Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) is a succulent plant in the Crassulaceae family, with leaves shaped much like a little bear's paw.

Bear's Paw Growing Habits

Native to South Africa, it likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant, and needs cool conditions in summer. It tolerates drought, and fears waterlogging and strong direct sunlight.

Favorite temperature: 18-24°C

Watering: water once every two weeks during the growing season

Light: full sun, ample

Propagation: generally by seed sowing and by cuttings

Pests and diseases: Bear's Paw has a relatively high rate of leaf spot disease and mealybug infestation

Companion planting suggestions: Lithops, Pachyphytum 'Peach Beauty'

Bear's Paw Care Tips

Plant shape: repot every spring. When the plant reaches 15 cm tall, it must be pinched back to encourage branching. When the plant grows too tall, it needs pruning to keep the plant shape low. After 4-5 years it should be re-propagated from cuttings to renew it.

Watering: water once every 2 weeks during the growing season, keeping the potting soil moist. In high summer temperatures, mist around the plant. In winter it enters dormancy, so keep the potting soil dry.

Fertilizing: fertilize once a month. Use diluted cake fertilizer water or "Huiyou" 15-15-30 fertilizer specially for pot flowers. If light is insufficient or fertilizer and water are excessive, the stem nodes will stretch out.

Bear's Paw Propagation Methods

Sowing: sow indoors in pots in March-April, with an optimum germination temperature of 20-22°C; germination occurs 12-14 days after sowing, and the seedlings grow quickly.

Cuttings: in spring and autumn, cut plump top shoots 5-7 cm long and insert them into a sand bed; they root 2-3 weeks after insertion, with a high survival rate. Single-leaf cuttings can also be used, but growth is somewhat slower.