaws where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water every 7-10 days in dry season, letting soil dry completely. In rainy season, reduce to every 2-3 weeks or less. More water-tolerant than many Aizoaceae but still susceptible to rot if waterlogged. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 24-35°C (handles Philippine heat well). Moderate humidity tolerance — better than some mesembs (living stones) in Philippine conditions. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing tiger jaws outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeding — quarter-strength succulent fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers. Thin overcrowded clumps by dividing.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaves splitting open or cracking
Cause: Overwatering causing excessive water uptake
Solution: Reduce watering frequency. The split usually heals but leaves a scar.
No flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or the plant needs a dry rest period
Solution: Provide at least 4 hours direct sun. Reduce watering for a few weeks to trigger budding. Plants typically flower in autumn.
Rot spreading through the clump from the base
Cause: Water sitting at the crown or between leaf pairs during rain
Solution: Separate healthy sections from rotted areas. Replant in dry gritty mix under rain cover.
Leaves stretching and losing the 'jaw' shape
Cause: Insufficient light causing etiolation
Solution: Move to a sunnier location. Stretched growth cannot be reversed but new growth will be compact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Tiger Jaws in the Philippines?
Tiger Jaws needs full sun to bright indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun). needs adequate light to flower and maintain compact growth.. Water every 7-10 days in dry season, letting soil dry completely. in rainy season, reduce to every 2-3 weeks or less. more water-tolerant than many aizoaceae but still susceptible to rot if waterlogged.. Feed with light feeding — quarter-strength succulent fertilizer once a month during the growing season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 24-35°C (handles Philippine heat well) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Tiger Jaws?
The recommended method is division of established clumps. Unpot the plant and gently separate individual rosette pairs with roots attached. Let cut surfaces callous for 1-2 days.
Is Tiger Jaws toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Tiger Jaws grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Tiger Jaws grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Tiger Jaws?
Common issues include: Leaves splitting open or cracking (caused by overwatering causing excessive water uptake — reduce watering frequency. the split usually heals but leaves a scar); No flowers (caused by insufficient light or the plant needs a dry rest period — provide at least 4 hours direct sun. reduce watering for a few weeks to trigger budding. plants typically flower in autumn); Rot spreading through the clump from the base (caused by water sitting at the crown or between leaf pairs during rain — separate healthy sections from rotted areas. replant in dry gritty mix under rain cover).
Growing tiger jaws in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!