Repotting guide

When & how to repot Variegated Bear's Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa 'Bear's Paw Variegata')

Also called Variegated Bear's Paw, Bear's Paw Variegata.

More about variegated bear's paw

About Variegated Bear's Paw

Cotyledon tomentosa 'Bear's Paw Variegata' · also called Variegated Bear's Paw, Bear's Paw Variegata · houseplant

A highly collectible variegated form of the South African Bear's Paw succulent, whose velvety, cream-and-green leaves are tipped with reddish-brown 'claws'. The reduced chlorophyll from variegation makes it more sensitive to intense sun than the species type. All Cotyledon contain cardiac glycosides — keep well away from pets and children.

Mature size: 30–40 cm (12–16 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide

How to tell variegated bear's paw needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For variegated bear's paw, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot variegated bear's paw

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Variegated Bear's Paw's growth habit — upright, branching succulent shrublet; slow-growing — sets the pace. A highly collectible variegated form of the South African Bear's Paw succulent, whose velvety, cream-and-green leaves are tipped with reddish-brown 'claws'. The reduced chlorophyll from variegation makes it more sensitive to intense sun than the species type. All Cotyledon contain cardiac glycosides — keep well away from pets and children.

What size pot to step variegated bear's paw up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Variegated Bear's Paw stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot variegated bear's paw

Spring or summer, while variegated bear's paw is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting variegated bear's paw

Repot dry. Do not water variegated bear's paw for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty free-draining succulent mix with added perlite ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set variegated bear's paw at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep variegated bear's paw completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for variegated bear's paw

Variegated Bear's Paw wants free-draining succulent mix with added perlite. Use a well-draining cactus/succulent compost blended with at least 30–40% perlite or fine pumice. The plant is very sensitive to wet soil; a terracotta pot will help regulate moisture. Never use heavy, moisture-retentive potting compost. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting variegated bear's paw — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot variegated bear's paw?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for variegated bear's paw. Repot variegated bear's paw every 2–3 years into a snug pot of free-draining succulent mix with added perlite, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does variegated bear's paw need?

When is the best time of year to repot variegated bear's paw?

Should you water variegated bear's paw after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot variegated bear's paw into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise variegated bear's paw after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting variegated bear's paw. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.