Cotyledon tomentosa

Bear's Paw Care & Identification Guide

The Bear's Paw is an exceptionally cute, low-growing shrubby succulent native to South Africa. Famous for its thick, fuzzy, bell-shaped green leaves with prominent dark red teeth at the tips that look like tiny claws, it is a highly popular, slow-growing novelty houseplant. It is widely celebrated by botanists for its distinct environmental adaptability and structural appeal.

Sunlight Bright Indirect

Watering Low

Soil Mix Sandy

Temperature 15°C - 27°C

Toxicity Toxic to Pets

Botanical macro photography of Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Bear's Paw

An exceptionally cute, low-growing shrubby succulent with fleshy, fuzzy leaves that perfectly resemble small bear paws.

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Key Visual Features: Opposite, obovate, thick succulent leaves covered in soft, velvety white hairs, featuring 3 to 10 prominent red-purple teeth at the tips.
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Color Variations: Bright yellowish-green foliage with contrasting deep red or chocolate-brown tips ('claws').
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Common Confusions: Unique look, but sometimes confused with other Cotyledon species, easily recognized by the fuzzy hair cover and claw-like red teeth.

💡 Plant AI Tip: Not sure? Take a photo with Plant AI to identify your houseplants instantly.

Complete Care & Cultivation Guide

Follow our detailed scientific care guide to keep your Bear's Paw thriving and gorgeous all year round.

Bear's Paw requires a highly measured water supply. Typically, water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom holes only when the top soil layer becomes dry. Based on its specific characteristics: Low (Water thoroughly using the soak-and-dry method; its thick, fuzzy leaves hold water for weeks). Never allow the roots to sit in stagnant water as it leads to root decay. Reduce watering significantly during autumn and winter dormant phases.

Prune Bear's Paw during its active spring growing season to control shape and size. Use sterilized sharp bypass shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node, stimulating bushier branch growth. Gently trim off old, naturally yellowed lower foliage to maintain clean aesthetics.

Apply a balanced liquid organic houseplant foliage fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 ratio) once a month during spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the delicate roots. Stop all fertilizer feeds during winter months when active vegetative growth slows down.

Bear's Paw requires Bright, Indirect Light to Morning Sun (Needs at least 4-6 hours of gentle light; avoid scorching hot mid-day sun). Provide bright, consistent indirect filtered sunlight daily. Avoid exposing the foliage to harsh direct midday sun which can easily bleach, scorch, or dry out the delicate leaves.

The optimal substrate for Bear's Paw is a loose, rich, exceptionally fast-draining potting soil. Based on requirements: Sandy, gravelly cactus and succulent potting mix containing coarse sand, pumice, and perlite (pH 6.0-7.0). A standard high-aeration mix consists of 50% organic peat moss or coco coir, 30% chunky orchid bark or pumice, and 20% coarse perlite to facilitate excellent oxygen circulation.

Propagate Bear's Paw easily using offsets or leaf cuttings. Carefully separate mature offsets or pups from the mother plant in spring. Let the cut calluses dry for 2 days, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in dry cactus soil.

Thrives in standard warm environmental conditions: 15°C - 27°C (60°F - 80°F); protect from freezing temperatures below 5°C. Keep the plant safe from cold drafts, drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or direct heaters. Ensure winter protection is maintained to prevent cellular damage and floppy leaf decay.

Choose a heavy unglazed clay or terracotta container with multiple bottom drainage holes. Terracotta allows excess soil moisture to breathe and evaporate safely. Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years in spring, upgrading to a container that is 2 inches wider.

Regularly inspect Bear's Paw leaves for spider mites spinning fine webs under dusty leaves, cottony mealybugs hiding in leaf joints, or scale insects on stems. Treat immediately by wiping foliage with organic neem oil solution or spraying with mild insecticidal soap every 7 days.

Bear's Paw can be affected by: • **Leaf Drop (High humidity / Overwatering)**: Symptoms include Plump fuzzy leaves turn slightly yellow and drop off at the slightest touch without drying.. *Action*: Move the plant immediately to a well-ventilated dry area, stop watering completely, and increase airflow. | • **Powdery Mildew (Fungal)**: Symptoms include A white, dusty, powdery coating appears on the fuzzy green leaves, causing distortion.. *Action*: Improve ventilation, avoid spraying water on leaves, and treat with organic copper fungicide.. Always prioritize soil drainage and proper air circulation. Spray leaves with organic fungicides like copper fungicide or chamomile tea sprays to prevent bacterial leaf spot spreads.

The secret to a gorgeous Bear's Paw is consistent placement and cleaning. Avoid rotating or moving the plant frequently as sudden environmental shifts can induce shock. Wipe leaves with a damp microfiber cloth monthly to clear dust and enhance natural photosynthesis.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Leaf Drop (High humidity / Overwatering)

Symptoms: Plump fuzzy leaves turn slightly yellow and drop off at the slightest touch without drying.

Action: Move the plant immediately to a well-ventilated dry area, stop watering completely, and increase airflow.

Powdery Mildew (Fungal)

Symptoms: A white, dusty, powdery coating appears on the fuzzy green leaves, causing distortion.

Action: Improve ventilation, avoid spraying water on leaves, and treat with organic copper fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the teeth on my Bear's Paw turning red?

That is a great sign! The red 'claws' are caused by gentle sunlight and temperature drops (stress color). More bright, indirect morning sun will make the claws darker and highly contrasting.

Can I spray water on Bear's Paw leaves?

No. The thick velvety hairs (trichomes) capture water easily. If water stays on the leaves, it will block transpiration and trigger powdery mildew or leaf rot. Always water the soil directly.

How do I propagate Bear's Paw?

Unlike other succulents, Bear's Paw is difficult to grow from single leaves. Propagate using stem cuttings: cut a stem with at least 2 pairs of leaves, let it dry for 3 days, and plant in sandy succulent soil.

Is Bear's Paw safe for cats and dogs?

It contains cotyledontoxins, which are mildly toxic if chewed in large quantities. It may cause drooling or stomach upset in curious pets, so keep it out of their reach.