Jade plant ‘Gollum' Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’
ABOUT
Jade plant 'Gollum' is a hardy, evergreen succulent shaped like a tree, growing up to 4 feet. The fleshy leaves are tubular, bright green, often with red tips. Small white or pinkish star-shaped flowers may appear in late summer.
The plant looks like a small tree, and the branching trunk becomes thick with age. It can reach 5 feet in height and is a good specimen for bonsai.
Gollum belongs to the Jade plant family and is a relative of Jade plant 'Hobbit'. Several Jade plants on the market have inherited such nicknames from the movies.
Because of the interesting shape of the leaves, the flower is called "Shrek's ears."
About this plant
NamesFamily
Crassulaceae
Synonyms
Gollum jade, Jade Plant, Trumpet Jade, Hobbit’s Pipe Jade, ET’s Fingers, Jade Tree, Money Tree, Finger Jade, Succulent Spoon Jade
Common names
Crassula ovata 'Coral', Crassula 'Gollum', Crassula ovata 'Convoluta', Crassula ovata 'Hobbit', Crassula ovata 'Monstrosa', Crassula ovata 'Green Coral', Crassula ovata Montrose form, Crassula ovata monstrous
ToxicityTo humans
Jade plant shows signs of toxicity in humans when the sap of the plant comes in contact with the skin. Skin irritation symptoms include itching or burning sensation.
Jade plant should also not be swallowed because the leaves contain small amounts of arsenic. So keep the plant away from children and wear gloves when handling it.To pets
Poisonous to all animals. Signs of poisoning are vomiting, depression, incoordination.
Keep Jade plant out of reach of animals. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Light green
Flower color
White, pink
Height
Up to 5 feet
Spread
Up to 3 feet
Plant type
Succulents
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General BenefitsImproves indoor air quality;
Increases the humidity in the room;
Brings good luck to the home;
Easy to care for.
Medical PropertiesIn some cultures, its leaf extract is used to treat conditions such as wounds, stomach upset, warts, and diabetes. In Chinese medicine, the extract of the jade plant and its tea are used to reduce problems with diabetes. Its sap can also cure warts on the skin.
Note, however, that the plant is poisonous and contains arsenic. Do not use Jade plant to cure anything without consulting a specialist.
Air-purifying QualitiesMany household items emit volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, and toluene. You can get rid of all or part of them with the Jade plant.
Other UsesJade Plant 'Gollum' is a good choice for small containers and a great plant for terrariums.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFeng Shui enthusiasts claim that it has a positive effect on mental health by nourishing chi.
According to Feng Shui, all Jade Plant species are a symbol of money and prosperity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityTAURUS
Self-sufficient and persistent Taurus is known to love routine. They are disciplined, and any deviation from the usual course causes them discomfort. The best indoor plant for Taurus is Jade plant, which grows slowly and steadily. It is easy to care for, and its small and round leaves are considered to bring good luck.
Plant SymbolismJade plant is a symbol of money and prosperity. It is believed that the plant brings wealth to its owners.
WaterJade plant is native to deserts and semi-deserts, so even temporary drought is quite easy to survive. Even if the plant is forgotten and not watered for a very long time, it can sheds some leaves, but remains alive. Too wet soil is not acceptable at all.
In between waterings, the soil should dry out by 2/3.
During vegetation (spring and summer) water 1-2 times a week. In winter - once a month. If located in a cool room - the plant can not be watered. However, you should still pay attention to the plant. If you notice that the leaves have become wrinkled - water the Jade plant.
LightThe plant grows best in bright direct light. The ideal place for Jade plant would be a sunny window.
It can also grow in darker conditions. However, if there is not enough light, the Jade plant will change externally.
TemperatureIn summer, the ideal temperature is 64 - 71° F during the day and 57 - 60° F at night.
In winter, the temperature is maintained at 60 - 64° F.
During the cold season, it is necessary to protect from drafts and cold air.
PruningIf you want to form a thick trunk, you have to start pruning the side shoots quite early. For the crown itself to be dense, shaped to a certain shape, you must constantly cut off and prune off the shoots with a clean pruning shear. Pruning can be done at any time of the year if you think it is necessary, but it is best done in spring or summer when your plant is actively growing.
SoilCrassulas need a very well-drained soil mixture to prevent root rot.
A soil mixture consisting of sod soil, deciduous soil, mulch, sand in 2:1:1:1 ratio is used.
You can also use ready-made cactus soil with 7 oz of biohumus added for every 7 ponds of soil.
Soil pH needs to be between 5,5 - 6,5.
RepottingAfter purchase, Jade plant nedds to be transplanted after 2 weeks.
Jade plant should be transplanted regularly. This is a particularly important procedure for young specimens, as the plant grows rapidly and the roots need more space. Replanting once every 2 to 3 years is recommended.
Humidity & MistingJade plant grows well in a room with moderate humidity. High humidity level can cause festering of the stem and leaves, and too dry air will contribute to leaf fall.
A humidity level between 30 - 50% is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
All year round
Outdoor
It grows perfectly in the open ground in its natural habitat.
In other regions it is possible to grow outdoors under suitable conditions: temperature should not be lower than 60° F and a bright location.Hardiness zone
11 - 12 USDA
Life cycleThe plant very rarely flowers indoors. At times, the first flowering may occur after 10 years, but more often not at all.
If the Jade plant does bloom, it has white or pale pink flowers that give off a strong sweet fragrance.
Flowering lasts for a long time, up to 3 months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
It can be easily propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or basal shoots.
The cuttings should be taken in the spring.
Take stem cuttings 2-3 inches long and plant them in a 2-3 inch pot with equal parts of a mixture of peat moss and sand and keep it at normal room temperature in bright shaded light.
PestsSpider mite, Diaspididae, Whitefly, Mealybug, Aphid
DiseasesRoot Rot
