Faucaria felina, tiger jaws (a name it shares with Faucaria tigrina), is a species of succulent plant in the family Aizoaceae. It is endemic to the southern Cape Provinces of South Africa, but also widely spread in culture. It has a clumping habit and blooms with yellow flowers. As its synonym Faucaria candida, white tiger jaws, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Cat jaws has moderate disease resistance but is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to disease in high humidity and is liable to develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Cat jaws tolerates drought yet requires more water while actively growing. Watering should be sharply reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Cat jaws is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to those who can spend time tending to it through the winter months.
How to keep Faucaria Felina.
Light
Native to dry regions, Cat jaws prospers in full sun; its native habitat is marked by intense sunlight and very little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, offering some flexibility in its growth.
Water
Cat Jaws is a drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in arid environments. It stores water in its leaves and only needs watering every three weeks, as it prefers periods of dryness. Typically grown indoors, Cat Jaws flourishes in soil with moisture levels that mimic its native semi-desert habitat.
Temperature
Although Cat jaws tolerates some heat, it grows best in cooler seasons and becomes dormant during summer. In hot summer conditions, shade should be provided to avoid scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped in the hottest part of the year to prevent root rot. Cat jaws grows vigorously in winter and spring. Provided the temperature does not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For Cat jaws, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when it's dormant. Reduce fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.
Pruning
To maintain the shape of cat jaws, trim any unnecessary or dense branches during the spring and autumn using tools such as knives and scissors. For propagation, cut healthy stems that have 5-6 leaves, treat the cut area with sulfur powder, and allow it to heal before planting. Make sure the soil is slightly moist when planting.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Cat jaws, choose a container slightly larger than the current pot that provides good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Gently lift the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same depth in the new container. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or autumn and keep the plant in a brightly lit location.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Faucaria
- Family
- Aizoaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 5 cm to 10 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- South Africa
Other names.
