The Bear’s Paw, of the species Cotyledon tomentosa, is a charming succulent plant that captivates admirers with its playful bear’s paw-shaped leaves. Native to South Africa, specifically from the semi-arid region known as the Little Karoo, this plant thrives in rocky quartz fields and on steep, quartzitic sandstone slopes. This environment provides the exceptional drainage that Cotyledon tomentosa requires, due to the extremely porous soil found in this area.
The name Cotyledon tomentosa derives from distinctive characteristics of the plant. “Cotyledon“, from the Greek “kotyledon“, means “little cup”, possibly referring to the shape of the flowers. The specific epithet “tomentosa“, in turn, comes from the Latin “tomentum“, indicating the presence of a fuzzy or woolly covering. This term directly nods to the trichomes, specialized hairs that cover the leaves, providing protection against water loss in the arid environments to which the plant is adapted.
The Bear’s Paw is a perennial succulent subshrub, belonging to the Crassulaceae family, that can reach between 12 to 28 inches (30 to 70 cm) in height, although it is generally seen being sold in smaller sizes. The most notable aspect are its thick, succulent, rounded leaves covered by a short and dense fur, making them resemble the paws of a bear, complete with reddish “claws” at the tips. The trichomes (hairs) present on the leaves, stems, and even on the flowers and flower buds, are not merely an ornamental feature; they play a crucial role in reducing water loss and reflecting sunlight, allowing the plant to thrive under full sun and in arid environments.
The leaves are oblanceolate to oblong-elliptical, measuring 0.6 to 2.2 inches (1.5 to 5.5 cm) in length and 3.1 to 5.9 inches (8 to 15 cm) in width, featuring 3 to 10 prominent teeth of green to dark red at the tips. These “teeth” are a distinctive feature of the species and vary in number. The coloring on the leaves’ “claws” intensifies, changing from green to red with direct sunlight exposure, not only contributing to the plant’s beauty but also to its survival strategy by reducing stress caused by intense light. The stems are thin, tomentose to hairy, branching near the ground level. In older plants, they may lignify at the base, making the stem more resilient.
The flowering of the Bear’s Paw occurs between July and September, with flowers ranging from red to almost yellow, forming a thyrsus-type inflorescence with 1-3 dichasiums and 10 to 20 pendulous flowers. The flowers, in the typical urn shape of the Cotyledon genus, have five petals that separate near the tips, curling backward, usually pointing outward on quite short pedicels.
Cotyledon tomentosa has two main subspecies: the C. tomentosa subsp. tomentosa and the C. tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis. The C. tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is notable for its fleshy leaves, covered by a layer of trichomes that give a velvety texture, and denticulated with red tips. The C. tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis, differs by having more elongated leaves usually without teeth, and a less branched stature. Both subspecies are considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and illegal collection.
Besides the natural subspecies, there are cultivars and ornamental forms such as the Cotyledon tomentosa f. variegata, which stands out for its cream spots on the leaves, and the Cotyledon tomentosa subs. ladismithiensis f. variegata, which in addition to yellow-cream spots, has fewer teeth at the tips of the leaves. These variegated varieties are especially sought after by collectors and succulent enthusiasts for their beauty and rarity.
Both in landscaping and in decoration, the Bear’s Paw is extremely versatile. In desert-inspired or rocky gardens, it stands out for its ability to add texture, shape, and color, especially when grouped with other succulents and cacti. Its drought tolerance and the ability to adapt to poor soils make it ideal for these environments.
In pots, Cotyledon tomentosa adapts well both indoors and on sunny balconies, as long as it receives enough light. The choice of pot is crucial; clay pots are preferable for their porosity, as they help in controlling soil moisture, avoiding excess water that can lead to root rot. For its playful effect, Bear’s Paws are especially recommended for mini gardens and open terrariums, where they can be composed with other plants and admired up close on tables and sideboards. Children are particularly excited about gardening with this special succulent.
Despite its cute appearance, the Bear’s Paw hides a less friendly nature due to its toxicity. This succulent contains cardiotoxic glycosides, including bufadienolides, substances that are extremely dangerous to humans and domestic animals. Ingestion, even in small amounts, can cause serious health problems, such as irregularities and heart failure, in addition to acute symptoms like lethargy, hypersalivation, and tremors.
