Crassula ovata 'Gollum'
Crassula ovata 'Gollum is a distinctive cultivar of the popular jade plant, grown for its curious tubular leaves that flare open at the tip into shallow, suction-cup-like ends, often blushed red in strong light. These finger-shaped leaves have earned it common names such as Gollum jade and finger jade. Its care follows that of the parent species, Crassula ovata.
Description
Where ordinary jade bears flat, paddle-shaped leaves, 'Gollum' produces leaves that are rolled almost completely into narrow tubes, each ending in a small concave disc — a shape frequently likened to trumpets, ogre fingers or green suction cups. The leaves are glossy and fleshy, mid-green for most of the year but developing red to reddish-bronze margins and tips when grown bright and kept a little lean and dry.
In time the plant builds the same thick, woody, branching stems as a normal jade, forming a shrubby miniature tree that can reach a substantial size in a large pot. Mature, well-established plants may produce the small, star-shaped pinkish-white flower clusters typical of the species, usually in the cooler, shorter days of late autumn and winter. 'Gollum' is often compared with, and confused with, the cultivar 'Hobbit'; both have tubular or reduced leaves, but 'Gollum' tends toward more fully rolled leaves with flared, cupped tips.
Cultivation
Grow 'Gollum' exactly as you would the parent species — see Crassula ovata for full detail. In short, it wants bright light, a gritty free-draining mix, and thorough watering only once the soil has dried out, tapering off in winter. It is an easy, forgiving houseplant that tolerates a range of conditions but resents cold, wet roots.
One point specific to this cultivar: the leaf colour and compact, sculptural form depend heavily on light. In generous sun the tubular leaves stay short, firm and red-tipped; in too much shade they grow soft, green and elongated, and the plant loses much of its character. Give it the brightest spot you can, and step up light gradually to avoid scorching. Like all jades it is easily repotted and appreciates a snug container.
'Gollum' is very simple to propagate. Whole leaves and, more reliably, stem cuttings root readily once the cut surface has callused for a few days; branch tips taken during active growth are the surest route to a new plant true to type.
Common problems
- Etiolation — too little light makes the stems stretch and the leaves turn plain green and floppy, losing the tight tubular look. Move to brighter conditions.
- Rot — overwatering, especially in winter or in a heavy mix, softens the stems and leaves from the base. Keep the mix mineral and let it dry between drinks.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked into leaf axils) and the occasional scale are the usual visitors; see Pests and diseases.
- Toxicity — like the parent species, jade is considered toxic to cats and dogs if eaten; keep it out of reach of curious pets.
See also
- Crassula ovata — the parent species
- Crassula — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases