The trumpet jade plant, scientifically known as Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ or ‘Hobbit’, is a popular succulent admired for its distinctive, tubular foliage. It is often called Gollum Jade or Hobbit Jade, named after characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, due to its unique leaf shape resembling small, trumpet-like fingers. This cultivar of the classic jade plant is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and woody stems. Its durability and relatively low-maintenance requirements make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Ideal Conditions for Growth
The trumpet jade plant thrives when exposed to bright light, which encourages robust growth and the development of attractive reddish tips on the foliage. While it can tolerate bright, indirect light, placing it near a south- or west-facing window is ideal for vibrant coloration. Be cautious of intense, scorching afternoon sun, especially in summer, as this can cause the leaves to sunburn, appearing as yellow or brown spots.
This succulent prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F during the day, tolerating slightly cooler temperatures at night. Since it is native to South Africa, it is not tolerant of cold and must be protected from frost. The plant handles the low humidity levels typical of most homes very well, making it an excellent indoor specimen.
Planting Medium and Containers
Selecting a well-draining soil mix is paramount to the health of the trumpet jade, as its roots are susceptible to rot when exposed to prolonged moisture. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is generally the best choice because these blends incorporate gritty, porous materials. Standard potting soil can be improved by amending it heavily with inorganic materials such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to ensure rapid drainage and aeration.
The container you choose must always have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Pots made of porous materials like unglazed terracotta are often favored because they help wick moisture away from the soil and roots. This absorption helps the planting medium dry out more quickly, reducing the risk of overwatering.
Ongoing Watering and Feeding Schedule
The most common mistake in caring for trumpet jade is overwatering, so deep but infrequent watering is necessary to mimic its natural arid environment. Only water the plant once the soil has completely dried out, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. To check for dryness, insert a finger or a moisture meter a couple of inches into the soil before watering.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), watering may occur more frequently, potentially every two to three weeks, depending on the heat and light intensity. When watering, apply water until it flows freely from the drainage hole. Discard any standing water from the saucer after about 15 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in saturated conditions and developing fungal growth.
The plant enters dormancy in the fall and winter, necessitating a significant reduction in watering frequency. During these cooler months, you may only need to water once a month or less, just enough to keep the leaves from shriveling. The succulent stores water in its thick leaves, allowing it to tolerate extended periods of drought.
Fertilizing is a minimal requirement for this slow-growing succulent, which has low nutritional needs. If you feed your plant, do so only during the spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer, and dilute it to half or even a quarter of the strength recommended on the product label to prevent nutrient burn.
How to Propagate New Plants
Trumpet jade is easily propagated using cuttings, with stem cuttings offering a reliable method. To take a stem cutting, use a clean, sharp knife to remove a healthy section of stem that is at least four to five inches long. Allow the severed end to dry out for two to three days until a protective scab, known as a callus, forms over the wound.
Once calloused, the cutting can be inserted directly into a pot filled with the same well-drained succulent mix used for the mature plant. Place the potted cutting in a bright location with indirect light and mist the soil lightly until roots begin to form, which typically takes a few weeks. Another method involves using leaf cuttings, where a single healthy leaf is gently twisted off the stem, ensuring the entire base is intact.
The individual leaf should be allowed to callous for several days before being placed on top of the well-draining soil mix. Over time, small offsets, or “plantlets,” will emerge from the base of the leaf, drawing energy from the original leaf until it shrivels away. Both methods require patience and a consistent environment to encourage successful root development.