Pleiospilos nelii is an unusual-looking succulent but in a delightful, intriguing way. Its body has 2 to 4 spherical-shaped leaves that are merged at its base and grows to a height of 1.96 to 3.15-inches (5cm to 8cm).

The globular appearance of the leaves makes Pleiospilos nelli look like a rock with greenish speckles on the surface. The leaves vary in color from grey-green to brownish.

Pleiospilos nelii has a noticeable cleft or split in the middle which is why the succulent is also called “Split Rock”, “Stone Plant”, and “Liver Plant”. Pleiospilos nelii originates from the Aizoaceae family and is native to South Africa. 

General Information:

Also known as: Split Rock, Stone Plant, and Liver Plant
Plant Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 1.96 to 3.15-inches (5cm to 8cm))
Exposure: Direct exposure to sunlight up to 5 hours
Water Needs: Controlled and tightly-restricted watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Sandy soil or a potting soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part clean sand, and 1 part perlite.
Soil pH: Acidic (6.1 to 6.5 pH)

How to Grow and Care for Pleiospilis Nelii

Pleiospilos nelii is a wonderful indoor plant that can be a perfect addition to your windowsill. Split Rock is also very adaptable to changes in weather. Under normal temperature circumstances in Europe and North America, a mature succulent can survive an entire year without water.

Pleiospilos nelii grows with 2 pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are from the previous year while the top ones are from the current year. The new leaves grow from the middle of the succulent or its split, and consume the old leaves.

1. Sunlight

Pleiospilos nelii loves full exposure to sun. It will grow very well with partial exposure to sunlight. The specks on its leaves function like windows that allow sunlight to enter its body and initiate photosynthesis.

If grown indoors, place Split Rock under a growth light and have the pot positioned near the South window where it can get indirect sunlight.  

2. Watering

Pleiospilos nelii does not require much water during the growing season. From late summer to early summer, you can water Split Rock once-a-week. During the winter season, when temperatures fall below 9°C or 48.2°F, its watering schedule should be further restricted.

As a rule, Pleiospilos nelii should only receive water when its soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering the plant will extend the life of the old leaves and will cause its roots to rot. The infection can spread and potentially contaminate the entire succulent.

When the leaves are splitting, do not water Split Rock. Unlike other types of succulents, Pleiospilos nelii’s leaves remain plump and full.

3. Pot and Soil

The pot for Pleiospilos nelii should at least be 3.9-inches or 10cm deep because the succulent has a very long taproot.

Split Rock will grow best in compost that drains very well. Do not use organic ingredients as the plant does respond favorably with it. You can also use garden soil as long as it has been sterilized in a 93°C or 200°F oven for 20 minutes.

It is also recommended to add 2 parts peat moss, 1 part sand, and 1 part perlite to the potting mixture. These ingredients will help improve air circulation and the drainage capacity of the soil.

How to Propagate Pleiospilos Nelii

Pleiospilos nelii can easily be propagated by seeds or division. It is recommended to propagate Split Rock with division because the process of growing the succulent from seed is a long process.

1.   Seed Method

Step 1: Seeds of Split Rock can be harvested from its flower pod or bought online. Summer is the best time for sowing seeds.

Step 2: Soak the seeds in water for a period of 24 hours.

Step 3: After 24 hours, plant the seeds in a layer of sandy soil. Allow the seeds to naturally germinate by keeping the soil moist.

2.   Division Method

Step 1: Remove the clumps in the spring or before the plant starts growing new leaves.

Step 2: Use a sharp and sterilized knife to remove the leaf.

Step 3: Place the leaf under a shaded area for a few days or until it develops hard calluses.

Step 4: Once the leaf has developed calluses, plant it in sandy soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Faucaria Tigrina is a frightful looking succulent that produces yellow flowers. It has jagged, triangular shaped leaves that dribble a white liquid. The succulent’s name is inspired by the leaves that give it an appearance of gaping-wide ravenous jaws. The colors of the leaves will vary depending on its interaction with sunlight. On a given day, the leaves may change from light to dark green to pinkish-red or to deep purple when given enough sunlight. This plant which belongs to the Aizoaceae family is also known as “Tiger’s Jaw”, “Shark’s Jaws”, and “Tierbekvygie”.

