Facts about Cotyledon Ladismithiensis & How to Grows & Care

Complete Guide to Cotyledon ladismithiensis Succulent

Cotyledon ladismithiensis, or Bear Paw succulent, is a small, slow-growing plant that can survive in dry environments. It has large leaves and interesting flowers. This cactus is native to South Africa, including the Kalahari sands and arid scrubland. This succulent was discovered by botanist Dr. Japie Ladismith on November 18th, 1914, at Lister’s Pass near Ladismith in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Cotyledon tomentosa is classified in the family Crassulaceae. However, it also belongs to the genus Cotyledon, which includes many different cactus plants.

Facts

Subsp: Ladismithiensis
Sunlight: A diffused illumination source is preferable, such as partial light from a window.
Watering: During the summer, the plant needs a lot of water, and in the spring and fall, it needs regular watering.
Temperature: Daytime highs of 20–27 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows of 10–21 degrees are to be expected.
Soil: Make sure it drains well.
Propagation: Root and stem cuttings work well.
Fertilizer and Feeding: Fertilize once a month during the growing season, but stop doing so during the winter.
Other names: Also known as a bear paw.

How to Grow and Care Bear Paw Succulent

“Cotyledon tomentosa” is a hardy succulent plant that can grow outdoors and indoors. This cactus is very easy to care for. You can grow cotyledon succulents in a large pot, in a hanging basket, or outdoors. This cactus does not require a lot of sunlight. In fact, you can leave it outside all day long, and it will still do fine. Cactus-specific soil is not required, but you will want to water it every week or two. This cactus is happy when it gets a little fertilizer, like fish emulsion or compost.

Cotyledon tomentosa needs a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees F. It will tolerate slightly warmer temperatures but may wilt and die when exposed to extreme temperatures. This cactus requires minimal maintenance. You only need to water it once or twice a week, and then you can leave it alone. During winter, your succulent will lose its leaves but regrow them when it gets warm again. If your cotyledon cactus starts drooping, soaking the soil will perk it up again. It can be fertilized once a year in the spring. Cotyledons need to have their leaves pinched back because they grow quickly and become too large for containers.

Bear Paw Hardiness

It is hard for cotyledon cacti to survive in full-sun environments or dry climates. However, it can usually survive in shady, moist environments.

They are not wind-resistant. The cotyledon cactus plant has large and round leaves with a velvety texture. This succulent is small, with flowers that are white or pinkish. They grow on tall stems with large leaves that grow upwards. It can survive in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11b. That’s because this plant can’t handle the cold. As a result, if you live in an area where winter temperatures consistently fall below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius), you should grow this succulent indoors.

Lights and Sunlight

Paw succulent requires sunshine, although not direct sunlight, for prolonged periods. Instead, use filtered lighting.

It is hard for these cacti to survive in full-sun environments or dry climates. It hesitates to survive when there’s not much moisture, but it can usually survive when planted in shady areas (with a more moist environment). The cotyledon cacti are not wind-resistant.

Watering and Feeding Paw Succulent

Bear paw succulents need a long, slow soak in the summer and consistent moisture throughout their growing season. It is important to let the roots dry out thoroughly after watering, just like any other succulent to prevent overwatering. 

The soak-and-drain method is highly recommended to avoid overwatering or underwatering your plants. If you want to try this method, bring the plant to the sink, give it a good soak, and then let it drain. Once the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried up, you may need to water your plant.

Fertilize every year in the spring with cactus fertilizer to keep it healthy and happy. The cotyledon cacti do not need lots of sunshine. They will thrive and grow better if they are given filtered light throughout the day.

Soil Mix and Transplanting Cotyledon ladismithiensis

Many cacti plants that grow in cacti mixes don’t like to be transplanted, but paw succulents are tolerant of transplanting. Moist soil is preferred during transplant and should be watered up to a week after the transplant.

Because cotyledons thrive in slightly dry soil, they do not require as much water as most cacti plants. However, if it starts to droop, it will perk right back up if given a good soaking. It prefers to be kept moist but not wet because it is best for cotyledon cactus plants to dry out between watering times.

Bear paw succulents need bright light, but they do not need direct sunlight for extended periods. Instead, they do best in filtered light. If this cactus starts drooping, planting it in soil with more moisture will perk it right back.

Cotyledon ladismithiensis Size and Growth

The cotyledon plant is a small, slow-growing cactus that can survive in dry environments; they grow tall and have large leaves. This cactus is a member of the Crassulaceae genus, which includes several cacti (also known as cactuses). Its leaves are large and round with a velvety texture. Its flowers grow on tall stems and are white or pinkish; they grow upward and can grow up to about 3 feet tall.

How to Propagate Cotyledon Ladismithiensis

You may propagate your plant from seeds or stem cuttings. In most cases, trimming the stems or leaves will be more effective than doing nothing at all. Cutting leaves is a more laborious method of propagation since leaves can contain significant amounts of water. The leaf is kept together by being twisted at the base of the stem. To plant the newly propagated cotyledon on soil, you must first wait for the leaf to become callous, which can take several days. A rooting powder can further aid the plant’s development and propagation. Always use a clean, preferably sterile knife for any cutting techniques. Plant seeds in fertile, well-drained soil and give them plenty of light to help them spread.

Humidity and Temperature. 

This plant thrives in temperatures of 20–27 degrees Celsius during the day and 10–21 degrees Celsius at night. They can survive the winter outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b, although this plant does better when brought inside for the season. Extra care is needed throughout the winter since the plant might die from root damage if the soil stays too cold and wet for too long.

Common Pest and Diseases.

This is a susceptible plant, so please treat it with care. Keep an eye out for fungal illness from overwatering, mealybugs, and spider mites, all of which can stunt the development of your tomentosa plants. Common sap-sucking insects like mealybugs can cause immediate damage to your plant. Verify that no greenery on your Cotyledon Ladismithiensis has turned yellow, brown, or wilted to see if spider mites are to blame. You should also not overwater your plant since this will make it more susceptible to pests and illnesses.

Bear Paw Succulent Uses.

Use this plant in a home setting or the office. Nonetheless, plant outdoors if favorable conditions exist.

Extra Tips about Cotyledon.

Requiring bright light and average watering makes growing very easy as long as it has enough sunlight, water, and humidity.

Likes hot, sunny conditions but tolerates some shade in the summertime.

The temperature range that these cacti can tolerate is between 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cotyledons can’t handle frost or cold, so they should be brought inside during the winter if it’s freezing for more than a few hours.

Where to buy Cotyledon ladismithiensis?

It is sold as individual cactus plants or as a pack. It can be picked up at a designated location, or it can be shipped directly to customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do you care for Cotyledon ladismithiensis?

Cotyledon requires minimal maintenance; it does well in a large container, a hanging basket, or the ground. There is a misconception that this cactus needs bright light to thrive. It can spend the entire day outside without any problems. There’s no need for soil, but you should water it once a week. To make this cactus happier, try feeding it fish emulsion or compost. Cotyledon thrives in the twilight zone of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you propagate cotyledon Ladismithiensis?

Yes, you may grow Cotyledon Ladismithiensis from seeds or stem cuttings.

Are Bear Paw succulents easy to care for?

Yes, as long as you provide enough moisture, keep the temperature around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure your plant does not sit in water for long periods, and its soil is well-draining, they are straightforward to care for. 

How big does Cotyledon get?

Cotyledon ladismithiensis can reach about 3 feet in height and hibernate throughout the winter.