Bear's Paw, Kitten Paws, Woolly Cotyledon
Cotyledon tomentosa, commonly known as the Bear’s Paw for its thick, furry leaves resembling a bear’s paw, is a compact succulent native to South Africa. Its unique shape, colorful blooms, and low maintenance make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. This small shrub-like succulent thrives in well-draining soil and warm conditions, making it ideal for both indoor containers and outdoor rock gardens.
The Bear’s Paw is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes other popular succulents like Jade plant (Crassula), Echeveria, Kalanchoe, and Sedum (Stonecrop)
Cotyledon tomentosa is a small shrub-like succulent with thick, fleshy leaves covered in fine, soft hairs, giving the plant a velvety texture. The leaves are pale green, often tinged with red at the tips, particularly when exposed to bright sunlight.
The “paw” shape of the leaves gives the plant its common name. In spring and summer, the plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that range from yellow to orange-red. These blooms stand out against the green leaves, adding ornamental value to the plant.
Cotyledon tomentosa is native to South Africa, specifically to the semidesert Little Karoo region in southern South Africa. In its natural habitat, it grows in rocky, well-draining soils, often on slopes or in crevices where water drains away quickly. The plant has adapted to these arid conditions by developing fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive long periods of drought.
This succulent is a perennial evergreen shrub with a sprawling, compact growth habit. It tends to form small, rounded clumps of leaves, which spread over time, making it suitable for ground cover in outdoor gardens or as a cascading plant in pots or hanging baskets. The Bear’s Paw grows relatively slowly, but with proper care, it can live for many years.
Cotyledon tomentosa typically grows to 12-30 inches (30-75 cm) tall and spreads about 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) wide. In the right conditions, it will eventually form a small, dense shrub.
The Bear’s Paw succulent produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are yellow to orange-red. These blooms appear in clusters on long stems that rise above the foliage in the spring and summer. While the flowers are not particularly large, their bright color contrasts beautifully with the green leaves, making them a standout feature of the plant.
The leaves are fleshy, oval-shaped, and covered in soft, fine hairs, which give them a fuzzy texture. Each leaf has a few small “teeth” at the tip, resembling the claws of a bear, hence the plant’s common name. The leaves are typically a pale green, but they can develop red or pink edges when exposed to bright sunlight. This coloration is a sign of healthy growth and adds to the plant’s visual appeal.
Cotyledon tomentosa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate some heat but is not frost-tolerant. In colder regions, the plant should be brought indoors during the winter months to protect it from freezing temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C).
The Bear’s Paw succulent is often used as an ornamental plant in succulent gardens, containers, and indoor arrangements. Its compact size and unique foliage make it ideal for small spaces, while its drought tolerance makes it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes. The plant is also popular in rock gardens, where it can be paired with other succulents or cacti to create an eye-catching display.
The flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. While not a primary food source for large animals, the plant’s nectar can support local wildlife by providing a source of nourishment during the flowering season.
Cotyledon tomentosa is toxic to livestock, dogs, and humans due to its content of cardiac glycosides, including bufadienolides. These compounds are highly toxic to cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock, potentially causing serious heart-related issues if ingested. Proper precautions should be taken to prevent accidental ingestion by animals or humans.
The Bear’s Paw is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits due to its thick, fleshy leaves, which are less appealing to these animals compared to other, softer plants.
Like many succulents, Cotyledon tomentosa is highly drought-tolerant. Its thick leaves store water, allowing the plant to survive long periods without rainfall. This makes it an excellent choice for low-water gardens and xeriscaping projects, where water conservation is a priority.
Cotyledon tomentosa is not considered invasive. It spreads slowly and is easy to manage in cultivation.
It is classified as “Vulnerable” according to the SANBI Red List. This status highlights its declining population due to habitat loss and overharvesting in its native regions of South Africa.
The primary benefits of Cotyledon tomentosa include its ornamental value, drought tolerance, and low maintenance requirements.
The Bear’s Paw succulent is relatively low-maintenance, but it does have specific care needs to ensure it thrives. Here’s what you need to know about growing and caring for this unique succulent:
Cotyledon tomentosa thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. For the best color and growth, place the plant where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south- or west-facing window is ideal. In lower light conditions, the plant’s leaves may become less vibrant and more green than red.
Water this succulent plant using the soak-and-dry method. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to become completely saturated, and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant enters dormancy. Learn how to water your succulent without killing it.
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. You can improve drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand to the soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.
The Bear’s Paw prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It is not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a region with cold winters, be sure to bring the plant indoors or provide some form of frost protection.
During the growing season, feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding. Do not fertilize during the winter when the plant is dormant.
This succulent requires minimal pruning, but occasional trimming can encourage bushier growth and remove any leggy or damaged stems. Prune using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, especially in the spring or after the blooming period.
Repotting is recommended every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, and ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Handle the delicate roots with care during repotting.
The Bear’s Paw succulent is easily propagated through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Allow the cuttings to callous for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots establish, which typically takes a few weeks. Learn how to propagate succulents in easy steps.
Cotyledon tomentosa is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by common succulent pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to provide proper drainage and avoid soggy soil conditions.
Yes, Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear Paw succulent) is considered toxic to humans and animals, particularly livestock and dogs. It contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause serious health issues if ingested.
The Bear Paw plant is commonly called Cotyledon tomentosa, and it gets its name from the furry, paw-shaped leaves that resemble a bear’s paw.
No, Bear Paw succulents are not edible. Ingesting them can be harmful due to the toxic compounds they contain.
Yes, Cotyledons, including Cotyledon tomentosa, are toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially more severe reactions.
Yes, Bear Paw succulents can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaves. Allow cuttings to callous before planting them in well-draining soil.
Bear Paw succulents should be watered using the soak-and-dry method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water less frequently in winter.
A sticky Bear Paw succulent could be due to an infestation of pests like aphids or mealybugs, which secrete honeydew, leaving a sticky residue on the plant. Check for pests and treat them accordingly.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents |
Plant Family | Crassulaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 24" (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear’s Paw) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear’s Paw) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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