Bear Paws Succulent

Bear Paws Succulent (Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis 'Bear Paws') is the fuzzy little succulent nobody can resist touching. Its fat, velvety green leaves end in toothed tips that look like tiny claws, and a happy plant reaches up to 50cm tall and 60cm wide. Orange bell flowers appear in spring, and it suits rockeries, pots and bright indoor spots.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves with character. Round, fuzzy leaves with toothed tips look just like bear paws, which makes it a talking point on a windowsill or in a rockery.
• Very drought tolerant. Once established it is hardy and happy with little water, so it suits dry gardens and forgetful waterers.
• Orange bell flowers. A well-grown plant produces orange bells, usually in spring, above the chubby foliage.
• Great in pots. It stays compact in a container and moves indoors in bright light.
• Easy care. Free-draining soil, bright light and a sparing hand with the watering are all it asks.

Where it works best

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Plant 40cm apart in gritty, free-draining soil. It is very happy in rocky, sandy ground and exposed positions where most plants struggle.

Pots and containers. A terracotta pot of succulent mix in full sun suits it, and a pot lets you shelter it from heavy rain or frost.

Indoors. It grows well on a bright windowsill, where its shape can be admired up close.

Growing Bear Paws Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Bright sunlight, outdoors or in a very bright room. It suits arid, Mediterranean and warm temperate gardens best. It is not frost hardy, so in cold climates grow it in a pot that can come under cover, and in wet or humid climates keep it under an eave so rain does not sit on the fuzzy leaves.

Soil. Free-draining, gritty soil. Rocky, sandy ground suits it well. In a pot, use a succulent and cactus mix with extra coarse sand or grit.

Water and feed. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch, and ease off further in winter when temperatures drop. Feed in the growing seasons with a slow release fertiliser made for container plants.

Pruning. None needed. Remove spent flower stems when the bells have finished, and pick off any dead lower leaves to keep the clump tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bear Paws Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, so expect a modest clump at first. Pot it into gritty mix or plant it out into a rockery, water it in lightly and let it dry before the next drink. Plants travel upright in their tubes and settle quickly once watered in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our succulents
• Plants for rockeries
• Succulents for hot climates
• Adjusting your plant watering schedule in winter

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Only when the soil has dried out to the touch. Cut back further in winter, because wet soil in cold weather is the quickest way to lose a succulent.

Will it flower?

A happy plant produces orange bell flowers, usually in spring. Bright light and sparing water give the best chance.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Cotyledons are toxic if eaten, so keep it away from cats, dogs and small children.