Crassula ovata Gollum - Jade plant

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, also known as ‘Coral’, is a variety of jade tree with surprisingly tubular foliage, highly prized as a houseplant. It is an undemanding variety that needs light; Place it in a pot on a windowsill or in a bright conservatory. After a few years, it takes on the appearance of a compact little tree. With a little care and patience, you will enjoy it for a long time.

This plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The botanical species Crassula ovata is native to Southern Africa, from southeastern Mozambique to the Cape region of South Africa; it is found mostly in open, bright environments, on well-draining soils. The cultivar ‘Gollum’ is a form from the “Tolkien Group”, described as a mutation that appeared in cultivation and has been distributed since at least the early 1980s. The foliage is evergreen, very fleshy, formed of very tubular leaves, bright green leaves, ending in a small hollow tip like a “suction cup” (like a small funnel), which can redden when the plant receives strong light. The thick stems, initially grey-green, turn brown with age and take on this characteristic "trunk" appearance. Growth is slow; in very good conditions, indoors, the plant can reach 1 m in height and 0.50 m in spread at maturity. In older specimens, small white to pink star-shaped flowers may appear, depending on conditions.
Note: the jade tree is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Indoors, grow it in bright light, in a fairly dry to normal atmosphere, between 15 and 25 °C; a cooler period is tolerated well if the growing medium remains dry. It is an easy plant for beginners; the main difficulty being to avoid lack of light and excess water. It thrives particularly well near a glazed bay window, in a well-lit office, or in a conservatory.

Crassula ‘Gollum’ is perfect in a mineral decoration: place it in a terracotta, dark stoneware, or matte ceramic pot, with a gravel mulch. Choose low, wide containers that highlight its thickened base and branching crown. You can pair it with a collection of Aeoniums, with x Graptosedum 'Bronze' and with Senecio serpens 'Blue Chalk', a blue, trailing plant.

It can also be placed outside throughout summer, but sheltered from scorching sun.