Cotyledon tomentosa
| Light | Bright light to a few hours of direct sun; the more light, the plumper and more compact the paws |
|---|---|
| Water | Deeply but infrequently; let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and keep nearly dry in winter |
| Soil | Gritty, fast-draining succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; happiest in USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Stem and leaf cuttings |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs and livestock if eaten (contains cardiac glycosides) |
Cotyledon tomentosa, widely known as bear's paw, is a small, shrubby succulent from South Africa grown for its plump, densely furred leaves. Each chubby green leaf is coated in fine hairs and tipped with a row of little "toes" — toothed points that flush red in bright light — giving the whole leaf the look of a tiny paw. It is one of the most charming and recognisable members of the genus Cotyledon.
Description
Cotyledon tomentosa is a low, freely branching shrublet that builds up into a rounded mound over time, usually staying under about 30 cm tall in cultivation. The stems are soft and easily rooted, carrying pairs of thick, oval leaves. Every surface of the leaf is velvety with short white hairs (the tomentum that gives the species its name), and it is this fuzz, combined with the notched, reddening tips, that creates the "bear's paw" impression.
In the growing season established plants can produce nodding, bell-shaped flowers on upright stalks, in warm shades of orange, apricot and reddish-orange. As with most Cotyledon, the flowers hang downward and open from a swollen, tubular bud.
A popular variegated form, Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata', shows creamy-yellow and pink marbling across the leaves; it is slower and a little more tender than the plain green plant.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to South Africa, where it grows on rocky slopes and among stones in seasonally dry scrub. In habitat it roots into coarse, sharply draining ground and takes bright sun, which keeps the plants tight, compact and richly coloured at the leaf tips. Its natural rhythm is one of a dry rest followed by seasonal rains, a pattern worth keeping in mind when watering it indoors.
Cultivation
Bear's paw is an easygoing, beginner-friendly succulent as long as its roots are never left wet. Grow it in a gritty, mostly mineral mix in a pot with a generous drainage hole, and give it the brightest spot you can — a sunny windowsill or protected outdoor position. Good light is what produces the fat leaves, dense fur and the red "claws"; in too much shade the plant stretches, the leaves thin out and the colour fades.
Water thoroughly only once the soil has dried right through, then let it dry again; err on the side of underwatering, especially in the cooler months when growth slows and the plant wants to stay nearly dry. Because the leaves are hairy, try to water at the soil rather than overhead, as trapped moisture in the fuzz can lead to marks or rot. A stem that has grown leggy can simply be pruned back and the cuttings rooted to keep the plant bushy. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Note that, like other Cotyledon, the plant contains cardiac glycosides and is toxic to pets and livestock if eaten — worth keeping in mind in a household with curious animals. See Pests and diseases for common issues.
Propagation
Cotyledon tomentosa is very easily propagated from stem and leaf cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting or gently remove a whole leaf, let the cut end callus over for a day or two in a dry, shaded spot, then set it on or just into barely moist gritty mix. Kept warm and bright with only occasional light moisture, cuttings root readily; stem cuttings are the most reliable, as leaves do not always take. This is the standard way to keep named forms such as 'Variegata' true, since they will not come reliably from seed.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, almost always from overwatering, a slow-draining mix, or water sitting in the crown; stems and leaves turn soft, translucent and mushy.
- Etiolation — too little light makes the stems stretch and the leaves shrink and pale, losing the compact, furry, red-tipped look.
- Dropped leaves — sudden leaf drop often follows overwatering or a shock in conditions; the plump leaves detach easily when stressed.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked into leaf joints) are the most common nuisance; the hairy leaves can make them easy to miss, so check regularly.
See also
- Cotyledon — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases