Project Description
Cotyledon tomentosa
Bear’s Paw
It’s easy to see where this shrubby succulent gets its name! The thick, fuzzy leaves have 3 to 10 “teeth” at the end, similar to the paws of a bear. When “happily stressed,” the leaf tips turn a deep red.
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Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
Can be grown indoors if given enough light
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 12″ (30.5 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide
Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by cuttings, leaves (difficult), and seeds
*Can be mildly toxic to pets and humans
Actively grows in Spring and Fall
Also available from Etsy, and a variegated variety is available from Mountain Crest Gardens.
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Cotyledon tomentosa “Bear’s Paw”
“Bear’s Paw” is an adorable succulent that is easy to care for. It does require lots of light, so keep this in mind when planting. It’s a great succulent for beginner growers.
*While Cotyledon tomentosa “Bear’s Paw” is generally considered non-toxic, there have been reports that it can be mildly toxic.
Watering
Cotyledon tomentosa has typical watering needs. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
Since Cotyledon tomentosa is not cold hardy, if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).
Pairs Well With
How to Propagate Cotyledon tomentosa “Bear’s Paw”
“Bear’s Paw” is able to propagate several different ways, however the easiest way is through cuttings.
Cuttings
To grow Cotyledon tomentosa from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Leaves
It can be quite difficult to propagate “Bear’s Paw” from leaves, so a high success rate should not be expected.
When taking a leaf for propagation, gently twist the leaf from the stem. Be sure that the leaf you get is a “clean pull,” where no part of the leaf is left on the stem. This will give you a better chance of a successful propagation.
Allow the leaf to callous over for a day or two before placing it on well-draining soil.
Seeds
If propagating from seed, sow in a well-draining soil in the fall. You can grow seeds outdoors if you live in an zone above 9a. If you live in a cooler area, you can begin sowing indoors under a grow light.
From readers like you…
This little bear paw leaf has been on my plant shelf since late winter. The tiny little plantlet appeared this past week. And to answer the question someone always asks–no it is not sitting on soil, no I do not mist it. When I propagate I ‘set it and forget it’. These guys are sitting on a small wooden sign, there are other plants on the self also so they do benefit from a plant light. I have used this method of propagating for years and it has not failed me yet.
I haven’t killed my little plant 
?. But NONE of the leaves I have tried to propagate have taken. My method has been placing the leaves on either cactus soil or Bonzai Jack mix- no luck!
Mine looks like this. Haven’t tried leaf prop yet but just might next spring.
I have taken several cuttings and they have grown well and thickened up my plant as well.. Not leaf a cutting.. It was getting a bit leggy so I pinched out the top tip of 4 leaves one popped in beside the muma.. I also moved onto a bit more sun as I didn’t have the brown tips. After moving to more sun light I now have brown tips too..
Mine looks like a little bonsai tree 
? I haven’t propagated these one yet
This is my bear paw, love this one 
???
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My bear paw is flowering right now!! I’m so sad that I can’t pollinate it as only one plant is flowering but I’m happy knowing it is healthy!
Also, I water my bear paw based on how “tight” the leaves are. If they are adequately watered, the leaves will fill extremely tight, not squishy at all. When it needs water, the leaves will feel more squishy and like an actual plant. I’ve based my watering off of this method for a few months now and it’s still extremely healthy!