Its toxicity is not limited to direct contact; the flesh of affected animals that have ingested the plant remains toxic even after cooking, posing a risk to those who consume this meat. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate Cotyledon tomentosa with caution, keeping it out of reach of small children and pets, to admire its beauty without taking risks. Older children can be taught about its dangers, thus learning to respect nature.
The cultivation of Cotyledon tomentosa requires some care, but it is considered an easy-to-grow plant, suitable for beginner gardeners and those who are forgetful. Lighting is a critical factor; it needs plenty of light, preferably full sun or partial shade, to maintain its vibrant colors and promote healthy growth. However, in hot climates, plants should be protected from excessive direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, especially during summer. In these cases, a shade cloth can be very helpful.
Indoors, it should be placed near windows that receive direct sunlight for several hours a day. If this is not possible, the use of special plant growth lights (grow lights) can be an alternative to supplement lighting. Keep in mind that plants grown with little direct light generally remain green, while those receiving enough sunlight will show more compact growth and the characteristic red claws.
The watering regime is crucial for the health of Cotyledon tomentosa. This plant prefers a soil that is allowed to dry out completely between waterings. During the growing season (spring and autumn), watering can be moderate, adjusting according to the time it takes for the soil to dry, which depends on the temperature, lighting, and ventilation of the environment. In winter, the frequency of watering should be significantly reduced, as the plant goes into dormancy, and excess water can lead to root rot. The technique of “watering deeply, but infrequently” is most recommended, ensuring that all the soil in the pot is wet, but allowing it to dry out completely before the next watering.
A well-drained and aerated soil is essential for the health of Cotyledon tomentosa. A commercial cactus and succulent mix, which usually includes coarse sand or perlite, is ideal for ensuring proper drainage. To enhance drainage, a layer of coarse material, such as gravel or expanded clay, can be added to the bottom of the pot. This practice prevents the roots from staying in prolonged contact with water, minimizing the risk of rot. Following the same logic, never use a saucer under the bear’s paw pot.
Bear’s paw is sensitive to cold, preferring temperatures above 41°F (5°C). Although it can withstand brief periods of cold to some extent, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures or below 32°F (0°C) can be lethal. In regions where temperatures fall below this limit, it is wise to grow bear’s paw in pots that can be brought indoors or to offer protection, such as covering with fabric during the night.
Although this plant is adapted to nutrient-poor soils, a light fertilization during the growing season can promote more vigorous development. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, applied once or twice during the vegetative phase, is sufficient.
If using a multi-purpose fertilizer suitable for ornamental plants, it is important to dilute more than recommended, avoiding the risk of overfeeding that can harm the plant. Avoid organic fertilizations for this succulent, as it can promote premature soil compaction, obstructing its porosity. Repot every two years, to renew the substrate and stimulate new root growth in the plant.
Although relatively resistant to pests, Cotyledon tomentosa may occasionally be affected by aphids, mealybugs and scale insects. Regular inspection and cleaning of the leaves can help prevent infestations. In case of infestation, treatments with isopropyl alcohol or specific insecticides may be necessary. Moreover, keeping the soil and area around the plant clean and free of debris helps reduce the risk of diseases. The gravel on the substrate not only serves as an ornament but helps keep the substrate clean and prevent the emergence of weeds.
Bear’s paw can be propagated by seeds, leaf cuttings, leaves, or by beheading. Propagation by stem cuttings is the quickest and most effective method, simply by cutting a branch with leaves and allowing it to heal for a few days before planting in suitable soil. This method has a high success rate, allowing succulent enthusiasts to easily multiply their plants for sale or gifting.
Propagation by leaf cuttings, although slower, is a particularly popular method that allows observing the development of new roots and eventually new plants from a single leaf. To proceed with this type of propagation, simply detach the leaves carefully, wait a few days for the callus to form, and lay them gently on a substrate kept slightly moist, in a well-lit location. It is not necessary to bury them. Over a few weeks, the leaves will sprout new roots. Any leaves that rot during the process should be immediately discarded to prevent contaminating the others.
