Origin
Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Aizoaceae, which is native to South Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as tiger’s jaw, due to the leaf configuration, as well as shark’s jaw in some regions.
Uses
Most succulent enthusiasts grow Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa as a houseplant and ornamental plant because of its unique leaf structure. Additionally, it is often used medicinally by indigenous people of South Africa for the treatment of various health issues such as stomach ailments, arthritis and hypertension.
General Appearance
The plant has a unique and interesting leaf configuration resembling a tiger’s jaw, with the bottom portion of the leaf forming a jaw and the top portion formed into a pointed tooth. The leaves are pale green in color, with round dimples and soft white bristles coating the surface of the leaves, which feels like the furry texture of a cat. The plant produces daisy-like flowers, which are white or yellow in color, and bloom during the winter months. The plant typically grows to a height of 3 inches and spreads up to 5 inches, forming a small clump while thriving in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil.
Light Requirements
Faucaria felina subsp. tuberculosa is a succulent plant that requires bright light to thrive. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it is important to note that too much direct sunlight can cause sunburn on the leaves, so it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is important to protect the plant from freezing temperatures since it is sensitive to cold. During the winter months, the plant should be kept in a warm and dry location to prevent it from becoming too cold and wet, which can lead to rotting of the roots.
Soil Requirements
Faucaria felina subsp. tuberculosa requires a well-draining soil mix that is rich in nutrients. The soil mix should be a blend of sand, perlite, and peat moss in a ratio of 1:1:1. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It is important to use a pot or container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging that can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen is a succulent plant that requires well-drained soils with low to medium fertility. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
Watering needs
The plant requires infrequent watering during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn. It is important to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering, as overwatering can cause root rot. During the dormant season, which is from winter to early spring, the plant requires little to no water.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for the plant, but if you choose to fertilize, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with low nitrogen content. Fertilize the plant only during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn.
Pruning
The plant does not require pruning, but you can remove dead or damaged leaves using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. This will help maintain the plant's appearance and prevent diseases from spreading to healthy leaves.
Propagation of Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen
Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen can be propagated by various methods including seed and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen can be sown in a well-draining sandy soil mix. The seeds need to be placed on the soil surface and should not be buried. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes around two weeks to a month. The seedlings should be provided with bright light and temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Seed propagation is a slow method of propagation and can take up to two years for the plants to reach maturity.
Vegetative propagation
Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
Division involves separating new offsets from the mother plant. The offsets should be carefully removed from the mother plant, and the wounds should be allowed to callus over before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The new plants should be kept in a bright area with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C.
Stem cuttings of Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen can be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be allowed to callus over for around a week before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a bright area with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C and should be watered sparingly until new growth appears.
Leaf cuttings can also be taken from Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen. The leaves should be carefully removed from the plant and allowed to dry for around a week before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The leaf cuttings should be kept in a bright area with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C and should be watered sparingly until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Faucaria Felina (L.) Schwantes Subsp. Tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen
Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen is a beautiful succulent plant that requires little maintenance. However, like all living organisms, it may still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Rust - This disease is identified by orange-brown spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, remove affected leaves and ensure proper ventilation around the plant. You can also apply a copper fungicide.
Root rot - Overwatering can cause water to accumulate in the roots, leading to root rot. To prevent this, make sure to let the soil dry out between watering and use well-draining soil. If your plant has root rot, you may need to repot it and trim away the affected roots.
Pests
Scale insects - These tiny pests attach themselves to the leaves and feed on plant sap, causing the plant to lose vigor. They are often mistaken for small brown or black bumps. To get rid of them, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.
Spider mites - These are common pests that can cause discoloration and webbing on the plant. To prevent spider mites, mist the plant regularly and keep the air humidity high. You can use insecticidal soap to manage spider mites.
Mealybugs - These pests can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. They look like small, white, fluffy masses and can be removed by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your Faucaria felina (L.) Schwantes subsp. tuberculosa (Rolfe) L.E.Groen remains healthy and beautiful for years to come. Regular monitoring and care can go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from affecting your plant.
