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Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’

Today’s post is about Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, commonly known as the Jade plant gollum.

When I bought this plant, I had no idea what it was, so I googled ‘succulent that looks like shrek ears’…and guess what? Crassula ovata was the first answer that came up. So, I think it should also be called ‘shrek plant’.

This is my second post on a Crassula, so for information about the genus/naming click here.

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is closely related to Crassula ovata agm known as the ‘friendship tree’ or ‘jade plant’ which I will do a blog post about in the future. Some people say Crassula ovata are lucky plants, and in my opinion, you can never have too much good luck, so I am a fan.

What I love about Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is its weird tubular leaves, that in places appear to be wearing lipstick. 

There is also Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ which is very similar to Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, however the leaves are less ‘suction cap’ like, and more ‘spoon’ like.

I picked up my Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ from a local garden centre for £6 and was initially worried as it had tiny white dots on some of the leaves. I feared it had a fungus or mould problem. However, after a lot of research, I found out these white dots are actually salt deposits. Crassula ovata filter the water it receives and excrete unwanted minerals on their leaves, which creates (harmless) white specks. Which was a relief!  

Care instructions: Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ are pretty tolerant of a range of temperatures, preferring 5°C to 30°C. They can handle much colder, for short periods.

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ love sun (like most succulents). If grown in full sun, it brings out a brighter green in the leaves and the red lipstick-type marks. However, they can tolerate less sun if needed, it will just result in a darker plant. Shade might be required in summer to prevent scorching.

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ should only be watered when the soil is dry. Watering should be done deeply to encourage deep roots. In winter, watering should be reduced, and just enough water should be given to stop the leaves from shrivelling.

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ can be fertilised using ½ strength fertiliser in spring every month or so, but this is not needed.

I have my Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ potted in a big pot, in cacti potting mix, with a heavy layer of grit in the base to prevent root rot.

Sadly, flowering is unlikely when kept indoors in the UK. It is possible though and requires a clear dormant period. Flowers are small and white.

To propagate, you can take a stem cutting, keep in a dry, warm and shaded area, wait till the cut area is healed and roots begin to grow, and pot up.

Any questions/corrections- please comment below 😁
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’


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