The Bear Paw succulent, Cotyledon tomentosa, is known for its distinctive fuzzy, paw-like leaves. These thick, ovate green leaves often feature reddish teeth along their edges. Native to South Africa, this compact succulent is a favorite among plant enthusiasts due to its unique texture and low maintenance. This guide will walk you through propagating this succulent, allowing you to expand your collection.
Preparing for Bear Paw Propagation
First, select a healthy, mature parent plant that shows no signs of disease or stress. The vitality of the parent plant directly influences the success rate of your cuttings. Ensure you have clean, sharp tools, such as a sterile knife or scissors, to make precise cuts and minimize damage to both the parent plant and the cuttings.
After taking cuttings, allow them to “callus” or dry for several days before planting. This forms a dry, protective layer on the cut end, preventing rot and fungal infections. A calloused cutting develops a matte, slightly white appearance, indicating it is ready for planting.
Bear Paw Propagation Methods
Leaf Cuttings
Propagating Bear Paw succulents from leaf cuttings can be challenging, often yielding a lower success rate compared to stem cuttings. To attempt this method, gently twist a healthy leaf from the parent plant, ensuring the entire leaf, including its base, detaches cleanly.
Once the leaf has callused, place it on top of a well-draining succulent soil mix, or slightly embed the very end of the leaf into the soil. Avoid burying the entire leaf. Keep the soil dry until roots begin to form, which can take several weeks. Look for small roots emerging from the callused end, followed by tiny plantlets forming at the base of the leaf.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings offer a more reliable and faster method for propagating Bear Paw succulents. Begin by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant. Using sterile shears or a sharp knife, make a clean cut, ideally a section about 5 to 6 inches long, ensuring the cutting has a few leaves. Remove any leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem to expose nodes, as new roots will emerge from these points.
Allow the stem cutting to callus in a dry, well-ventilated spot for a few days. This drying period prevents rot once planted. Once callused, insert the bottom end of the stem cutting into a well-draining succulent potting mix. You may need to support taller cuttings with a stake to keep them upright. Roots form within a few weeks, especially if propagated during the plant’s active growing season in spring.
Nurturing New Bear Paw Plants
Once your Bear Paw cuttings have successfully rooted and show new growth, they require specific care to thrive. Provide them with bright, indirect light, ideally at least six hours per day. If grown indoors, a south or west-facing window is suitable, though protection from harsh midday sun is advisable to prevent leaf burn. Young plants are more sensitive to intense direct sunlight.
Watering should be approached with caution, as Bear Paws are susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom holes. A well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents is ideal, often containing perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage. This ensures excess moisture does not linger around the delicate new roots. Avoid fertilizing newly propagated plants for several months, as the potting mix contains sufficient nutrients.