Troubleshooting
Cat's Jaws problems — and how to fix them
Cat's Jaws (Faucaria felina) 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.
Stretched, gaping rosette
Leaves elongate and the pairs splay apart in low light. Move to a brighter, sunnier spot to restore the compact, tight-toothed form.
Root and leaf rot
Mushy, translucent leaves from overwatering or poor drainage, especially during summer dormancy. Reduce watering, repot into grittier mix, and remove affected tissue.
Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves
Mild underwatering or end-of-summer rest causes leaves to thin and crease. A thorough watering once the active season resumes plumps them back up.
Mealybugs
Cottony white pests hide between the leaf pairs and at the base. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap, repeating until clear.
Prevent cat's jaws problems before they start
Most cat's jaws issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for cat's jaws in general rather than its problems? Read the full cat's jaws care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cat's Jaws problems — FAQ
Why is my cat's jaws stretched, gaping rosette?
Leaves elongate and the pairs splay apart in low light. Move to a brighter, sunnier spot to restore the compact, tight-toothed form.
Why is my cat's jaws root and leaf rot?
Mushy, translucent leaves from overwatering or poor drainage, especially during summer dormancy. Reduce watering, repot into grittier mix, and remove affected tissue.
Why is my cat's jaws wrinkled, shrivelled leaves?
Mild underwatering or end-of-summer rest causes leaves to thin and crease. A thorough watering once the active season resumes plumps them back up.
Why is my cat's jaws mealybugs?
Cottony white pests hide between the leaf pairs and at the base. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap, repeating until clear.