The Tiger Jaw succulent (Faucaria tigrina) captivates with its distinctive, tooth-like leaves that resemble an animal’s open jaw. Despite its fierce appearance, this plant produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers.
Understanding the Tiger Jaw Bloom
The flowers of the Tiger Jaw succulent contrast strikingly with its unique leaves. They are typically bright yellow, often golden or orange, and possess a classic daisy-like shape. These blooms can be quite large for the plant’s size, sometimes reaching up to 2 inches across, emerging from between the leaves.
Tiger Jaw succulents commonly bloom from late summer into early winter, with autumn being a peak flowering period. Their flowers open in the afternoon, especially when exposed to direct sunlight, and then close at night or on cloudy days.
Cultivating Blooms: Essential Care
Encouraging a Tiger Jaw succulent to bloom involves specific care practices that mimic its native arid environment. Providing the right conditions, such as proper light, watering, and temperature, helps signal the plant to produce its characteristic flowers.
Light Requirements
Tiger Jaw succulents require at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun exposure daily for blooming. Indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal. If natural light is insufficient, especially during shorter winter days, supplemental grow lights can be beneficial. While they can tolerate some partial shade in very hot climates to prevent scorching, consistent bright light is important for flowering.
Watering and Dormancy
A precise watering schedule is crucial for promoting Tiger Jaw blooms. These succulents thrive on a “soak and dry” method during active growth, meaning the soil should dry completely between waterings. In late summer to early fall, a period of reduced watering, or dry rest, mimics their native habitat’s dry season and helps trigger flower production. During winter dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced, perhaps to once a month or less, only when the plant shows signs of shriveling. Overwatering, especially during dormancy, can lead to root rot and inhibit flowering.
Temperature Considerations
Temperature fluctuations also play a role in encouraging Tiger Jaw succulents to bloom. While they prefer warmer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during their active growth, cooler night temperatures can be beneficial in the fall. Temperatures around 50-60°F (10-15°C) during the cooler months can help stimulate flower bud formation. It is important to protect these plants from frost, as they are not cold-hardy and temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can cause damage. If moved outdoors for the summer, bring them inside before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 60°F (16°C).
After the Bloom: Post-Flowering Care
After the vibrant flowers of your Tiger Jaw succulent fade, the plant typically produces small, capsule-like fruits containing seeds. While deadheading spent blooms is not necessary for health, it can improve the plant’s appearance.
Following the blooming period, the plant will enter or continue its winter dormancy. Maintain the reduced watering schedule established before and during flowering. As spring approaches and new growth begins, gradually increase watering to support the plant’s active growth cycle.
Why Your Tiger Jaw Isn’t Blooming
Several factors can prevent a Tiger Jaw succulent from blooming. Insufficient light is a common reason, as these plants require ample direct sunlight, at least 4-6 hours daily. Without enough light, the plant may focus solely on foliage growth or become leggy.
Incorrect watering practices can also hinder flowering. Overwatering, particularly during dormancy, can lead to root rot and plant stress, suppressing blooms. Conversely, insufficient water during the active growing season can also stress the plant. The absence of a distinct cool and dry dormancy period, especially in late summer or early fall, can prevent flower bud initiation. Additionally, a plant that is too young may not yet be mature enough to bloom, and over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, can promote lush leaf growth at the expense of flowers.