Which bear’s paw do you have?
Two subspecies are sold as bear’s paw, and you grow them the same way.
- Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa is the taller of the two. The RHS describes chunky, hairy leaves up to 1.5 in (3.5 cm) long, each with 3–10 dark-red teeth at the tip, on a shrub that can reach 1.5–3 ft (0.5–1 m) over many years.
- Subsp. ladismithiensis, the Ladismith bear’s paw, stays more compact in a pot. Its leaves are covered in short white hairs and only sometimes carry 1–3 teeth.
In the wild, the Ladismith bear’s paw grows only around Ladismith in South Africa’s Little Karoo. SANBI lists it as Vulnerable, partly because of illegal collecting for the plant trade, so buy nursery-grown plants.
Light
Give it bright light with some direct sun, such as a sunny windowsill. Outdoors, morning sun and shade from the hottest afternoon sun suit it. In too little light the stems stretch and the leaves spread apart.
Water
Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely. It rests twice a year. UC Master Gardeners describe it as summer dormant, and the RHS says to keep it almost dry in winter, so water most in spring and fall and sparingly the rest of the year.
Soil & pots
A gritty cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta helps the soil dry out between waterings. It grows slowly, so it rarely needs a bigger pot.
Temperature
Normal room temperatures suit it indoors. It handles a brief dip to about 30°F (−1°C), so it can live outdoors in mild climates if the soil drains fast. Anywhere colder, bring it in before frost.
Is bear's paw safe for pets?
Pet safety not yet confirmed. Neither the ASPCA nor NC State Extension lists bear's paw (Cotyledon tomentosa), and we haven't found another reliable source on its effect on pets. Until there is one, keep it where pets can't chew it. We haven't found a reliable source yet, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Propagation
Stem cuttings are the surest way to make new plants, and single leaves can root too. Take cuttings in spring or early fall, when it's growing.
- Cut a stem tip a few inches long and strip the lowest two or three leaves.
- Leave it a few days until the cut end dries and calluses.
- Set it in gritty, sandy mix in a warm spot, ideally 72–80°F (22–27°C).
- Keep the mix barely moist until it roots, then water as usual.
Common problems
FAQ
Is bear's paw toxic to cats and dogs?
We don't know for sure. Neither the ASPCA nor NC State Extension lists Cotyledon tomentosa, so there's no reliable answer yet. To be safe, keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Why is my bear's paw dying in summer?
It's usually water. Bear's paw rests in summer heat, and soil that stays wet while it isn't growing rots the stems. Water sparingly until the weather cools, and keep it out of the hottest sun.
Does bear's paw flower?
Yes. Mature plants send up stalks of hanging, bell-shaped orange flowers, usually from summer into fall. It's grown mostly for its leaves, though.
What's the difference between bear's paw and panda plant?
Both are fuzzy, but they're different plants. Bear's paw is a Cotyledon from South Africa, with red teeth at the tip of each leaf. Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) comes from Madagascar and has chocolate-brown spots along its leaf edges.
Can bear's paw grow outdoors?
In mild climates, yes. UC Master Gardeners rate it hardy to about 30°F (−1°C). It needs sharp drainage and protection from hard frost and winter wet.
Sources
- Cotyledon tomentosa Harv.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. tomentosa: RHS Plants
- Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. ladismithensis: RHS Plants
- Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis: PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Succulent Sales: UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County
- Sensational Succulents: The Garden Scoop, University of Illinois Extension
- Kalanchoe tomentosa: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Cats Plant List: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Dogs Plant List: ASPCA Animal Poison Control