Troubleshooting
Britten's Tiger Jaws problems — and how to fix them
Britten's Tiger Jaws (Faucaria britteniae) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot from overwatering
The most common problem. Faucaria britteniae is extremely drought-tolerant; excess water, particularly in spring and winter when the plant is near-dormant, quickly rots the shallow roots. Always confirm soil is bone-dry before watering again.
Failure to flower
Blooming requires strong, direct sunlight and a warm summer period. Plants kept indoors in low light rarely flower. Move to the brightest spot available from midsummer onward and reduce watering slightly to encourage bud development in late summer.
Mealybugs in leaf axils
White, woolly mealybugs hide in the crevices between leaves. Treat early with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol or apply a systemic insecticide diluted to half strength. Check regularly when new growth appears in late summer.
Prevent britten's tiger jaws problems before they start
Most britten's tiger jaws issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Britten's Tiger Jaws problems — FAQ
Why is my britten's tiger jaws root rot from overwatering?
The most common problem. Faucaria britteniae is extremely drought-tolerant; excess water, particularly in spring and winter when the plant is near-dormant, quickly rots the shallow roots. Always confirm soil is bone-dry before watering again.
Why is my britten's tiger jaws failure to flower?
Blooming requires strong, direct sunlight and a warm summer period. Plants kept indoors in low light rarely flower. Move to the brightest spot available from midsummer onward and reduce watering slightly to encourage bud development in late summer.
Why is my britten's tiger jaws mealybugs in leaf axils?
White, woolly mealybugs hide in the crevices between leaves. Treat early with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol or apply a systemic insecticide diluted to half strength. Check regularly when new growth appears in late summer.