Hobbit Jade Vs Gollum Jade

If you’re looking for unique succulents with quirky foliage, you might be comparing hobbit jade vs gollum jade. These two rare succulent varieties are fascinating cousins that often cause confusion, but they have distinct personalities for your plant collection.

Both are cultivars of the classic Crassula ovata, or jade plant. They share a family tree but have evolved into very different looking characters. Knowing which one suits your space and care style can make all the difference.

Let’s look at what sets them apart and how to keep them thriving.

At first glance, Hobbit and Gollum jade look similar. They both have those unusual, tubular leaves. But a closer inspection reveals key differences in their shape, growth habit, and overall appearance.

Think of them as two artists using the same medium but creating different sculptures. One tends to be more compact and curly, while the other reaches upward with pronounced, suction-cup-like tips.

Identifying Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’)

Hobbit jade is known for its leaves that curl inward. They form a loose, cupped shape that often has a reddish tint around the edges, especially with good sunlight.

Leaf Shape: Leaves are mostly spoon-shaped with a deep curl along the length. They can resemble small, green trumpets or oysters.
Growth Pattern: It tends to grow as a dense, shrubby plant. The branches are thick and can become woody quickly, supporting the weight of the leaves well.
Overall Look: The plant often has a more chaotic, whimsical appearance. The leaves point in various directions, creating a full, bushy silhouette.

Identifying Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)

Gollum jade is named for its distinctive, finger-like leaves. The tips are concave, resembling suction cups or the character Gollum’s eyes from its namesake story.

Leaf Shape: Leaves are nearly cylindrical and elongated. The most defining feature is the reddish, puckered tip that looks like a tiny crater.
Growth Pattern: It often grows more upright and tree-like than Hobbit. The stems can get long and leggy if not given enough light, reaching out like strange, green fingers.
Overall Look: The plant has a more uniform, upright structure. The leaves cluster tightly at the ends of the branches, giving it a distinct, almost coral-like form.

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Leaf Tip: Hobbit – Curled, open rim. Gollum – Sealed, concave “eye” tip.
Leaf Body: Hobbit – Flattened and curved. Gollum – Tubular and straight.
Growth Habit: Hobbit – Bushy, shrub-like. Gollum – Upright, tree-like.
Color: Both develop red margins in bright light, but Gollum’s tips are almost always tinged red.
Mature Size: Both can reach 3-4 feet indoors, but Gollum may appear taller due to its vertical growth.

Care Requirements for Both Varieties

The good news is their care is nearly identical. Both are forgiving succulents perfect for beginners. They thrive on a bit of neglect and are very drought tolerant.

Light Needs

These jades need plenty of bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal. They can tolerate some direct sun, which encourages tighter growth and better color.

Insufficient light causes stretching (etiolation). The stems become long and weak, with widely spaced leaves.
If moving them to direct sun, do it gradually to prevent sunburn. Start with just an hour or two of morning sun.

Watering Schedule

Overwatering is the main enemy. Use the “soak and dry” method religiously.

Wait until the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot.
Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
Empty the saucer underneath so the plant never sits in water.
Wait for the soil to dry completely again. This might mean watering every 2-3 weeks in summer and monthly in winter.

Soil and Potting

Fast-draining soil is non-negotiable. A standard cactus and succulent mix works well. For even better drainage, you can amend it with extra perlite or pumice (a 50/50 mix is great).

Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they breath and help soil dry faster, reducing rot risk.

Temperature and Humidity

They prefer average household temperatures and low humidity. They are not frost-tolerant at all. Keep them above 50°F (10°C). If you put them outside for summer, bring them in well before the first fall frost.

Propagation Techniques

Both varieties are incredibly easy to propagate. You can share them with friends for free plants.

Stem Cuttings: Cut a healthy stem (3-4 inches long). Let the cut end callous over for a few days. Then, place it in dry succulent soil. Don’t water until you see new growth (usually in 2-3 weeks).
Leaf Cuttings: Gently twist a plump leaf from the stem. Let it callous. Lay it on top of soil. Tiny roots and a new baby plant will eventually emerge from the base. This method is slower than stem cuttings.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough plants have issues sometimes. Here’s how to fix common problems.

Yellowing, Mushy Leaves

This is a classic sign of overwatering. The roots are likely rotting.

Solution: Stop watering immediately. Remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Cut away any black or mushy roots with a sterile tool. Repot in fresh, dry soil and wait at least a week before watering again.

Leggy, Stretched Growth

The plant isn’t getting enough light. It’s reaching for the sun.

Solution: Gradually move it to a brighter location. You can also prune the leggy stems back to encourage bushier growth. The cuttings can be propagated!

Wrinkled, Shriveling Leaves

This usually means the plant is thirsty. However, check the soil first—if it’s wet, the roots may be rotten and unable to absorb water.

Solution: If the soil is bone dry, give it a thorough soak. If the soil is wet, investigate for root rot as described above.

Pests

Mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally be a nusiance. They look like small cottony spots or brown bumps on stems and leaves.

Solution: Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Choosing the Right One for You

Your choice between hobbit jade vs gollum jade comes down to aesthetic preference and space.

Choose Hobbit Jade if you like a fuller, bushier plant with a playful, curly look. It’s great for filling out a wider pot.
Choose Gollum Jade if you prefer a more architectural, upright form. Its unique finger-like leaves make a striking statement, especially when trained as a mini tree.

Both are slow growers and adapt well to life in containers. They can live for decades with proper care, becoming heirloom plants in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Hobbit and Gollum jade the same plant?

No, they are two distinct cultivars of the same species (Crassula ovata). They have clear differences in leaf shape and growth habit.

Which is more rare, Hobbit or Gollum jade?

Neither is extremely rare, but they are less common than the standard jade plant. Availability can vary by region and nursery. Gollum jade is often slightly more widley available.

Can they be grown together in one pot?

Yes, you can plant them together. Their care needs are identical, so they make compatible pot-mates. The contrast in leaf forms can look very attractive.

Do they flower?

Mature plants can produce small, star-shaped white or pale pink flowers in winter under the right stress conditions (cooler temperatures and shorter days). Flowering is more common in outdoor plants.

Are they toxic to pets?

Yes, like all jade plants, they are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.

How often should I repot them?

Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage hole. They actually like being slightly pot-bound, so only size up by an inch or two in pot diameter.

Whether you choose the curly charm of the Hobbit or the quirky fingers of the Gollum, you’re adding a resilient and characterful plant to your home. Pay attention to light and water, and you’ll enjoy their unique forms for many years to come. Their easy-going nature makes them a fantastic choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts looking for something a little out of the ordinary.