The “Cronnie” plant, widely recognized as ‘Hobbit Jade’ or ‘Gollum Jade’, is a distinct variety of the popular jade plant, Crassula ovata. Its unique, tubular or finger-like leaves, often with red-blushing tips, make it a favored ornamental succulent.
Understanding Your Cronnie Plant
These succulents are cultivars, originating as mutations of the traditional Crassula ovata species. Both ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Gollum’ jade plants are grouped under the “Tolkien Group” due to their whimsical names inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. While similar, ‘Hobbit’ typically has leaves that curl back, forming a flattened cylinder, whereas ‘Gollum’ exhibits more pronounced tubular leaves with a distinct, often red-tipped, “suction cup” appearance at the end.
Native to the tropical regions of South Africa and southeastern African countries like Mozambique, these plants are accustomed to dry conditions. They grow as shrubby succulents, developing fleshy, grey-green branches that become woody with age. While they can grow into small trees up to 3 feet tall outdoors, they generally remain smaller indoors. Their distinctive growth habit and slow growth rate make them excellent candidates for container cultivation and bonsai.
Essential Care for Cronnie Plants
Light
‘Cronnie’ plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Placing them near a south or west-facing window, where they receive several hours of bright, non-scorching sunlight, is ideal. While they can tolerate some direct sun, particularly in the morning, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun can cause leaf scorch, leading to brown spots or a reddish tint. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy with pale, sparse foliage.
Watering
Correct watering is crucial for ‘Cronnie’ plants, as overwatering is a common issue for succulents. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This typically means watering every two to six weeks, depending on environmental factors like temperature and humidity. In winter, when the plant’s growth slows, watering frequency should be significantly reduced.
Soil
Well-draining soil is necessary for ‘Cronnie’ plants to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent and cactus potting mix is suitable, or you can create your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or pumice in a 1:1 ratio. The soil should be gritty and loose for proper aeration and drainage. Pots with drainage holes are essential for preventing water accumulation at the bottom.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Cronnie’ plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 60 to 90°F (15 to 32°C). They are tolerant of average household humidity levels and do not require special considerations. While they can tolerate brief periods of colder temperatures, prolonged exposure below 20-25°F (-6 to -4°C) can be damaging. Protecting them from cold drafts, especially during winter, is advisable.
Fertilizing
‘Cronnie’ plants are not heavy feeders and do not require frequent fertilization. Fertilize sparingly during their active growing season in spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, can be applied monthly or every few months. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
Propagating Cronnie Plants
Propagating ‘Cronnie’ plants is a straightforward process, most commonly achieved through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem at least 3 inches long. After making the cut, allow the severed end to “callus” or dry for a few days to a week; this prevents rot when planted.
Once the cutting has callused, plant it in a small pot filled with well-draining succulent soil mix. You can optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone, though it’s not strictly necessary. Water the soil lightly, ensuring it is moist but not soggy.
Place the pot in a bright location with indirect sunlight and water sparingly until roots form, which typically takes two to six weeks. Gently tugging on the cutting can indicate if roots have developed; resistance means it’s rooting.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
‘Cronnie’ plants are generally resilient, but issues can arise from improper care. Mushy, yellowing, or translucent leaves are signs of overwatering. If detected, reduce watering immediately, ensure proper drainage, and if severe, repot into fresh, dry soil after inspecting roots for rot.
Conversely, wrinkled or shriveled leaves indicate underwatering; a deep watering should rehydrate them within a day or two. Etiolation, where stems stretch and leaves become sparse, results from insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location can help, though stretched growth will not revert.
Pests like mealybugs and scale insects can sometimes affect ‘Cronnie’ plants. These can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can also help deter pests.