How to Grow Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)? Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions

1. Soil

To grow Bear's Paw, use a rich, sandy soil with good drainage. You can mix coarse sand or vermiculite, garden soil, and leaf mold.

2. Watering

Do not water it too much or too little; just keep the soil moist. In spring and autumn, it is best to wait until the soil is dry before watering, and always water thoroughly. In the hot summer, you can lightly mist it with some water. In winter, reduce watering appropriately. If you water too much, waterlogging will cause root rot; if you water too little, the soil will crack and the plant will shrivel.

3. Fertilizing

Fertilize once a month. It is not demanding about fertilizer; diluted cake fertilizer water or a specialized fertilizer will both work.

4. Light

Normally, place it in a spot with plenty of sunlight. If the light is too dim, its surface will lose its luster. In high-temperature conditions, provide appropriate shade to avoid scorching the leaves.

5. Precautions

1. Summer care: Once summer arrives, Bear's Paw begins to go dormant. At this time, reduce watering. During dormancy, it can receive diffused light, but avoid direct sunlight, and appropriately increase ventilation.

2. Misting care: Misting not only lets it absorb enough moisture but also washes off dust. When misting, do not let water remain in the center of the leaves for a long time, as this may cause rot in the center over time.