How to Propagate Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)? A Full Breakdown of the Latest Methods
Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Cotyledon, native to Namibia in Africa. Its leaves are covered in fine hairs and look like a bear's paws. Propagation usually uses stem cuttings, which is the method with the highest survival rate and the most convenient one. Of course, leaf cuttings are also used, but they are quite difficult. Let's take a look below at how to propagate Bear's Paw!
Stem Cutting Propagation of Bear's Paw
Stem cutting is the most commonly used propagation method for Bear's Paw. The best time to take cuttings is in spring and autumn, when the temperature is more suitable and Bear's Paw is in its vigorous growth period, which can improve the survival rate of the cuttings. For the cuttings, choose plump, healthy stems with leaves. After cutting them off, place them in a cool, shady spot to air-dry. Once dried, insert them into a soil mix of vermiculite, perlite and peat, place them in a cool, shady spot, and then wait for them to grow roots.
Leaf Cutting Propagation of Bear's Paw
Leaf cuttings of Bear's Paw are very difficult to keep alive and generally do not succeed. This is especially true if the leaves are not in very healthy condition, making it even harder, with an extremely slim survival rate. Leaf cuttings root easily, but that does not mean they will succeed; getting them to grow new shoots is quite difficult.
How to Grow Bear's Paw
1. Temperature: After moving Bear's Paw into a new pot, you should always keep the growing environment dry and ensure there is plenty of sunlight. But note that the growing temperature for Bear's Paw should not exceed 35°C, because at this point the plant's growth will enter a paused state.
2. Light: Bear's Paw needs plenty of sunlight during its growing period. With sufficient sunlight, the leaves will become thick and plump; if it is too dark, the stems and leaves will become thin and weak. In the high heat of midsummer, provide appropriate shade, but too much shade will make the stems and leaves weak and the fine hairs lose their luster. It is not cold-hardy, so in winter move it indoors for care and place it by a window with plenty of sunlight.
3. Watering: Bear's Paw prefers dry soil. If the surrounding environment is rather humid, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent the roots from becoming overly moist and developing root rot. When watering Bear's Paw, water a little at a time; watering twice a month is enough. Try to keep watering time at around seven o'clock in the evening.
4. Repotting: As Bear's Paw grows, a small pot can no longer meet its growth needs. Generally, repot once every one to two years, and it is best to do so in spring during the growing period. Before repotting, prepare new soil in the new pot. The new soil should have medium fertility and good drainage. You can mix coarse sandy soil, vermiculite, garden soil and leaf mold evenly. Since Bear's Paw is drought-tolerant and not tolerant of waterlogging, only water a small amount at the beginning after repotting.
5. Pests and diseases: Wilt disease and leaf spot disease are two common conditions that affect Bear's Paw. Wilt disease can cause the leaves of Bear's Paw to turn yellow and wither, and in severe cases it can be fatal. Leaf spot disease causes various irregular spots on the leaves of Bear's Paw, affecting its ornamental value. To prevent and control these two diseases, you can dilute 50 grams of captan 800 times and spray it on the surface of the plant. The insect pests of Bear's Paw include scale insects and whiteflies. You can dilute 40 percent omethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times and spray it on the surface of the plant.