# Bear's Paw (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.

- **Scientific Name:** *Cotyledon tomentosa*
- **Botanical Family:** Crassulaceae
- **Care Difficulty:** Moderate (2/5)
- **Cold Hardiness:** -1°C (USDA Zone 10a)
- **Pet Safety / Toxicity:** Toxic to Pets (May cause irritation or toxicity if ingested by cats/dogs)
- **Canonical URL:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/cotyledon-tomentosa
- **Markdown Source:** https://sukulentler.com/en/species/cotyledon-tomentosa.md
- **Botanical Photo:** https://sukulentler.com/assets/images/articles/species_cotyledon_tomentosa.webp?v=1793835146

## Light & Sun Exposure

Requires at least 5-6 hours of bright filtered sunlight or gentle direct morning sun; protect from scorching summer midday rays.

## Watering Schedule & Method

Soak-and-dry protocol; allow the potting substrate to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce frequency during summer heat dormancy and winter.

## Soil & Gritty Mix Formula

60% pumice/lava grit + 40% fibrous cactus peat, ensuring fast drainage and excellent root aeration.

## Cold Tolerance & Overwintering

-1°C (USDA Zone 10a)

## Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings are the primary method (single-leaf cuttings rarely produce viable plantlets; callous cutting ends for several days before planting).

## Available Language Editions

- [TR: Ayı Pençesi (Cotyledon tomentosa)](https://sukulentler.com/tr/turler/cotyledon-tomentosa.md)
- [DE: Bärentatze (Cotyledon tomentosa)](https://sukulentler.com/de/arten/cotyledon-tomentosa.md)
- [ES: Garra de Oso (Cotyledon tomentosa)](https://sukulentler.com/es/especies/cotyledon-tomentosa.md)