The curly jade plant (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ or ‘Gollum’) is a distinctive succulent prized for its unique tubular or curled leaves. Its sculptural appearance and straightforward care make it a popular houseplant. As a succulent, it stores water in its fleshy leaves, tolerating periods of drought.
Curly Jade Plant Care
Light Needs
Curly jade plants thrive in bright, indirect light, ideally with at least four hours of direct morning sun daily. Exposure to ample light encourages vibrant leaf coloration, sometimes with reddish tips. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and leaves that lose their rich color, while excessive harsh direct sun can cause leaf burn, appearing as yellow or brown spots.
Watering
Water curly jade plants using the “soak and dry” method. Thoroughly water the soil until it drains, then allow it to dry out completely before rewatering. Check the top two to three inches of soil for dryness. Watering frequency changes seasonally; plants need more water during spring and summer growth, and less in winter dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Curly jade plants require a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent or cactus blend is ideal, or you can create your own by mixing two parts potting soil with one part perlite or pumice and one part coarse sand. This gritty composition allows water to flow through quickly, mimicking their natural arid environment and ensuring good drainage. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature and Humidity
Curly jade plants prefer average indoor temperatures, from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, keeping them away from drafts or heating vents. They tolerate average household humidity and do not require supplemental humidity. These plants are not cold hardy and need protection from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Fertilizing
Curly jade plants are not heavy feeders. Lightly fertilize them during their active growing season, from spring through fall. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, or one specifically formulated for succulents, every three to four months. Withhold fertilizer during winter dormancy. Always water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer to aid absorption and reduce root burn risk.
Propagating Curly Jade Plants
Propagating curly jade plants is straightforward using stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy segment from the parent plant. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for several days to a week to prevent rot. Plant the callused cutting in well-draining succulent soil and water sparingly until new roots establish. Leaf cuttings can also be used, though they may take longer to root.
Common Problems and Solutions
Curly jade plants may show issues indicating a need for care adjustment. Shriveling or wrinkled leaves typically indicate underwatering, as the plant draws moisture from its leaves. A thorough watering should rehydrate them. Soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves, especially if accompanied by leaf drop, often signal overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, inspect and trim mushy roots, then repot in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Pests like mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf joints. Treat them by wiping with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For widespread infestations, apply a spray solution of one part rubbing alcohol, one part water, and a few drops of dish soap. Insufficient light causes stems to stretch and leaves to become sparse (etiolation); move the plant to a brighter location to correct this. Sudden leaf drop can result from overwatering, underwatering, or abrupt temperature changes.