Genus guide
Cotyledon — 14 species
Cotyledon is a genus of fleshy South African shrubby succulents ranging from the powdery Silver Crown to the fuzzy, claw-tipped Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa). They prefer at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily and require the soak-and-dry watering method with excellent drainage — summer semi-dormancy calls for even more restraint with water. All Cotyledon species are toxic to cats and dogs; the leaves contain compounds that can cause cardiac and neurological symptoms, so keep them well out of reach of pets.