Faucaria tigrina f. monstruosa - Tiger Jaws Succulent

Faucaria tigrina f. monstruosa is a wonderfully strange and characterful succulent, prized for its distorted, irregular leaf growth. Unlike the typical symmetry of standard Tiger Jaws, this monstrose form produces chunky, uneven foliage with soft tooth-like edges that give it a sculptural, almost prehistoric appearance. Compact and slow-growing, it’s a brilliant choice for sunny windowsills and collectors who love unusual forms.

Scientific Name
Faucaria tigrina f. monstruosa (tiger-like Faucaria, monstrose form)

The genus name Faucaria comes from the Latin faux, meaning “jaw,” referring to the tooth-like leaf margins. The species name tigrina means “tiger-like.” The monstrose form is a naturally occurring mutation causing irregular, distorted growth. Some plants in cultivation are occasionally mislabelled as Faucaria tuberculosa, but Faucaria tigrina is the accepted name for most Tiger Jaws in UK horticulture.

Synonyms
Sometimes sold as Faucaria tigrina ‘Monstruosa’
Occasionally mislabelled as Faucaria tuberculosa ‘Monstruosa’

Common Name
Monstrose Tiger Jaws, Tiger Jaws Succulent

Origin
Derived from Faucaria tigrina, native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soils in arid conditions.

Light
Needs very bright light to thrive. A south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal in the UK. It can tolerate several hours of direct sun, but introduce gradually in spring to prevent scorching after darker winter months.

Water
Allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings. During spring and summer, water thoroughly, then leave until fully dry before watering again. In autumn and winter, reduce watering significantly – only water if the leaves begin to wrinkle slightly. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.

Humidity
Prefers dry air and does not require additional humidity. Avoid damp rooms such as bathrooms.

Soil
Use a very free-draining cactus or succulent mix with added grit or pumice. Excellent drainage is essential. Repot every 2–3 years in spring if needed.

Food
Feed lightly during the growing season – approximately every 3–4 waters – using a diluted cactus fertiliser. Do not feed in winter.

Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 15–26°C. Protect from frost and avoid temperatures below 5°C. Keep away from cold, damp conditions in winter.

Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic, but best kept out of reach of curious pets due to firm leaf edges.

Sprouts Top Tips
If the leaves start to look translucent or mushy, stop watering immediately and allow the plant to dry thoroughly – this succulent copes far better with drought than excess moisture.

Extras
In bright conditions, it may produce cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer or autumn.

Did You Know?
The “teeth” along the leaf edges are not sharp – they’re soft extensions of the leaf tissue designed to help shade the plant’s surface in its natural habitat.