Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)
Cotyledon tomentosa
Native to South Africa, Cotyledon tomentosa is a charming, shrubby succulent recognized by its plump, velvety-tomentose leaves with reddish-brown apical teeth that resemble a bear's claws. It exhibits active vegetative growth during the cooler transitions of spring and autumn, often resting during extreme summer heat. When provided with optimal light, it produces striking pendulous, bell-shaped orange-to-red flowers.
📋 Core Botanical Care Parameters
Requires at least 5-6 hours of bright filtered sunlight or gentle direct morning sun; protect from scorching summer midday rays.
Soak-and-dry protocol; allow the potting substrate to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce frequency during summer heat dormancy and winter.
60% pumice/lava grit + 40% fibrous cactus peat, ensuring fast drainage and excellent root aeration.
-1°C (USDA Zone 10a)
Stem cuttings are the primary method (single-leaf cuttings rarely produce viable plantlets; callous cutting ends for several days before planting).
This plant contains toxic sap/compounds. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
Smart Succulent Watering Calculator
Get a personalized watering schedule based on your plant species, pot, and season:
• Dynamically optimized for your pot and climate
Never water until at least 80% of soil is completely dry!
