Succulent 'Bear's Paw'

Bear’s Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa) is native to the dry, rocky slopes of South Africa, where sunlight falls hard and unbroken through much of the year. Rain is scarce and fleeting—arriving as brief showers that vanish almost as quickly as they come. The soil is coarse, laced with grit and stone, and wind moves without pause across the open terrain. Here, survival favors those who can hold water, not chase it.

From this environment emerges Bear’s Paw, a compact succulent with thick, fuzzy leaves shaped like small claws. Each leaf is soft to the touch, edged with tiny, reddish teeth that blush deeper under strong light. The surface is covered in fine, silvery hairs that deflect heat and slow evaporation. Growth is slow and deliberate, forming dense clusters that spread modestly over time.

In spring, when conditions are right, it produces bell-shaped orange flowers that hang like lanterns over its plush foliage.

In cultivation, Bear’s Paw prefers bright, indirect sun, warm air, and fast-draining soil. It requires little water, yet rewards restraint with steady, enduring color. Tender to frost but forgiving of drought, it thrives through balance—equal parts strength and softness.

A plant of paradox, Bear’s Paw is gentle in appearance but built for extremes—a quiet reminder that resilience can wear the guise of comfort.