Description Variegated Bear Paw - Cotyledon tomentosa Care Guide FAQ/Common Issues Cotyledon tomentosa, also called Bear Paw, is a rare collector succulent native to the rocky, arid regions of South Africa. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family that grows in dry scrubland with excellent drainage and plenty of sun, and the variegated form is hard to find in cultivation. The plant has chunky, oval leaves covered in soft white fuzz and tipped with dark maroon claws that resemble a tiny bear's paw. The variegated form features creamy yellow and green patterning splashed across each leaf, giving every plant a one-of-a-kind look. It grows in an upright, clustering habit, slowly building into a compact, sculptural mound. Cotyledon tomentosa produces tubular, bell-shaped orange to red flowers on tall stalks, typically in spring and early summer. Coaxing blooms requires a cool nighttime temperature drop during winter months. This rare bear claw succulent works as a windowsill statement plant, a patio centerpiece in summer, or a collector's shelf specimen. Move it outside in summer, and it can linger outside into autumn in mild climates, though it must be sheltered from rain and brought in before any frost. Keep it on a high shelf well out of reach of pets and small children, as the sap can cause skin and paw irritation. Variegated Bear Paw - Cotyledon tomentosa grows well in bright indirect light to partial sun but scorches in intense south-facing windows. Rotate regularly for even growth. Water it deeply every 10 to 14 days in summer, reducing to once a month in winter when the soil is fully dry. Cotyledon tomentosa does best in a fast-draining cactus and succulent mix blended with extra perlite for drainage and root health. It prefers temperatures between 60 and 80°F and should be protected from temperatures below 25°F. Cotyledon tomentosa is a slow to moderate grower that benefits from diluted balanced fertilizer once in spring and once in early summer. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11 and tolerates brief dips to around 25°F but performs best where winters stay mild. It grows outdoors year-round in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and coastal Oregon. It grows well in parts of New Mexico, Arkansas, and North Carolina that fall within zone 9, though a frost cloth or covered porch is smart insurance on the coldest nights. Q: How often should I water Variegated Bear Paw - Cotyledon tomentosa? A: The soil must dry completely between waterings. Slight leaf wrinkling or wilting indicates the plant needs water. Q: Is it safe around pets? A: Variegated Bear Paw - Cotyledon tomentosa has sap that causes skin and paw irritation, so place it on a high shelf well out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children. Q: What window placement works best for Cotyledon tomentosa? A: A bright, north-facing or east-facing window works well; south-facing windows in summer can scorch the variegated leaves. Rotate it regularly to ensure even growth across all sides. Q: How big does it get? A: Cotyledon tomentosa grows in an upright, clustering form and typically reaches 12 to 18 inches tall over several years, developing into a compact mound. Q: Can I propagate Bear Paw? A: Stem cuttings propagate successfully, though success rates with leaf cuttings are lower than with standard green forms. Allow cuttings to callous for a few days before placing them in dry succulent mix. Q: Is this plant rare? A: Bear Paw in variegated form is rare in cultivation and highly sought after by collectors for its one-of-a-kind patterned foliage.
