Faucaria bosscheana, or “Tiger Jaws,” is a unique succulent. Its distinctive leaves resemble tiger jaws, and its straightforward care makes it suitable for new growers.
Understanding Faucaria bosscheana
Native to South Africa’s arid regions, Faucaria bosscheana is naturally drought tolerant. It forms compact rosettes of fleshy, triangular, dark green leaves with a whitish keel and margins. Soft, tooth-like appendages along the edges create the characteristic “jaw” appearance. Leaf margins can develop a reddish tint in sufficient sunlight. In autumn, and sometimes early winter, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers up to 2 inches in diameter, which open around midday and close in the late afternoon.
Cultivating Faucaria bosscheana
Cultivating Faucaria bosscheana involves mimicking its natural dry, sunny habitat. Providing proper light, water, and soil promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Light
Faucaria bosscheana requires bright, direct sunlight, at least six hours daily, to maintain its compact form and encourage blooming. Indoors, a south or east-facing windowsill is often suitable. Gradually move the plant to brighter light to prevent sunburn. Insufficient light leads to etiolation (leggy growth) and reduced flowering.
Watering
As a succulent, Faucaria bosscheana stores water in its leaves, making it susceptible to overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until drainage, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. During winter dormancy, significantly reduce or cease watering, only providing enough to prevent leaf shriveling. Wrinkled leaves indicate thirst.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix, enhanced with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, improves drainage. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Faucaria bosscheana tolerates warm temperatures and mild frost, preferring 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the day. Cooler nights, around 50-55°F (10-13°C), can benefit blooming. While it endures some temperature variations, prolonged extreme cold or heat causes stress. It thrives in low to moderate humidity (around 30-40%).
Fertilization
Faucaria bosscheana does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced, diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer can be applied once or twice during its spring/summer growing season. Dilute to half strength to avoid nutrient burn. Withhold fertilization during fall/winter dormancy.
Propagating Faucaria bosscheana
Propagate Faucaria bosscheana through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, use a clean, sharp tool. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for several days before planting in well-draining soil; this prevents rot. Division is effective when the plant has produced offsets or larger clumps. During repotting, these can be carefully separated from the parent plant. Propagate during the active growing season (late spring/early summer) for successful rooting.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with proper care, Faucaria bosscheana may face issues. Promptly addressing these helps maintain plant health.
Overwatering
Overwatering causes mushy leaves and stem rot. If rot appears, reduce watering and ensure well-draining soil; remove affected parts if severe. Slight wrinkling indicates underwatering, resolved with thorough watering.
Lack of flowering
Lack of flowering often stems from insufficient light, incorrect dormant period temperature, or nutrient deficiency. Ensure adequate direct sunlight and cooler nighttime temperatures to encourage blooming.
Pests
Though resilient, Faucaria bosscheana can attract mealybugs or spider mites. Treat affected areas with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or an insecticidal soap. Consistent observation aids early detection.