Bear's paw care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Bear's paw

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 14 days

In spring, water thoroughly a few days after the soil dries, as a guide; from the rainy season to midsummer it half-rests and rots easily, so give only a light evening drink once or twice a month.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Fall is a growing season: water well once the soil dries, about every 10 days.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 3 weeks

In winter, a light watering about every three weeks on a mild morning is a good guide.

Light and placement for Bear's paw

A spring-fall grower that generally wants sun and airflow under the eaves, shaded about 30 to 50 percent and kept out of rain in midsummer, or a bright window indoors; in poor light the leaves shrink and the stems stretch.

Overwintering Bear's paw

Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above

As a guide, bring it to a bright window when nights fall below about 3°C; kept dry it survives near 0°C under the eaves, but frost damages the fuzzy leaves.

Fertilizing and repotting Bear's paw

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in spring and fall, none in midsummer or winter; too much loosens the leaves and they drop.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Bear's paw

• Watered through the rainy season and midsummer, it steams, sheds leaf after leaf, and dies.
• In poor light the leaves stay small and only the stems grow.
• Water trapped in the leaf fuzz starts rot.

Tips for growing Bear's paw

• If it drops leaves in summer but the stem is firm, it resprouts as fall cools.
• Pour water on the soil, not over the leaves.
• It propagates from stem cuttings; leaf cuttings rarely sprout.

More succulent care guides

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