“Fred the Plant” refers to the succulent Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, a cultivar of the common jade plant. Favored for its unusual appearance, this low-maintenance succulent is native to South Africa, thriving with warm temperatures and ample sunlight.
Identifying Your Fred
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is recognized by its tubular, finger-like leaves, flared at the tip. Reddish tips develop in sufficient sunlight. It forms a shrub-like structure with fleshy, grey-green branches that become woody and thick, creating a miniature tree-like appearance.
‘Gollum’ differs from Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ in leaf shape. ‘Gollum’ leaves are more tubular with a deep central depression at the tip, resembling suction cups, whereas ‘Hobbit’ leaves are more spoon-shaped or rolled back at the edges. Both are mutations of Crassula ovata and add visual appeal.
Essential Care for Fred
Fred thrives in conditions mimicking its natural succulent habitat. Proper light, water, soil, temperature, and occasional fertilization ensure healthy growth.
It prefers bright, direct sunlight for 4-6 hours daily to maintain vibrant green color and encourage reddish leaf tips. It can survive in bright, indirect light or moderate shade, but may not grow vigorously or develop red hues without full sun. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, where the plant stretches, and leaves may lose vibrant color.
Use a “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering causes root rot, as this drought-tolerant succulent stores water in its fleshy leaves. Water more frequently during spring/summer growth; reduce to once a month in fall/winter dormancy.
Well-draining soil is essential for Fred, preventing waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal, or amend regular potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice for improved drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6-7.5).
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ prefers average indoor temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C). It tolerates 55-80°F (13-27°C), but temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can harm it. It is not sensitive to humidity and thrives in average household levels (40-60%).
Fred benefits from occasional fertilization during its active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5 NPK) diluted to half strength. Fertilize every two months or once a year, avoiding dormant fall and winter months.
Propagating Your Fred
Propagating Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is straightforward, primarily through stem or leaf cuttings. The optimal time is during the active growing season (spring to early summer), when it roots quickly.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem 3-4 inches long and cut just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the bottom inch to prevent rot. Allow the cut end to dry and callus for a few days to a week before planting; this prevents rot.
Once callused, plant the cutting in well-draining succulent or cactus soil, burying enough to hold upright. Water lightly, then place in bright, indirect sunlight. Roots develop within 2-6 weeks, and new growth emerges. Leaf propagation is also possible by twisting off a healthy leaf, allowing it to callus, then placing it on moist soil; it is a slower method.
Troubleshooting Common Fred Issues
Common issues can arise when caring for Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, but they are identifiable and manageable. Understanding symptoms helps provide solutions.
Leggy growth (stretched stems, widely spaced leaves) indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location (e.g., south-facing window) or supplement with grow lights. Pruning encourages bushier growth.
Soft, mushy leaves or stem rot signal overwatering, starving roots of oxygen and causing decay. If soil is consistently wet, allow it to dry completely between waterings and ensure adequate drainage holes. For severe root rot, repot into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming affected roots.
Shriveled or wrinkled leaves indicate underwatering. Though drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness dehydrates its water-storing leaves. Thorough watering rehydrates leaves within a day or two, causing them to plump up.
Pest infestations (mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects) can affect Fred. Treat pests by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or by applying insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested parts and dispose of them away from other plants to prevent spread.