Bear Claws Succulent (Cotyledon tomentosa), 4-Inch Pot

Bear Claws (Cotyledon tomentosa) brings playful texture to a bright windowsill with plump, velvety green leaves and little tooth-like tips that resemble a bear’s paws. Give this branching succulent a sunny spot and time to dry between waterings, and enjoy its distinctive foliage up close.

Points of interest

• Soft-looking, fleshy leaves have rounded tips with small claw-like teeth.
• Leaf tips may develop reddish-brown coloration in bright light; color varies with growing conditions.
• Its branching habit develops into a small, shrub-like succulent rather than a flat rosette.
• Established plants may produce bell-shaped flowers under suitable conditions.

What you’ll receive and mature size

One live Bear Claws succulent growing in a 4-inch nursery pot. Shipping height, branching and leaf count vary naturally. Established plants can reach approximately 12–24 inches tall and wide over time in favorable conditions, often remaining smaller in containers. Decorative terracotta pots and styling props are not included.

Care guide

• Light: Provide very bright light with gentle direct morning sun. Introduce stronger sunlight gradually to prevent scorching. Insufficient light can cause stretched growth.
• Water: Let the potting mix dry completely before watering thoroughly. Allow excess water to drain, and never leave the pot standing in water. Reduce watering during cool weather or periods of slow growth. Water the soil rather than repeatedly wetting the fuzzy leaves.
• Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with pumice or perlite, in a container with drainage holes.
• Temperature and humidity: Warm conditions, ordinary indoor humidity and good airflow suit this plant. Protect it from frost, freezing temperatures and prolonged cold rain.
• Feeding: Feed sparingly with diluted succulent fertilizer during active growth. Do not fertilize a stressed or very dry plant.
• Pruning: Remove fully dried leaves and spent flower stalks gently. Trim leggy branches with clean tools when needed, and avoid handling the leaves unnecessarily because they can detach.
• Repotting: Repot when the roots fill the container, using fresh gritty mix and a pot only slightly larger. Handle carefully to protect the leaves.
• Propagation: Healthy stem cuttings are generally more reliable than individual leaves. Let the cut end callus before placing in a well-draining mix; keep conditions bright and avoid soggy soil.

Pet and child safety

Cotyledon tomentosa is considered toxic if eaten. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.