Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

Crassula ovata 'Gollum' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; long-lived, with a thickening trunk

Size

60–90 cm tall, 30–60 cm wide

Watering

Slow-release fertiliser about every three months in the growing season

Light & Placement

Give as much light as possible; in poor light it stretches and loses shape. In summer avoid direct midday sun and keep it in bright shade with good air.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the pot dries. Beware of humid heat in midsummer and water less in winter.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is not cold-hardy; keep it in a bright room from November to March. A Japanese reference gives 5°C as the minimum survival temperature.

Fertiliser

A lack of fertiliser makes the lower leaves yellow and drop; give slow-release fertiliser about every three months from April to October.

Propagation

Propagate by leaf or stem cuttings or by beheading; let cuts dry before inserting them.

Pests & Cautions

Easily confused with 'Hobbit': tubular leaves with hollow tips mean 'Gollum', outward-curling leaves mean 'Hobbit'. It is not a registered variety, so propagating it is unrestricted.

About Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

Crassula ovata 'Gollum' (Space Tree) is a jade plant sport with tubular leaves that dip like suction cups at the tips. The tips turn red in the cold and the trunk thickens. A beginner-friendly succulent that reaches 60–90 cm tall.

7 things to know before growing Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

1. 1A Bright Spot

   Gollum likes plenty of light, so an outdoor sunny spot or a bright indoor windowsill suits it well. With too little light the stems stretch and the plant loses its compact shape, so give it as much sun as you can. Strong midsummer sun and hot afternoon light can scorch the leaves, so adjust the position or add some shade if needed.

2. 2Water When Dry

   Wait until the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. The trunk and leaves store water, so it is fine to keep the plant on the dry side. Empty the saucer each time to help prevent root rot.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Use a free-draining mix. A ready-made succulent and cactus soil is the easy option, or you can blend akadama with pumice or perlite yourself. Choose a pot with a drainage hole, and pick a stable one that can support the thickening trunk without tipping over.

4. 4Winter Care and Red Tips

   The red leaf tips that appear in the cold are one of this variety's charms. In winter, water sparingly and keep the plant away from frost and freezing. When the cold gets severe, move it to a bright spot indoors. Once spring warms up, reintroduce it to outdoor sun gradually.

5. 5When to Repot

   Repot when the roots fill the pot and water starts to soak in poorly. Spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the plant is growing, is a good time. Let the soil dry out beforehand, shake off some of the old soil, and move the plant into a pot one size larger.

6. 6Pruning and Shaping

   Cutting back overgrown branches during the growing season tidies the shape and encourages finer branching. Let the cut ends dry well, and the trimmings can be rooted as cuttings to make new plants. Shape it gradually, keeping the gnarled character of the thickening trunk.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for a plant with firm leaves that are rolled into tubes and a trunk that does not wobble. Avoid plants with wrinkled or darkened leaves or a soft, mushy base. Check the photos and description on the listing, and message the grower if anything is unclear.

Frequently asked questions about Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

Q.Can a beginner grow it?

A.Yes, it is rated as beginner-friendly. Provide bright light and well-draining soil, and water only after the soil has dried, and it should grow reliably.

Q.Is Space Tree the same as a jade plant?

A.Gollum is a sport of the jade plant (Crassula ovata) and is also sold as the Space Tree. Unlike a standard jade plant, its leaves roll into tubes with a suction-cup-like dip at the tip.

Q.How big does it get?

A.It can grow to about 60–90 cm tall. As a perennial it keeps growing for years while the trunk thickens, and you can cut it back during the growing season if it gets too large.

Q.Are red leaf tips a sign of disease?

A.Red tips in cool weather are a normal trait of this variety and usually nothing to worry about. If the leaves turn wrinkled, dark, or mushy, however, consider overwatering or cold damage and check the plant's conditions.

Q.Can I grow it only indoors?

A.Yes, if you have a bright windowsill. Low light makes the stems stretch, so in warm weather it helps to give the plant some outdoor sun and airflow now and then to keep it compact.

Handy Growing Tools for Crassula ovata 'Gollum'

Learn more about Crassula ovata 'Gollum' in the encyclopedia

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