Gollum Jade Care – Information About Gollum Jade Crassula Plants

Potted Small Gollum Jade Crassula Plant
Gollum
(Image credit: digitalr)

Gollum jade succulents (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’) are a favorite winter houseplant that may go outside in spring. A member of the jade plant family, the Gollum is related to the Hobbit jade – listed under the “Shrek” and “Lord of the Rings” category. A few jades on the market have inherited such nicknames from the movies. Similar to its larger cousin ET’s fingers, this jade also has long tubular leaves that curl inward and are tipped in red. When happy in its location, the plant may even produce small, star-like pinkish flowers in summer.

How to Care for Gollum Jade

The Gollum jade crassula is readily available and may come into a simple collection as a cutting. The plant grows and multiplies easily in a sunny location. Adjust the plant gradually into a full sun area if you’re not sure of the conditions it occupied prior to your home or office. If the plant was indoors at a nursery or garden center when you got it, you will also need to acclimate it before placing in full sun.

The plant will maintain and even appear to thrive in part sun, but for maximum performance, place it in full sun. Grow it in a fast-draining gritty mix for succulents or choose a similar cactus growing mix. Coarse sand is a great addition to the cactus mix. As long as the soil provides excellent drainage, it will work when growing Gollum jade.

Water regularly in spring and summer, allowing soil to totally dry out before you water again. Cut back on watering in fall and water lightly and infrequently in winter. As with many succulent types, overwatering is the primary cause of death among them.

Fertilize lightly in spring. Feed this plant again in summer using a weak mix of succulent food, if it is not growing vigorously.

Other Gollum Jade Info

During the growth phase, you’ll see the stem thicken and become somewhat gnarly looking. It can eventually grow to 3 feet (91 cm.) high and 2 feet (61 cm.) wide, so make sure the container is changed as it grows. Using the Gollum jade crassula for bonsai training is also a consideration. Plant it in the ground if conditions are favorable. It is hardy to USDA zones 10a to 11b.

Enjoy the easy-to-grow Gollum jade and other members of the Hobbit family.

Becca Badgett
Writer

Becca Badgett was a regular contributor to Gardening Know How for ten years. Co-author of the book How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden, Becca specializes in succulent and cactus gardening.