Crassula ovata is a compact, well-branched, and rounded succulent with oval-shaped leaves that have a dark greyish-green color. The stem of Crassula ovata is stout and its branches are stubby but well-proportioned.
The leaves of Crassula ovata are 1.1-inches to 3.54-inches long (2.79cm to 8.99cm) long that have a red margin and a pointed end. The leaves are arranged in pairs and cluster toward the end of the branch.
During the winter-spring period, Crassula ovata blooms with pink, star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet scent.
The succulent is also known as Gollum Jade, Jade Plant, Jade Tree, and Money Tree because of the emerald-green color of its leaves which is associated as the color of money. Many growers enjoy propagating jade succulents because they believe it will bring them luck or money.
Gollum Jade can grow from 1-foot to 3-feet (30.48cm to 91.44cm) in height and 1-foot to 2-feet (30.48cm to 60.96cm) wide. The succulent originates from the Crassulaceae family and is native to South Africa.
General Information:
Also known as: Gollum Jade, Jade Plant, Jade Tree, and Money Tree
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 1-foot to 3-feet (30.48cm to 91.44cm)
Exposure: Full sunlight up to 6 hours
Water Needs: Controlled watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Cactus soil can be used or a potting soil mixture composed of 2 parts soil or soil substitute. Garden topsoil that has been sterilized for 20 minutes in 200 degrees Fahrenheit can also be used.
Soil pH: Acidic (6.0 to 6.5 pH)
How to Grow and Care for Crassula Ovata
Crassula ovata is an excellent addition to your rockeries, retaining walls, gravel gardens, and a water-wise garden. Gollum Jade can be planted in pots and tubs for indoor growing.
Business owners who believe in luck like to position Gollum Jade near the entrance of their store. For them, putting a jade plant near the entrance will entice luck and good fortune to come into the business.
Crassula ovata is highly resilient to drought, wind, and coastal conditions. If your region has a temperature that drops below 20° F or -6° C, it would be recommended to bring Gollum Jade indoors. Frost will damage the succulent’s beautiful flowers.
1. Sunlight
If you want to grow Crassula ovata outdoors, plant in an area in the garden that gets direct sunlight for up to 6 hours.
When Crassula ovata is grown indoors, it should be placed near a spot in the room that receives sunlight but not directly from the sun. It is not advisable to put Gollum Jade behind a window that gets full sun.
2. Watering
Crassula ovata is susceptible to the problem of overwatering namely root rot. Give Gollum Jade water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
When watering Crassula ovata the general rule is to water sparingly during the summer and withhold watering in winter.
3. Pot and Soil
Crassula ovata should be planted in a pot that has good drainage to keep the soil dry. The ideal type of soil for Gollum Jade is one that drains moisture very well. Cactus soil can be used or a potting soil mixture composed of 2 parts soil or soil substitute.
Garden topsoil can also be used but it should be sterilized for 20 minutes in a baking oven that is pre-heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Add 2 parts peat moss to improve moisture retention and the absorption of nutrients.
How to Propagate Crassula Ovata
Crassula ovata can be easily propagated with the use of cuttings or leaves. You may also use seeds that can be sown during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. If you decide to grow Gollum Jade from seeds, keep in mind that the process will take longer compared to cuttings or leaves.
1. Leaves
Step 1: Gently twist and pull a leaf from the stem of Crassula ovata.
Step 2: Place the leaf in a shaded area and allow a few days for calluses to develop.
Step 3: When the leaf has callused, place it in a pot of well-draining soil.
2. Cuttings
Step 1: Use a sterilized and sharpened knife to cut a tube from the base of Gollum Jade. You can also use a pair of sterilized garden shears.
Step 2: Allow the cut tube to dry out and develop calluses. This process may take several days.
Step 3: Once the cutting has hardened with calluses, plant the cut end of the tube into the soil.
Step 4: Do not water the soil right away. Wait for 1 to 2 days before giving the soil water. From there, follow the soak and dry method which requires you to water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crassula Ovata Toxic for Cats and Dogs?
Crassula ovata appears in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (ASPCA) website’s list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. Cats appear to be more sensitive to the effects of Crassula ovata than dogs.
According to the ASPCA, exposure to the Gollum Jade may cause your cat or dog to vomit and develop diarrhea. Other symptoms to watch out for include lethargy, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, and ataxia.
Why is my Crassula Ovata Succulent Dying?
As a member of the Crassulaceae family, Crassula ovata is highly vulnerable to root rotting. It is imperative to observe the soil’s level of dryness before giving the succulent water.
Crassula ovata can survive long periods without water. In the summertime, do not give the plant water until the soil is completely free of moisture. You may not even have to water the Gollum Jade during the winter season.
Does Crassula Ovata Produce Flowers?
Crassula ovata blooms beautiful pink roses during the winter to spring period. If Gollum Jade is grown indoors, frequent exposure to sunlight during the summer and autumn seasons is important to ensure that its flowers will bloom.
Last Updated on June 10, 2022 by Sofia Lara
English 
French 
Spanish 
German 
Italian