Bear’s Paw (White Bear)

White Bear (Cotyledon tomentosa subsp. ladismithiensis) is a subspecies of Bear's Paw, native to the area around Ladismith in the Little Karoo of South Africa. It is distinguished from the typical subspecies by its denser, whiter indumentum (hair covering), which gives the entire plant a noticeably whiter appearance. The characteristic claw-like projections at the leaf tips are present in both. Plants grow to 15–25 cm tall. Full sun is preferred; the claw tips may develop a faint reddish tinge in cooler months. Water should be applied carefully at the base to avoid wetting the dense hairs, which can trap moisture and promote rot or disease. Conservative watering with good drainage is essential, and summer heat and humidity require vigilant ventilation. Cold tolerance is approximately 3–5°C. Stem cuttings propagate readily. The subspecies is popular alongside the type as part of a charming group known colloquially as the 'bear paw family'.

Water sparingly after soil dries