Cotyledon Bear's Paw

The Cotyledon tomentosa, commonly known as the Bear's Paw succulent, is a charming and popular succulent prized for its unique leaf shape and fuzzy texture. Native to South Africa, this delightful plant is a favorite among succulent enthusiasts for its easy care and distinctive appearance.

Characteristics

• Fuzzy Leaves: The most distinctive feature of this plant is its thick, fleshy leaves that are covered in a fine, white fuzz (tomentose), giving them a soft, velvety appearance.

• Leaf Shape: The leaves are typically obovate and have several "teeth" or lobes at the tips, resembling the shape of a bear's paw or a kitten's paw. The tips of the leaves can sometimes turn reddish-brown, especially when exposed to ample sunlight.

• Growth Habit: Cotyledon tomentosa is a slow-growing, shrubby succulent that typically reaches a height of about 6 to 20 inches (15-50 cm). It branches out as it matures, forming a small, dense clump.

• Flowers: While primarily grown for its foliage, the Bear's Paw succulent can produce small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of orange or reddish-orange. The flowers typically appear in spring or summer on tall stalks.

• Dormancy: This succulent goes through a period of dormancy in the winter.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, protect it from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. For indoor plants, a south or west-facing window is ideal.

• Watering: Use the "soak and dry" method. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and allow excess water to drain. Reduce watering in the winter, during the dormancy period. Overwatering is a primary cause of root rot in succulents.

• Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

• Temperature: Bear's Paw thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

• Humidity: This succulent prefers low to average humidity.

• Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid fertilizing in the winter.

• Potting: Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and ensure it has drainage holes.

• Propagation: Can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Allow the cuttings to callus over before planting them in well-draining soil.

The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 80mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same. 

Please note  — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.
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