Tiger jaws

Tiger jaws key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; old plants form a short stem of dead leaves

Size

About 8 cm across (clumping)

Watering

Light feeder

Light & Placement

Likes full sun, which tints the leaves reddish-purple. Keep it in a dry, airy position.

Watering

Classed as a winter grower in Japan. It dislikes staying wet, so in the growing season water lightly once the mix has dried a little; give very little while dormant.

Temperature & Overwintering

It does not tolerate freezing, so keep it frost-free in winter; a Japanese reference gives 0°C as its limit. In hot, humid summers rest it in a well-ventilated place.

Soil & Repotting

South African growers recommend a peat-free mix of two parts loam, one part coarse sand and one part pumice.

Propagation

Propagate by division or from seed sown in autumn and barely covered. Seedlings form a taproot, so keep it straight when transplanting.

Pests & Cautions

Red spider mites appear in dry conditions; keep the air moving and cut away any rotting parts before rot spreads.

About Tiger jaws

Tiger jaws is a beginner-friendly mesemb succulent with thick, triangular leaves edged in soft, tooth-like fringes. It forms clumps about 8 cm across and bears large yellow flowers in autumn to winter.

7 things to know before growing Tiger jaws

1. 1Sun and airflow

   Grow it where it gets plenty of light and fresh air. With too little light, the leaves stretch and lose their compact shape, and the white speckles become less noticeable. Move it to bright shade during the strongest midsummer sun to prevent leaf scorch.

2. 2Water when dry

   Wait until the soil has dried out completely, then water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage hole. The thick leaves store water, so constantly damp soil invites root rot. Let the dryness of the soil, not a fixed number of days, decide when to water.

3. 3Soil and pot

   A succulent and cactus mix, or a free-draining blend such as akadama and pumice, suits it well. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and avoid one far too large for the plant, so the soil dries out quickly and is easier to manage.

4. 4Seasonal care

   It grows best from autumn to spring, so give it good light and regular watering then. In hot summer, growth slows, so keep the air moving and water sparingly. In winter, protect it from frost and freezing by keeping it under eaves or in a bright spot indoors.

5. 5Encouraging blooms

   In autumn to winter, large yellow flowers appear from between the leaves. Plants that get plenty of sun and stay sturdy are more likely to bloom well. The flowers tend to open when the sun hits them, so a bright windowsill makes them easier to enjoy.

6. 6Repotting and old plants

   The plant multiplies into a clump, so repot it once the pot becomes crowded, ideally in autumn or spring during the growing season. Older plants build up dead leaves that form a short, stem-like base. Remove damaged leaves to prevent stuffiness and rot.

7. 7Choosing a plant

   Look for plump, thick leaves with clearly visible white speckles. Avoid plants with blackened or soft, shrunken leaves, or a base that wobbles. After it arrives, keep it in bright shade for a few days, then gradually move it into full sun.

Frequently asked questions about Tiger jaws

Q.Can beginners grow Tiger jaws?

A.Yes, it is a beginner-friendly succulent. If you provide good light and airflow and water only after the soil has dried, it is easy to grow. Take particular care not to overwater.

Q.When does it flower?

A.It flowers in autumn to winter, producing large yellow blooms between the leaves. Giving it plenty of sun so the plant stays sturdy improves its chances of blooming.

Q.How often should I water it?

A.Rather than following a fixed schedule, check whether the soil has dried out completely. When it has, water until it drains from the pot, and cut back during hot summer weather.

Q.Are the teeth on the leaves sharp?

A.The teeth are soft and thread-like, not hard enough to prick. Still, handling can damage the leaves, so it is best to admire them without touching too often.

Q.How big does it get?

A.A plant is about 8 cm across and grows into a clump as new offsets form. When the pot gets crowded, repot it in autumn or spring during the growing season.

Handy Growing Tools for Tiger jaws

Learn more about Tiger jaws in the encyclopedia

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