15 House plants called Tiger

House plants called Tiger, in celebration of the International Tiger Day, Chinese Year of the Tiger, indoor gardening … and in memory of tigers who come to tea and drink all the water in the tap and the author who told us their tale.

A List of House Plants called Tiger

Firstly an alphabetical list. This isn’t an overall definitive list, but I’ve tried to name houseplants that are generally easy to find in the United Kingdom whether from a nursery or online. Then I’ve just picked out a few to look at individually, including care tips. They are ones that I have, or have had, or have seen and admired in the case of the tiger orchid. But I plan to add more to my tiger house plant collection…

House plants called Tiger

There are an amazing number of plants called tiger when you start looking! Although some of them go by other nicknames and common names too, such as zebra and fishbones.

Aechmea fasciata, Silver Vase Plant

Calathea ‘White Tiger’

Calathea Zebrina, zebra plant, tiger plant

Crassula picturata, Tiger Jade

Cryptanthus ‘Tiger’

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’, Sansevieria, mother-in-laws tongue, snake plant, tiger plant

Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Angela’, Calathea ‘Angela’

Kalanchoe daigremontiana ‘Tiger Stripe’, Tiger Stripe Mother of Thousands

Kalanchoe humilis ‘Tiger’

Silver Squill, Ledebouria socialis

Tiger Aloe, Gonialoe variegata

Tiger Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Tiger’

Tiger Leaf, Tiger Plant, Ctenanthe Burle Marxii, fishbone prayer plant

Tiger orchid, Grammatophyllum speciosum, Giant orchid, Sugar Cane orchid, Queen of the Orchids

Tiger’s Jaws, Faucaria tigrina

A few house plants called Tiger in more detail

Crassula picturata, Tiger Jade

Crassula picturata, Tiger Jade is a small succulent with grey-green leaves spotted with black. Purple undersides and a slightly hairy leaf surface complete the tiger effect. The leaves can turn reddish when stressed. It should flower for you with pale pink / white blooms in spring / summer. Although tender, it would be happy outside during summer months, but keep it in a sunny spot, and be sure the soil is free draining.

Cryptanthus ‘Tiger’

This stunning rosette-forming plant features wavy mid-green leaves with irregular white cross bands that look like a mix of zebra and tiger patterns! You may see it sold as ‘zebra plant’ rather than tiger. It needs to be kept out of direct sunlight and the soil should be moist.

Dracaena trifasciata ‘Futura Robusta’

Also known as Sansevieria, mother-in-laws tongue, snake plant and, of course, tiger plant.

Sansevieria is one of the most commonly found house plant species for a good reason. Not only are they very easy to care for they also clean the air.

According to Nasa, it’s an excellent air purifier and removes toxins such as nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde.

Sansevieria are tolerant of permutations from low light to direct sun. however, the less light, the darker the foliage tends to be. They’re better at being drought tolerant than overwatered, but will cope with a bit of that too.

Kalanchoe humilis ‘Tiger’

Also known as tiger stripe kalanchoe, this succulent has oval pale green leaves marked with horizontal purple streaks. Although it likes light, the leaves can burn in strong sunlight, so partial sun or light shade is often best. This is one that I have.

Tiger orchid

And for the last of our plants called tiger, we actually have two plants for the price of one. Firstly, the tiger orchid which is also known as Grammatophyllum speciosum, Giant orchid, Sugar Cane orchid, Queen of the Orchids. This is the world’s tallest orchid, with some growing up to 21 feet or more. A giant tiger orchid weighing two tons was one of the highlights in the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition.

Other orchids known as tiger orchids include Rossioglossum grande with red and yellow striped blooms. These are tricky-ish to grow as houseplants but are considerably smaller (and still called tiger).

And finally

International Tiger Day takes place on July 29^th each year. First celebrated in 2010, the aim is to raise awareness that tigers are on the brink of extinction. In 2010 about 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared. Preservation of the species, protection and expansion of their habitats are all key to their continued existence.

And for those who like to know these things: the most recent Years of the Tiger are 2022 and 2010.

“The Tiger who came to Tea” is a children’s book written and illustrated by the late Judith Kerr. One of the favourites in our family, it includes the phrase about the tiger drinking all the water in the tap. Both a film and a play have also been created from the story. Judith Kerr died in 2019.

And for further gardening advice and inspiration, check out Plews Potting Shed blogs, including the selection below and our monthly Tipsheet – You could come and find us on Instagram Pinterest and Facebook too.