The “Donkey Butt Plant,” botanically known as Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ or ‘Hobbit’, is a distinctive succulent. These cultivars of the jade plant (Crassula ovata) get their common name, along with “Ogre’s Ears” or “E.T.’s Fingers,” from their unusual, tubular leaf shape. Its unique appearance and low maintenance make it a popular choice for indoor gardening, appealing to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
Unique Characteristics of the Donkey Butt Plant
The “Donkey Butt Plant” features distinctive foliage. Its tubular leaves can have flared, trumpet-like openings, sometimes resembling suction cups. They are typically vibrant green, but their tips can develop a reddish hue with sufficient sunlight.
Unlike traditional jade plants with flatter, oval leaves, the ‘Gollum’ cultivar has nearly tubular leaves, while ‘Hobbit’ leaves are more curled, forming a slightly flattened cylinder. Both are part of the “Tolkien Group” of jade plant cultivars. They share a slow growth habit, developing thick, woody stems over time that give them a miniature tree-like appearance. Mature plants can reach up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, suitable for container cultivation and bonsai.
Essential Care for Your Donkey Butt Plant
Light Needs
The “Donkey Butt Plant” thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, ideally receiving four to six hours daily. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but intense afternoon sun can scorch leaves or turn them yellow or brown. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, where stems stretch, and leaves may lose their vibrant color.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is essential for this succulent. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, but only when the soil has completely dried out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to turn yellow or become mushy. Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to wrinkle or shrivel. Adjust watering frequency based on the season and environmental conditions, watering more often during the warmer growing season and less in winter.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is important for the “Donkey Butt Plant.” A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended. These mixes often contain materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, ensuring rapid drainage and preventing waterlogging. This sandy, porous texture mimics the plant’s natural arid habitat and helps prevent root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The “Donkey Butt Plant” prefers average indoor temperatures, ideally 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It tolerates slightly cooler temperatures at night and in winter, but prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C) is detrimental, as it is not cold hardy and sensitive to frost. It adapts well to typical indoor humidity and does not require high humidity or misting.
Fertilization
This plant is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During its active growing season in spring and summer, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti. Diluting the fertilizer to half strength prevents nutrient burn, which can appear as brown leaf tips. Avoid fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating and Pruning Donkey Butt Plants
Propagating the “Donkey Butt Plant” is straightforward, primarily done through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem at least 3 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days to a week before planting to prevent rot. Once calloused, insert the cutting into well-draining succulent soil, keeping it slightly moist until roots develop. Healthy leaves can also be laid on top of soil to root.
Pruning is not always necessary but can shape the plant, remove leggy or unhealthy growth, and encourage a bushier, more compact form. The best time for pruning is during the active growing season in spring or early summer. Always use clean, sanitized scissors or pruning shears to make cuts, preventing disease spread.
Common Problems and Solutions
“Donkey Butt Plants,” while resilient, can encounter a few common issues. If leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled, the plant is likely underwatered. A thorough watering until water drains from the pot should resolve this, allowing leaves to plump up again. Conversely, yellowing, mushy leaves often indicate overwatering and potential root rot. In such cases, check soil drainage and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse leaves, signals insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more indirect or filtered sunlight can correct this. Brown spots on leaves can result from overwatering, underwatering, or excessive direct sunlight. Adjust watering practices and light exposure accordingly. Common succulent pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can infest the plant, damaging leaves and stems. These can be treated by wiping them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using an insecticidal soap.