Overview and General Appearance
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes is a succulent plant from the family Aizoaceae, also known as the ice plant family. This plant is commonly called tiger jaws or shark's jaws due to the triangular, serrated edges of its leaves, which resemble sharp teeth. Native to South Africa, this plant is a popular choice among garden enthusiasts and succulent collectors due to its unique and distinctive appearance.
Uses
Faucaria bosscheana is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its unique shape and texture. This succulent is best suited for outdoor growth and is commonly used in rock gardens, landscaping, and container gardens. In addition to being visually appealing, this plant is also drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, making it an appealing option for those who want a striking plant that doesn't require much attention.
Origin and Common Names
Faucaria bosscheana is native to the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This plant has several common names, including tiger jaws, shark's jaws, and window plant. The name tiger jaws comes from the triangular and serrated edges of the plant's leaves, which resemble the open jaws of a tiger. The name shark's jaws comes from the same resemblance but with a shark instead of a tiger. Finally, the name window plant comes from the translucency of the leaves, which allow light to filter through, creating a stained-glass window-like effect.
Light Requirements
Faucaria bosscheana are succulent plants that require bright light to thrive. These plants prefer a location with direct sunlight for at least four hours per day. If kept indoors, it is best to place them near a sunny window or under artificial grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
Faucaria bosscheana plants are native to South Africa and prefer warm temperatures. They grow best in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). During the winter months, these plants can tolerate cooler temperatures as long as they do not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Soil Requirements
The soil for Faucaria bosscheana should be well-draining and not retain too much moisture. A cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal for these plants. To improve drainage, you can also mix perlite or coarse sand with the soil. These plants are also sensitive to salts and will benefit from occasional flushing with distilled water to remove any buildup.
Cultivation Method for Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It is popularly grown for its attractive foliage, which is composed of fleshy, triangular leaves that form small rosettes. If you want to cultivate this plant, it is essential to choose the right growing medium and environment.
The medium should have good drainage and aeration properties, to prevent the plant from drowning in waterlogged soil. A sandy soil mix consisting of a mix of cactus soil and sand is ideal for this plant.
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes grows well in bright areas but can also tolerate partial shade. For outdoor planting, make sure to place the plant in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily. It is also important to ensure that the plant is protected from strong winds, as they can damage the foliage.
Watering Needs for Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes
As with most succulents, overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and other issues. Therefore, it is vital to establish an appropriate watering routine for Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes.
The plant requires minimal watering during the winter or dormant season. However, during the growing season (spring to summer), you should water the plant sparingly, making sure that the soil has dried out between watering sessions. It's best to water the plant at the base, as wetting the leaves or foliage can lead to fungal infections and sunburn.
It's also advisable to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as any excess water can drain out of the pot.
Fertilization for Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes
To promote healthy growth and foliage, you can fertilize the Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes plant during the growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents, diluted to half strength, is ideal. It's best to apply the fertilizer once a month, following the package instructions.
During the dormant season, it's not necessary to fertilize the plant, as it is not actively growing.
Pruning Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes
Faucaria bosscheana (A.Berger) Schwantes does not require any formal pruning, as the plant has a natural growth habit. However, you can remove any dead or dry leaves as soon as they appear, to maintain the plant's tidy appearance and prevent fungal diseases.
You can also remove the plant's offsets (also known as chicks) once they are mature enough to be removed. These offsets can be replanted to form new plants.
Propagation of Faucaria bosscheana
Faucaria bosscheana plants can be propagated through several methods:
Seeds
Propagation through seeds requires a well-draining soil mix with a mix of sand, perlite and loam. The seeds should be planted on the surface of the soil, and gently pressed to ensure contact with the soil. Keep the soil moist until you see germination, usually within 1-2 weeks. Make sure the seedlings get plenty of light.
Division
The division method involves separating the plant’s offsets and replanting them into individual pots. You can gently remove the offsets from the main plant, making sure that each offset has some roots, and replant it into a pot with a well-draining soil mix, then keep the soil slightly moist until new growth appears.
Leaf cuttings
This method involves removing a leaf from the plant and allowing it to callus over for a day or two before planting it in the well-draining soil mix. The cut end of the leaf should be buried about 1 cm deep in the soil, and the soil should be kept moist. With time, new roots will sprout from the cut end of the leaf, and new plantlets will start to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Faucaria bosscheana
Faucaria bosscheana, commonly known as the Tiger Jaws plant, is a succulent plant that is relatively easy to grow. However, like any other plant, it is prone to diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Faucaria bosscheana and ways to manage them:
1. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common pests that can affect indoor and outdoor plants, including Faucaria bosscheana. These pests are small, white, and fuzzy insects that suck the sap out of the plant. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, you can dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use neem oil spray.
2. Scale insects
Scale insects are another common pest that can affect Faucaria bosscheana. These pests are small, oval, and flat insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and can even kill the plant if left untreated. To manage scale insects, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
3. Root rot
Root rot is a common disease that affects succulent plants, including Faucaria bosscheana. This disease is caused by overwatering, which leads to the roots of the plant becoming waterlogged and rotting. To prevent root rot, you should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that you do not overwater the plant. If the plant has already been affected by root rot, you can try repotting it in a well-draining soil and reducing the frequency of watering.
4. Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can affect Faucaria bosscheana. This disease causes small, brown spots to appear on the leaves, and can even cause the leaves to fall off. Leaf spot is caused by overwatering or high humidity levels. To manage leaf spot, you should ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the humidity levels are not too high. You can also remove any infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
5. Spider mites
Spider mites are pests that can affect many indoor and outdoor plants, including Faucaria bosscheana. These pests are small, red or brown, and can be found on the undersides of leaves. They can cause yellowing of the leaves and a fine webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. You can also increase the humidity levels around the plant to discourage spider mites from infesting it.
