Gollum jade, also known as ogre ears or Shrek plant, is a quirky and easy-to-grow succulent. With its tubular, elongated leaves, it has a unique appearance unlike any other jade plant. Though odd-looking, gollum jade is simple to cultivate indoors and out. With the right care, this distinctive plant can thrive for years.

Getting to Know Gollum Jade

Gollum jade, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, is a jade plant cultivar distinguished by its unusual stacked, tube-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically green but can also have hues of red or purple.

This succulent is native to South Africa and Mozambique. It’s part of the Crassulaceae family along with other jades and stonecrops.

Some key facts about gollum jade:

Growth habit: Shrubby, mounded or trailing
Mature size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
Light needs: Bright light to full sun
Watering needs: Allow soil to dry between waterings
Hardiness: USDA zones 9-11

Unlike other jade plants, gollum jade has a more rambling growth habit. If given room, it will cascade nicely over the sides of containers or hanging baskets.

The curled, tubular leaves of gollum jade give it a quirky, sculptural look. The leaves stack attractively on top of each other as the plant grows. Their hollow centers and elf-like appearance are how this plant got the nickname “Shrek plant.”

While gollum jade enjoys bright light like other succulents, it can tolerate more shade than typical jade plants. Its trailing nature also makes it a good choice for hanging pots and high shelves where light is limited.

Let’s look at how to bring out the best in this unusual succulent.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Gollum jade isn’t too fussy when it comes to soil, but a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix is best. This will prevent soggy soil that can lead to rot.

You can make your own succulent soil by mixing:

1 part potting soil
1 part perlite or pumice
1 part sand

The sand and perlite/pumice provide crucial drainage.

If you’d rather buy pre-made cactus/succulent mix, look for a brand that contains coconut coir or bark fines. These help retain a small amount of moisture while still allowing excess water to drain freely.

Terra cotta pots are ideal for gollum jade and other succulents because they wick moisture away from the soil. But any container with drainage holes in the bottom will work.

Choose a pot that’s about 2-4 inches wider than the current root ball of your gollum jade. This will give the roots some room to spread out.

Providing the Right Light Conditions

Gollum jade thrives in bright light and tolerates full sun well. When grown in too little light, the stems can become leggy and leaves may drop off.

For best growth and appearance:

Indoors: Place gollum jade near an east, west, or lightly shaded south window. Provide supplemental lighting if your home lacks bright spots.
Outdoors: Site gollum jade where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun in hot climates.

Light requirements vary somewhat by climate. Gollum jade appreciates more shade in blistering hot regions than it would in cooler areas.

Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves of gollum jade. If planting outdoors, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. Indoors, you may need to provide sheer curtains or move the plant back from a hot window.

Signs of insufficient light include:

Leaf drop
Leggy growth
Dull color
Smaller leaves

Rotate indoor plants periodically so all sides receive equal sun exposure.

Watering Best Practices

Gollum jade stores water in its leaves, so it requires less frequent watering than most houseplants. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to rot.

Some key watering tips:

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again.
During the darker winter months, water even less frequently. Only water if leaves start to wrinkle.
In summer, you may need to water as often as every 1-2 weeks when the plant is actively growing.
After watering, discard any water that collects in the saucer so the pot isn’t sitting in wetness.
Monitor for signs of under- or over-watering (see next section).

Gollum jade prefers a thorough drenching when the soil is dry, rather than frequent small sips of water. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture.

Make sure any pot you use has drainage holes to prevent wet soil. Water until it runs out the bottom drain holes, then let the excess drain away.

Identifying Watering Problems

It can take some trial and error to find the perfect watering rhythm for your gollum jade. But identifying underwatering vs. overwatering issues is key to getting its needs right.

Underwatering causes:

Wrinkled, deflated-looking leaves
Leaves dropping off
Dull color
Slow/stunted growth

Overwatering causes:

Yellow or brown leaf tips
Soft black spots on leaves or stems
Leaf drop
Rotten roots

If you notice any of these issues, adjust your watering schedule accordingly. When in doubt, allow the soil to get quite dry before soaking thoroughly.

Providing the Right Temperatures

Gollum jade thrives in average room temperatures. It can tolerate a wide range from about 45°F (7°C) to 90°F (32°C). But aim to keep it within an ideal range.

For indoor gollum jades:

Daytime temperatures: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
Nighttime temperatures: 50-65°F (10-18°C)

Lower winter temperatures are fine as long as the soil is kept fairly dry.

Avoid placing gollum jade next to heat sources like appliances or fireplaces. This can quickly dry out the soil.

Outdoors, gollum jade can tolerate light freezes but performs best in frost-free conditions. In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, it can be grown outside year-round.

If your area sees colder winters, you can move potted gollum jades inside before first frost. Or plant in the ground near a south-facing wall for extra warmth and protection.

Humidity Preferences

Gollum jade grows well in the average humidity of most homes. It doesn’t need high humidity like tropical plants.

30-50% relative humidity is ideal. Avoid excessively dry air since this can cause leaf tips to brown. Run a humidifier during winter months if needed.

Fertilizing for Growth

Fertilize gollum jade lightly in spring and summer to support growth. Any balanced houseplant fertilizer can be used. Dilute to half or quarter strength.

