Troubleshooting
Tiger Jaws problems — and how to fix them
Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tigrina) 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.
Soft, mushy, translucent leaves
The classic sign of overwatering and rot. Let the soil dry fully between waterings, water far less in winter, and ensure the pot drains freely.
Etiolated, stretched, pale growth
Not enough light makes the rosette loosen and reach. Move it to your brightest window and give several hours of direct sun a day.
Won't flower
Usually too little direct sun or no cool, dry winter rest. Provide at least 3 hours of direct sun and a cooler, drier dormant spell to trigger autumn blooms.
Shrivelled, wrinkled leaves
Underwatering, especially if bone dry for long stretches. Give a thorough soak; leaves should plump back up within a few days.
Mealybugs
White cottony pests can hide between the leaf pairs and at the base. Wipe off with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol and inspect new plants before bringing them in.
Pinkish-purple leaf colour
Harmless sun stress, not a problem - bright light naturally tints the foliage. Reduce direct sun only if you prefer the green look.
Prevent tiger jaws problems before they start
Most tiger jaws issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tiger Jaws problems — FAQ
Why is my tiger jaws soft, mushy, translucent leaves?
The classic sign of overwatering and rot. Let the soil dry fully between waterings, water far less in winter, and ensure the pot drains freely.
Why is my tiger jaws etiolated, stretched, pale growth?
Not enough light makes the rosette loosen and reach. Move it to your brightest window and give several hours of direct sun a day.
Why is my tiger jaws won't flower?
Usually too little direct sun or no cool, dry winter rest. Provide at least 3 hours of direct sun and a cooler, drier dormant spell to trigger autumn blooms.
Why is my tiger jaws shrivelled, wrinkled leaves?
Underwatering, especially if bone dry for long stretches. Give a thorough soak; leaves should plump back up within a few days.
Why is my tiger jaws mealybugs?
White cottony pests can hide between the leaf pairs and at the base. Wipe off with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol and inspect new plants before bringing them in.
Why is my tiger jaws pinkish-purple leaf colour?
Harmless sun stress, not a problem - bright light naturally tints the foliage. Reduce direct sun only if you prefer the green look.