Is leaf propagation of the succulent Cotyledon tomentosa hard to keep alive? Learn this trick and every cutting you plant will survive

Cotyledon tomentosa (bear's paw) is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Cotyledon. Because its leaves are extremely cute and look very much like fuzzy little bear paws, it drew many people into the succulent hobby, and once hooked, there was no stopping them. But this little rascal is a famously difficult case for leaf propagation; because leaf propagation is difficult, bear's paw used to be very expensive. Now, however, a master grower has discovered a method for 100% success with bear's paw leaf propagation. Below, Little Exquisite Life takes you through it step by step.

1. Choosing the branch

Prepare the bear's paw succulent you want to take cuttings from, select a healthy branch, and cut it off with a sterilized utility knife. Try not to use scissors, because scissors exert a crushing effect on the wound of a succulent, damaging a larger area of tissue. Note that a new utility knife blade has oil on it and cannot be used directly for beheading or taking cuttings of succulents; wipe off the oil, then sterilize it over a flame before use. Or simply use a scalpel, which is best.

2. Separating the leaves

Cut the removed branch into sections, each section with a pair of opposite leaves and a piece of stem. Then split the stem down the middle; each leaf must have half of the split stem attached. This is the key.

3. Let the separated leaves dry in a ventilated, shady place until the wounds are dry and have shrunk, and after that just follow the ordinary succulent leaf propagation process.

4. Under suitable care conditions, roots and buds generally appear in 20-25 days, and after 30 days they can be cared for normally.

Note: when leaf-propagating bear's paw, each leaf must have a little piece of stem attached; this is the key to guaranteeing the survival rate. In fact, it is a disguised form of stem cutting.

The above was compiled and published by Little Exquisite Life; we hope it is helpful to you.