Succulents come in various shapes and sizes and are fun to own due to their vibrant colors. The bear paw succulent is an example of a succulent plant that has a cute appeal. Known by its scientific name, Cotyledon tomentosa of the family Crassulaceae, this succulent is endemic to Africa.
It grows on cliffs and in rocky fields in its natural habitat, and is also known by the following names: bear’s claw plant, bear’s paw succulent, bear paw cactus and kitten paw plant.
Common Methods of Bear Paw Succulent Propagation
These are the common ways to propagate bear paw succulent:
1. Propagating by cuttings
To propagate by cutting, cut a stem from the main plant and allow it to callus for a few days. Next, place the stem in some well-draining soil and wait for the roots to sprout. Be sure to water it whenever the soil has dried out completely.
This is considered the fastest, most reliable way to propagate the plant. There should be multiple good-sized branches to choose from and the mother plant should be fairly mature. The cuttings do not have to be big, but should at least have six leaves.
The best time to propagate the cuttings is during spring or summer, since bear paw is dormant in winter. If properly propagated during the growing season, the root will form in as soon as three weeks.
2. Propagating by seed
To propagate bear paw succulent by seed, you need to sow in a well-draining soil during the fall season. If you are growing seeds outdoors, your area should be in a zone above 9A where the minimum temperature range is 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are in a colder area or country, you may have to do the sowing indoors under a grow light. The downside of this method is that seed propagation is a very slow process and it could take years before the new plant grows to a decent size.
3. Propagating by leaves
This method is not highly recommended, as it has a very low success rate. To propagate by leaf, twist the leaf carefully from the stem. The leaf should have a clean pull with no part of the leaf left on the stem.
If you get a clean pull, there is a better chance of successful propagation. Allow the leaf to callus for a few days before placing it in well-draining soil.
Bear Paw Succulent: Position and care
The bear paw succulent can withstand a range of temperatures as well as poor soil, but it is not frost hardy. This means that it could freeze and die if exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are intent on growing the plant despite being in a country with a cold climate, you should plant it in pots and grow it indoors to avoid the frost.
Position
The best position for the plant is in full sun, but it can still thrive in part sun and bright shade. However, plants grown in shade will likely not develop brown tips, the leaves will be bigger and heavier, and the plant will be less compact.
The bear paw plant is suitable for outdoor gardens, but should not be exposed to very high temperatures as it is prone to sunburn. Those that are planted in the ground tend to tolerate heat better because their root systems stay cool.
Watering requirements
When watering this plant, water when the top layer of soil is dry down to about two inches. The pots you should use must have drainage holes so the water drains easily. Do not water during the winter season when the succulent is dormant; just sprinkle enough water to prevent it from becoming shriveled.
In the absence of rainfall, the plant should be watered thoroughly at least once a week. Make sure the soil is completely dry between watering to avoid root rot.
Also make sure to feed your bear paw succulents with a balanced, all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer at least twice a month during the growing season, typically during the summer.
Interesting Facts about the Bear Paw Succulent
- The plant has thick, fuzzy leaves, with three to 10 teeth-like growths at the edges that are similar to the paws of a bear.
- These teeth-like growths turn red when the plant is properly cared for and in the right conditions.
- Light requirement: full sun to partial shade.
- It grows up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
- It thrives in areas with a minimum temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It can be mildly toxic to humans and pets.
- It has two sub-varieties: Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis, which could reach up to 12 inches tall, and Cotyledon tomentosa Variegata, which has cream patches around the edges of the leaf tips.
Conclusion
Bear paw succulents may be propagated using cuttings, seeds or leaves, although there is a very low success rate when propagating with leaves. Propagating by seed takes a long time to produce a new plant of a decent size. The ideal propagation method is using cuttings, as this takes roughly just three weeks to produce roots.
Image: istockphoto.com / liuyushan