What is a Bear Paw Succulent?
Bear Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) is a South African succulent in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. Its common name is instantly obvious once you see it: each thick, velvety leaf is deeply notched at the tip into three to five rounded lobes — convincingly paw-shaped — and dusted with fine white hairs. In bright light those tips blush deep burgundy. In late spring it sometimes throws up tubular, orange-red flowers on a tall stem. It grows as a shrubby upright plant rather than a rosette, reaching about 12–20 inches indoors over several years at its characteristically slow pace.
How much light does a Bear Paw Succulent need?
Bright, indirect light for at least four to six hours a day is what keeps this plant at its best. An east- or south-facing windowsill, a few inches back from the glass, is the sweet spot. Adequate light keeps the leaves plump and compact and turns the claw tips a rich wine-red. In low light the plant stretches, the paws enlarge but lose their character, and the colour fades to plain green. Midday direct sun through glass can scorch the felted leaf surface, so a sheer curtain is worth using in summer.
How often should you water a Bear Paw Succulent?
Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again — roughly every two to three weeks in the growing season and once a month in winter. Pour water at the base (not over the leaves, which can trap moisture and cause rot in the fuzz), let it run freely from the drainage hole, then tip out any water sitting in the saucer. Overwatering is by far the most common reason Bear Paws fail indoors.
What soil and pot does a Bear Paw Succulent need?
Use a fast-draining succulent or cactus mix, ideally cut with extra perlite or coarse horticultural grit at a ratio of about 1:1 to ensure rapid drainage. A terracotta pot one size larger than the root ball is ideal — the porous clay wicks away excess moisture and provides good airflow to the roots. Make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole; standing water is a near-certain death sentence for this genus.
Can you propagate a Bear Paw Succulent from leaves?
Bear Paw is one of the trickier succulents to propagate from leaves — the results are inconsistent compared to genera like Echeveria. Stem cuttings are far more reliable: cut a healthy stem three to four inches long, let the cut end callous over for two to three days, then lay it on top of barely-moist succulent mix. Roots appear in three to six weeks. Remove the cutting from the mother plant in spring or early summer for the best success rate.
Is the Bear Paw Succulent toxic to pets?
Cotyledon tomentosa is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The genus Cotyledon contains bufadienolide compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, and in larger quantities, weakness or changes in heart rate. The ASPCA does not currently list this specific species, but horticulture and veterinary sources consistently recommend keeping it away from pets. If you suspect your animal has chewed on it, contact your vet promptly.