How To Grow and Care for Cotyledon tomentosa “Bear’s Paw”

Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

If you admire the succulent plants in your garden, then it is time to grow the cotyledon tomentosa. It is among the adorable plants that belong to the succulent plants. The general appearance of the leaves and overall structure are beautiful to the eye.

The thick, ovate green leaves with the beautiful edges could be part of the seasons you need to plant this succulent. The plant can do well in an arid like conditions, and it is a shrub-like plant that grows to a height of 30cm.

caring for bear paw succulent

Planting bear’s paw succulent

Bear’s paw needs specific requirements for it to grow well like any other succulent plant. The bear’s paw is a fast-growing plant that will go up to 20 inches tall. Continue reading for the insights about the right time to plant the succulent plant and the seasons that will favor its first growth.

When to plant

grow Cotyledon tomentosa

Most succulent plants will do well during the fall seasons. The plant will blossom in zones above 10, especially if you want to grow it as an outdoor plant. It will grow as an indoor plant, but you will need to be sure that the plant is receiving sunlight.

Where to plant

Cotyledon tomentosa does require the conditions similar to other succulents. The plant will grow well when yup plant in well-draining soil such as the sandy soils and the cacti mix. The plant can tolerate full sun to a partial shade. It will be better to place it in the south-facing window if you opt to plant it indoors.

How to plant

The tomentosa plant will grow in a bright-shaded area where they rarely receive direct sunlight. The outdoor plant will enjoy blossoming growth in sandy and well-draining soil. If you use a container for planting, ensure that the pot has the drainage hole to enhance drainage.

Care for bear paw succulent

growing bear paw

Bear paw succulent does not demand a lot from you. You only need to take care of requirements like many other plants. Among the lead factors that you should be mindful about is the fertilizer, water, sunlight and soil. It will be beneficial also to consider repotting, pruning and propagation at some periods.

Soil and fertilizer

Well-draining soils are the best for growth of the bear plant. You can grow it as an outdoor plant and an indoor plant. If you opt to grow it indoors, ensure that you use a pot with a drainage hole and use well-draining soils in the pot. Your plant may not need fertilizer, but you can add a soluble fertilizer during the feeding seasons only.

Sun, light and water

Bright shaded areas are the best for growing the bear paw plant. They do well in areas where they rarely receive direct sunlight. So w if you will decide to plant, locate a place that will provide these favorable conditions. Moderate sun and light are the best.

For watering, it is a general knowledge that the succulent plants do not need frequent watering. You don’t need to do the watering frequently unless it is so dry and the plant is at risk of drying out.

Humidity and temperature

The favorable temperature for bear paw succulent should exceed 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant does not do well in cold conditions, and you should consider planting it indoors if your region gets very cold.

Ensure that the position you place it is getting at least 6 hours of full sunlight. The place should also be a moderate humid condition because the plant may not survive high frost conditions.

Repotting

You can repot your bear’s paw when the root ball has filled the initial container. Remove the root ball from the old container and dust off the soil before transferring it to e new pot with fresh well-draining soil. Repotting is a chance to remove rotten roots and refresh the soil for fresher growth.

Pruning and propagation

You will use the stem cuttings to propagate bear’s paw. You will cut the stems from the main plant and allow it time to callous. Transfer them to well-draining soils and wait for them to grow. Some people may try using leaf cuttings, but they don’t bring much success.

Pest and diseases

The cotyledon plant is susceptible to fungal diseases like any other succulent plant. Fungal disease is a result of excess watering. The common pest that won’t miss in your bear paw is spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs. You can control this pest by spraying with an insecticide.

Conclusion

caring for cotyledon tomentosa

To conclude, bear’s paw is a beautiful indoor plant that you can have as part of the houseplant. The conditions that will enhance its growth are reachable, and you don’t need a special treatment for it to grow.  Ease of planting and maintenance are among the reasons why you should have it in your garden.

 

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Jason is a respected home and garden expert and a well-established figure in the digital media industry. He is the founder of KKMediaGroup.com, a leading online platform providing high-quality content on home improvement, DIY projects, gardening, and more. His passion for creating engaging, value-driven content has made KKMediaGroup.com a go-to resource for home and garden enthusiasts. In addition to his work with KKMediaGroup, Jason co-founded FarmFoodFamily.com, a website dedicated to offering practical advice and innovative ideas on farming, food, and family. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to sharing knowledge and expertise have played a significant role in the success of both platforms.