How much do you know about the growth habits of the bear's paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)?
The bear's paw is a plant in the Crassulaceae family, genus Cotyledon, and is a type of succulent angiosperm. Its leaves have fine hairs and look like bear claws. The usual market price is 25-150 yuan. It originates from Namibia in Africa. It easily dies in high summer temperatures, and can overwinter safely as long as the temperature is kept at 5°C in winter.
Growth habits of the bear's paw
It originates from South Africa and likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant and needs cool conditions in summer. It is drought-tolerant and afraid of excessive moisture and strong direct sunlight.
Favorite temperature: 18-24°C
Watering: water once every two weeks during the growing season
Light: full sun
Propagation: generally by seed propagation and cutting propagation
Pests and diseases: the bear's paw has a relatively high incidence of leaf spot disease and scale insect damage
Combination suggestions: Lithops, Pachyphytum 'Momobijin'
Care tips for the bear's paw
Plant shape: repot every spring. When the plant reaches 15 cm tall, pinch off the growing tips to encourage branching. When the plant grows too tall, it needs pruning to lower the plant shape. After 4-5 years, it should be re-propagated by cuttings to renew it.
Watering: water once every 2 weeks during the growing season to keep the potting soil moist. In high summer temperatures, mist around the plant. In winter it enters dormancy, and the potting soil should be kept dry.
Fertilizing: fertilize once a month. Use diluted cake fertilizer water or "Huiyou" 15-15-30 special fertilizer for potted flowers. If light is insufficient or there is too much fertilizer and water, the stem nodes will elongate.
Propagation methods of the bear's paw
Sowing: sow indoors in pots from March to April. The suitable germination temperature is 20-22°C. Germination occurs 12-14 days after sowing, and the seedlings grow quickly.
Cuttings: in spring and autumn, cut full top branches 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 slightly slower.
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