Faucaria Tigrina can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm). The plant’s origin is in the Albany Thicket of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa.

General Information:

Also known as: Tiger’s Jaw, Shark Jaws
Plant Family: Aizoaceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 6” (15 cm) tall
Exposure: Direct sun exposure for 3 to 6 hours; partial shade in the winter.
Water Needs: Twice-a-day misting; little watering during the winter months.
Soil Type: Cactus potting mix or non-peat based compost with 1 part coarse sand and 2 parts soil.
Soil pH: Low pH (4.7 to 5.7 pH)
Maintenance Requirements: Low
Tolerance: Winter

How to Grow and Care for Faucaria Tigrina / Tiger’s Jaw

Tiger’s Jaw makes an excellent potted plant that grows in the Spring and Fall seasons. Its ideal temperature for growing is 20° C (68° F). If you live in an area with colder temperatures, you will have to plant the succulent in a pot that can be placed indoors.

It’s recommended to grow the succulent in the garden, so that it gets enough sunlight every day. If you plan to keep the plant indoors, note that due to the lack of sunlight, it might not bloom.

Sunlight

Faucaria Tigrina is a sun-loving succulent that needs 3 to 6 hours of sunlight to induce its beautiful, bright-yellow flowers into full bloom. In the wintertime, give Tiger’s Jaw some shade, less time under the sun, and a bit of watering to ensure proper care. 

Watering

Before watering the Faucaria Tigrina succulent, allow the soil to completely dry out. When the soil is dry to the touch, give the succulent a thorough watering. This process called the “soak and dry” method should be followed between waterings. 

If the succulent does not receive enough water, the stems will die. However, in the wintertime, reduce the frequency of watering as too much water will kill the succulent. 

Pot and Soil 

Faucaria Tigrina will not survive being immersed in water for a long time. For this reason, buy a pot that has good drainage. The roots of this succulent are quite small which means you can plant them in a shallow pot. 
Keep in mind that the roots will grow with time and this means you might have to repot the succulent in a bigger container.
A standard cactus potting mix has all the important nutrients in the soil to support the needs of Faucaria Tigrina. 

A combination of 2 parts loam, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part pumice is highly recommended to keep the succulent free of pests such as red spiders and burrowing insects. 

How to Propagate Faucaria Tigrina

Faucaria Tigrina is an excellent succulent plant for novice growers. Propagating the Tiger’s Jaw can be a delightful and enriching experience for those interested in taking up succulents as a hobby.

Faucaria Tigrina is considered a self-sufficient succulent and does not need additional care. 

Soil Method

Step 1: Before preparing the soil mixture, set aside a few small pots that measure 60mm x 60mm and have good drainage.

Step 2: The recommended soil mixture for Faucaria Tigrina is composed of 2 parts sterilized potting soil, 1 part pumice which is sieved to 3mm, and 1 part sand. 

Step 3: Once you have the components, heat them at a temperature of 70°C (158°F) then leave them for 1 week. 

Step 4: When the soil mixture is ready, place it in the 60mm x 60mm pots. 

Step 5: After you’ve sowed the seeds of Tiger’s Jaw, top it with river sand. It should be no deeper than the length of the succulent seeds.

Step 6: Use distilled water when soaking the pots then cover the top with a sheet of transparent plastic. This will create a moist environment that is needed to produce germination.

Step 7: After 4 days, loosen the plastic cover and on the 7^th day, discard the cover completely. You will see the seedlings emerge during this period.

Step 8: To water the seedlings properly, dilute a small amount of fertilizer with water and use a sprayer to create a fine mist. The seedlings must be watered with fine mist twice a day. 

Leaves Cutting

Step 1:  When using the leaves cutting method for propagation, it is advisable to remove the cuttings in Spring.

Step 2: Before placing the cuttings into the soil, allow them to dry for a few days.

Step 3: With the leaves cutting method, use a soil mixture composed of potting soil and sand. Make sure there is ample heat source at the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Place the cuttings under shade to spur proper rooting and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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