If you’re looking for a unique and easy-care succulent, the Gollum Jade is a fantastic choice. This rare succulent plant, named for its distinctive tubular leaves, is a conversation starter and a joy to grow. It’s a cultivar of the classic jade plant but with a fascinating, otherworldly look that sets it apart.
With just a little know-how, you can keep your Gollum Jade thriving for years, even passing it down as a family heirloom. This guide covers everything from its origins to its specific care needs, helping you become a confident caretaker for this special plant.
Gollum Jade – Rare Succulent Plant
Often called Ogre’s Ears or Shrek’s Ears, the Gollum Jade is a mutated form of the common jade plant (Crassula ovata). Its most striking feature are it’s leaves. They are tubular with a reddish tinge at the tips and a suction-cup-like dimple, resembling fingers or, as the name suggests, the ears of a certain green ogre. It’s a slow-growing succulent that can eventually become a small, tree-like shrub with a thick, woody trunk.
Why It’s Considered “Rare”
While more available now than in past decades, the Gollum Jade is still less common than the standard jade plant. Its unique appearance and slower propagation rate contribute to its special status among succulent collectors. You’re less likely to find it at a big-box store and more likely to spot it at a specialty nursery or online shop.
Light Requirements for Healthy Growth
Light is the most important ingredient for a happy Gollum Jade. It needs plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its compact shape and vibrant leaf color.
- Ideal Spot: An east or west-facing window is perfect. A south-facing window works too, but you might need to diffuse the harsh afternoon sun with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf scorch.
- Signs of Too Little Light: The plant will become “leggy,” with stretched-out stems and pale, green leaves. The spaces between leaves will widen as it reaches for light.
- Outdoor Summer Care: You can move it outside in summer. Acclimate it gradually to full sun to avoid burning, and bring it back inside before temperatures drop near 50°F (10°C).
The Right Way to Water Your Gollum Jade
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm any succulent, and the Gollum Jade is no exception. Its thick leaves store water, allowing it to withstand periods of drought.
- The Soak and Dry Method: This is the golden rule. Water the soil thoroughly until water runs out the drainage hole. Then, do not water again until the soil is completely dry all the way through.
- How to Check: Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. You can also use a moisture meter or lift the pot; a dry pot feels significantly lighter.
- Seasonal Changes: Water more frequently in the spring and summer (active growth). In fall and winter, reduce watering significantly, sometimes to once a month or less, as the plant enters a dormant phase.
Soil and Potting Needs
The right soil mix is crucial for preventing root rot. Gollum Jade needs a fast-draining, gritty mix that doesn’t hold onto moisture for to long.
- Perfect Soil Mix: Use a commercial cactus and succulent mix. For even better drainage, amend it with extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (aim for a 50/50 mix).
- Pot Choice: Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and help wick away excess moisture from the soil.
- Repotting: Repot only every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a new pot only one size larger, as too much soil can stay wet and cause problems.
Fertilizing for Strong Growth
Gollum Jade isn’t a heavy feeder, but a little fertilizer during its growing season gives it a boost.
- Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) or one formulated specifically for cacti and succulents.
- Schedule: Fertilize lightly once in early spring and once in mid-summer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the label.
- When to Stop: Do not fertilize in the fall and winter. The plant is not actively growing and won’t use the nutrients, which can then build up and harm the roots.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
Sharing your Gollum Jade is easy and rewarding. The best method is through stem or leaf cuttings.
- Choose a healthy stem or a plump leaf. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take your cutting.
- For stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves to expose a bit of stem. For leaf cuttings, gently twist the leaf off the stem, ensuring it comes off cleanly at the base.
- Let the cuttings dry for 1-3 days in a shady spot until the cut end forms a callus. This is vital to prevent rot when planting.
- Place the callused cuttings on top of well-draining succulent soil. Do not bury them. For stem cuttings, you can stand them upright in the soil.
- Place in bright, indirect light. Mist the soil lightly every few days, but don’t soak it. Roots and new tiny plants should appear in a few weeks.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing or Dropping Leaves
This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Check the soil immediately. If it’s wet, stop watering and let the plant dry out completely. You may need to check the roots for rot if the problem is widespread.
Soft, Mushy Stems
This indicates advanced root rot from overwatering. You’ll need to act fast. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away any black, mushy roots and stems with a sterile tool. Repot the healthy parts into fresh, dry soil and do not water for at least a week.
Pests to Watch For
Gollum Jade can occasionally attract mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton balls) or scale (small, brown bumps).
- Isolate the affected plant immediately.
- Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, following the product instructions carefully.
FAQ About Gollum Jade Care
Is Gollum Jade toxic to pets?
Yes, like all jade plants, Gollum Jade is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.
How fast does Gollum Jade grow?
It is a relatively slow-growing plant. With ideal care, you might see a few inches of new growth per year. Patience is key.
Why are the tips of my Gollum Jade red?
Red or reddish tips are a good sign! It’s called “sun stressing” and is a natural response to bright light. It shows your plant is getting enough sun and is often considered desirable for the added color.
Can I grow Gollum Jade from seed?
It’s possible but extremely slow and challenging. Propagation from cuttings is much faster and more reliable, and it guarantees the new plant will have the same unique leaf shape as the parent.
How big can it get?
As a container plant indoors, it typically stays under 3 feet tall. In perfect outdoor climates (like USDA zones 10-11), it can grow into a large shrub over many years.
My plant looks wrinkled, is it thirsty?
Wrinkled leaves usually mean the plant is underwatered. Give it a good soak and the leaves should plump up again in a day or two. If they don’t, check the roots for health.
With its sculptural form and resilient nature, the Gollum Jade is more than just a plant; it’s a living piece of art. By providing bright light, careful watering, and the right soil, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, quirky specimen that can bring character to your space for a very long time. Remember, the key to success is mimicking it’s natural, dry environment—when in doubt, it’s always safer to underwater than to overwater.