How to grow a Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)? This kind of environment helps it grow better

Growth Habits of the Bear's Paw

Its place of origin is South Africa, and it 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 waterlogging and strong direct sunlight.

Favorite temperature: 18-24°C

Watering: water once every two weeks during the growing season

Light: full sun, abundant

Propagation: generally seed propagation and cutting propagation

Pests and diseases: the Bear's Paw has a relatively high incidence of leaf spot disease and scale insect pests

Combination suggestions: Lithops, Pachyphytum 'Peach Beauty'

Care Tips for the Bear's Paw

Plant shape: repot every spring. When the plant reaches 15 cm in height, it must be pinched 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 for renewal.

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 and fertilizer and water are excessive, the internodes will stretch.

Propagation Methods of the Bear's Paw

Sowing: sow indoors in pots from March to April. The suitable germination temperature is 20-22°C. It germinates 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.