Care of the succulent plant Cotyledon tomentosa or Bear's Paw |
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The genus Cotyledon, family Crassulaceae, includes 10 species of succulent plants native to Africa. Some species are: Cotyledon tomentosa, Cotyledon orbiculata, Cotyledon undulata, Cotyledon papillaris. Common names: Kitten Paws, Woolly Cotyledon, Bear's Paw. This species is native to Cape Province, South Africa. They are succulent plants with fine and hairy branching stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height when they bloom. The curious leaves are fleshy, hairy, almost cylindrical in shape, bright green, and with teeth at the end. The showy red flowers appear on a flower stalk above the leaves. They bloom from mid spring to late summer. Bear's Paw is used mainly in pots but also in rockeries, slopes, borders and gardens of cacti and succulents. It can be used as houseplants located in a location with good ventilation. Cotyledon tomentosa needs full sun or light shade exposure and a hot, dry climate. The winter safety temperature is 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 75% cactus substrate and 25% coarse sand. The pot transplant is done every 2-3 years in spring. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the soil to dry out. In autumn, reduce waterings until they are eliminated from the second half of autumn until the end of winter. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents once a month during spring and summer. Woolly Cotyledon does not need pruning. If Cotyledon tomentosa suffers from prolonged drought, it can be attacked by mealybugs; in case of excessive watering it's attacked by fungi. Kitten Paws propagates easily in spring by cuttings or by rooting of suckers. |
Images of the succulent plant Cotyledon tomentosa or Bear's Paw |
 Cotyledon tomentosa  Cotyledon tomentosa  Cotyledon tomentosa |