Scientific Name
Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata' (informal name)
Accepted Scientific Name
Cotyledon tomentosa Harv.
Common Name(s)
Bear's Paw
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Kalanchoideae
Genus: Cotyledon
Etymology
The specific epithet "tomentosa" (pronounced "toh-men-TOH-suh") means "densely covered with short, matted (often woolly) hairs" and refers to the leaves of this species that are covered with a dense layer of short hairs.
The cultivar epithet 'Variegata' (pronounced "var-ee-GAY-tuh") means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks" and refers to the variegated leaves of this plant.
Origin
Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata' is a variegated sport of Cotyledon tomentosa selected in cultivation for its variegated foliage.
Description
Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata' is an attractive succulent shrublet with densely branched stems that bear hairy, bright green leaves with irregular yellowish to cream-colored stripes and 3 to 10, often reddish marginal teeth. It can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The leaves are thick, fleshy, oblanceolate to oblong, measuring up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in length and 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) in width.
The bell-shaped flowers are light yellow, orange, orange-red, or pinkish and appear in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Bear's Paw grows in bright, shaded areas that rarely receive direct sunlight. Plant outdoors in slightly sandy, well-drained soil that does not retain water after rainfall or irrigation. Potted plants require a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom. When planting Bear's Paw in containers, select pots only slightly larger than the root system.
Regular deep watering in the summer, when the plant is actively growing, keeps the Bear's Paw healthy. Water garden plants deeply once weekly when there is no rainfall, supplying about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Potted plants require watering when the soil has almost completely dried. Thoroughly drench the soil until water drains from the bottom hole in the pot, and then empty the collected water after the pot has finished draining. Bear's Paw only requires enough water in winter, so the soil does not dry completely, and the plants do not shrivel.
Light fertilizing, done twice a month, is only necessary during the active summer growing season. An all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 24-8-16 blend, works well for succulent plants.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cotyledon.
Links
- Back to genus Cotyledon
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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