A Detailed Guide to the Latest Method of Flat Leaf Cuttings for Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)
The time for flat leaf cuttings of Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) can be in spring and autumn. The substrate can be mixed with four parts leaf mold, three parts garden soil, and three parts river sand. Use sterilized scissors to cut fully grown leaves from the mother plant, divide the leaves into 2-3 segments, and after sterilization, lay them flat on the substrate; after about 15 days, roots will be seen growing.
Steps for flat leaf cuttings of Bear's Paw
1. Time for leaf cuttings
When doing leaf cuttings of Bear's Paw, you must choose a suitable time. From its growth habits, it is best done in spring and autumn, that is, in April-May or September-November. At this time, the climate conditions are very suitable for the branches to take root, and the survival rate is relatively high.
2. Prepare the soil
Bear's Paw likes to grow in soil that is relatively loose and breathable, well-drained, and rich in humus, so we can evenly mix four parts leaf mold, three parts garden soil, and three parts river sand, and we can also appropriately add some base fertilizer to promote growth.
3. Leaf selection
Choose a robustly growing Bear's Paw plant, use sterilized scissors to cut fully grown leaves from the mother plant, divide the leaves into 2-3 segments, and disinfect the wounds with a carbendazim solution; this not only effectively avoids bacterial infection but also quickly promotes root growth.
4. Cutting substrate
Lay the dried leaves flat on the substrate, and press the leaves slightly downward so they fully contact the soil. After watering appropriately, place them in a semi-shaded, ventilated environment; in this way, after about 15 days, roots will be seen growing, and when 4-5 leaves have grown, they can be transplanted into pots.