Cotyledon Tomentosa 'Bear’s Paw'

Basic Info

Cotyledon Tomentosa is also known as ‘Bear’s Paw’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 30 cm (12″) tall and about 61 cm (24″) in diameter. The plant is best known for the bear like fleshy leaves that have red around the edges.

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sedoideae
Genus: Cotyledon

Care and Propagation Information

Watering

When watering the Cotyledon tomentosa (or Bear’s Paw) be careful it is a plant that is sensitive to over-watering. It is a plant that needs to be thoroughly drenched in water and dried before watering again. The plant should be water mostly between Spring to Fall, let the plant dry thoroughly before watering again.

General Care for Cotyledon tomentosa ‘Bear’s Paw’

What kind of a plant carer should select the Cotyledon tomentosa ‘Bear’s Paw”’? It is perfect for a beginner plant grower. The plant does best when cared for indoor in a proper light home. If planted outdoors, make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden.

Quick Facts:

Thrives best full sun
Should be grown indoor

Similar watering needs to other succulents. (See Watering Guide)
Can die easily if overwatered
Becomes 30.5 cm (12″) tall

Reaches 61 cm (24″) in diameter
Best zone for the plant is -1° C (30° F)
Does not handle cold well

Best propagated with seeds and cuttings
Known to be toxic to people and animals.
Grows best during Spring and Fall

Where to Plant

Bear’s Paw is a plant that grows easiest in free-draining gritty compost. The plant does not handle cold well, so if you live an area that is colder than -1°C ( 30° F ) use a succulent container. It makes it easier to transport the plant indoor and outdoor.

Cotyledon tomentosa is a plant that requires up to 6 hours of sun when planted inside keep it on a window ledge. That means a south-facing window for most of us.

How to Propagate Cotyledon Tomentosa ‘Bear’s Paw’

Learning how to propagate Cotyledon Tomentosa ‘Bear’s Paw’, begin by selecting a sturdy, healthy leaf. Then remove the stem from the main plant, cut the stem off with a sharp knife. Bear’s Paw is one of the species that are hard to propagate with leaves, try another method first.

Once the leaf is off the Cotyledon Tomentosa, let it sit for a few days before placing in nutritious and well-drained soil. The soil should be drenched thoroughly, never let the soil dry. Once the plant’s root has started to appear, let the plant take its time to grow.