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Gollum Jade Plant

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

KNOWN AS: Gollum Jade, ET’s Fingers, Finger Jade, Trumpet Jade

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South Africa | Arid / Succulent

DESCRIPTION: The Gollum Jade is a "monstrose" cultivar of the classic Jade plant. It is famous for its unique, tubular leaves that end in a suction-cup-like indentation, often tipped with a bright red ring. Named after the character from The Lord of the Rings, this slow-growing succulent develops a thick, woody trunk over time, making it an ideal candidate for "lazy" bonsai enthusiasts. Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Gollum Jade Plant Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The Gollum Jade needs plenty of light to stay compact and vibrant. Indoors, a south-facing window is best. It requires at least 4–6 hours of bright light daily. If it doesn't get enough sun, the "fingers" will become thin, pale, and start to stretch (etiolate). Direct sun is what triggers the beautiful red "cup" tips.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water only when the soil is 100% dry. Squeeze the leaves.

This plant is a desert native and stores water in its tubular leaves. Overwatering is the #1 killer. Use the "soak and dry" method.
The Squeeze Test: Gently squeeze a leaf. If it’s firm, it doesn't need water. If it feels slightly soft or looks wrinkled, it’s time to water.
Winter: Reduce watering to once every 6–8 weeks, as the plant goes dormant.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

It thrives in standard household temperatures. While it can handle heat well, it is not frost-hardy. If you keep it outside during summer, bring it in before temperatures drop below 50°F. Cool (but not freezing) winter nights can actually help stimulate flowering in mature plants.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 30 - 50%; Low/Moderate Humidity

The Gollum Jade hates high humidity. It is perfectly adapted to the dry air of most homes. High humidity combined with wet soil is a recipe for fungal rot and powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Like most Jades, the Gollum is incredibly easy to propagate. How to Propagate: Simply snap off a healthy "finger" or take a stem cutting. Let the end "callus" (dry out) for 3–5 days until a scab forms. Place it on top of succulent soil. Tip: Do not water the cutting until you see tiny pink roots appearing.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: The Gollum Jade is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination in pets. Keep it on a high shelf away from curious animals.
Repotting
When to Repot: Only every 3–4 years. Jades are top-heavy, so they often need a heavy ceramic or terracotta pot to prevent tipping. Choose a Pot: A pot only 1–2 inches larger with excellent drainage. Repot: Use fresh, dry succulent soil. Do not water for at least a week after repotting to allow any damaged roots to heal.
Pruning
Pruning is the secret to a thick, tree-like trunk. Maintenance: Pinch off the tips of stems to encourage branching. Bonsai Style: You can prune away lower branches to reveal the "trunk." The Gollum Jade responds very well to pruning and will sprout new growth from the cut sites within weeks.
Fertilizing
Gollum Jade is a light feeder. What to Use: A balanced succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. When to Apply: Once or twice during the spring and summer. Never fertilize in the winter.
Soil
Proper drainage is non-negotiable for succulent health. Ideal Mix: A gritty, well-draining succulent mix. Recommended Blend: 1 part potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand or pumice. This prevents water from "pooling" at the bottom and rotting the roots.

Hanging Heights

Gollum Jade Plant Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

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Here are five unexpected places to bring your plant styling ideas to life.

Light fades faster than most people expect once it travels indoors. Because of a principle called the inverse square law, a plant sitting about six feet from a window can receive only around a quarter of the light hitting the glass. That is why plants on open shelving usually need either a naturally bright location or a little extra light to truly thrive instead of slowly stretching and fading.

You can fill a kitchen with greenery and zero counter space by going vertical: hanging planters, wall-mounted shelves, magnetic pots, and cabinet tops, paired with a compact under-cabinet grow light wherever sunlight runs short.