Some organic options include:

Worm castings tea
Compost tea
Fish emulsion

Apply every 2-4 weeks while the plant is actively growing. Discontinue fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.

Overfertilizing can damage roots, so more is not better. If using chemical fertilizers, follow label directions carefully.

Re-pot gollum jade plants every 2-3 years in fresh soil to replenish nutrients.

Pruning and Shaping As Needed

Pruning isn’t essential for gollum jade, but it can be useful for:

Shaping and containing growth
Removing dead or damaged stems
Encouraging bushier growth

Trim leggy stems back to just above a leaf node. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

You can prune gollum jade at any time of year. But avoid pruning in extreme heat or cold.

For plants with a naturally trailing habit, simply guide stems back into the pot as they cascade over the sides.

Repotting Carefully

Repot when gollum jade outgrows its container, usually every 2-3 years. Going too long without repotting can retard growth.

Follow these tips for repotting:

Choose a pot 2-4 inches larger than the current roots. Terra cotta pots work well.
Use fresh cactus/succulent soil mix.
Carefully remove the root ball and loosen tangled roots. Discard any rotted roots.
Place plant in new pot and fill edges with soil. Pack down gently.
Don’t water for 1 week after repotting to prevent shock.
Prune any damaged leaves or excessive top growth after repotting. This balances the root/foliage ratio.

Repot in spring after the last frost. Avoid repotting during cold winter months when plants are dormant.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Gollum jade is quite hardy when given proper care but can encounter a few issues:

Leggy growth

Causes: Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding of stems
Solutions: Provide brighter light conditions, prune back leggy stems

Wrinkled leaves

Causes: Underwatering
Solutions: Increase watering frequency, give soil a good soak

Leaf drop

Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, temperature extremes
Solutions: Adjust watering habits, move plant away from hot/cold spots

Brown leaf tips

Causes: Low humidity, inconsistent watering, overfertilizing
Solutions: Mist leaves, check soil moisture, reduce fertilizer

Rot

Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage
Solutions: Allow soil to dry out between waterings, repot in fresh mix

Enjoying Gollum Jade Outdoors

Gollum jade also grows well planted outdoors in frost-free climates. It can tolerate more direct sun when acclimated gradually.

For in-ground planting:

Choose a sunny, well-draining spot.
Amend native soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Plant at the same level it was growing in the pot. Avoid planting too deeply.
Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Increase frequency in summer.
Apply general purpose fertilizer in early spring and summer.
Mulch around the plant with gravel or wood chips to retain moisture.
Prune anytime to control shape and size.

You can also grow gollum jade in outdoor containers:

Use cactus/succulent mix and a pot with drainage.
Make sure the container won’t blow over in winds.
Water more frequently than indoor plants. Pots dry out quicker.
Move containers to a protected area if hard freeze is expected.

Unique Companion Plantings

Gollum jade’s trailing stems and unusual foliage make it a great addition to succulent gardens or mixed container arrangements.

Some fun companion plants include:

Echeveria
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
Aloe
Haworthia

Mix gollum jade with contrasting shapes like rosette succulents or spiky yuccas. Coordinate colors for added interest.

Gollum jade pairs nicely in a container arrangement with:

Trailing succulents like donkey tail or string of pearls
Upright succulents like firestick pencil plant or cotelydons
Succulent rosettes in matching colors

Properly Caring for Gollum Jade: FAQ

Caring for gollum jade is generally straightforward. But if you’re new to growing this unusual succulent, you probably still have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about gollum jade care:

How much sunlight does gollum jade need?

Gollum jade thrives in very bright, direct light. Indoors, place it near an east, west, or slightly shaded south window. Outdoors, site it where it will receive at least 6 hours of sun. Some shade in peak afternoon sun is beneficial.

What temperatures are best for gollum jade?

Indoors, maintain daytime temps of 65-75°F and nighttime temps around 60-65°F. Gollum jade can tolerate brief drops to 45°F and exposure to 90°F. Avoid hot or freezing cold windowsills.

Should I mist my gollum jade?

Misting generally isn’t necessary for gollum jade. Let the soil dry out between deeper waterings rather than providing frequent light moisture. The exception would be if your home air is extremely dry. Then occasional misting can help prevent leaf tip browning.

How often should I water gollum jade?

Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of soil has dried out. This may mean watering as often as every 1-2 weeks in summer or as infrequently as every 3-4 weeks in winter. The plant’s growth rate and conditions dictate how often it needs water.

Why are my gollum jade’s leaves falling off?

Leaf drop can result from overwatering, underwatering, or temperature extremes. Try adjusting your watering schedule. Make sure the plant isn’t near heating/cooling vents or hot/cold windows.

Should I prune my gollum jade?

Pruning isn’t essential but can shape plants nicely. Trim off any dead or damaged growth. Prune leggy stems back to just above a leaf. Pinch stems to encourage bushy growth. Avoid pruning in extreme temperatures.

How do I propagate gollum jade?

Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer. Allow cut ends to dry and callous over. Plant in cactus mix. Keep soil dry until new growth emerges. Misting can help induce rooting.

How often should I fertilize gollum jade?

Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Don’t fertilize in fall/winter when growth slows. Overfertilizing can damage roots, so more isn’t better.

Achieving Lush, Sculptural Growth

With its tubular curled leaves stacked artfully along trailing stems, gollum jade is one of the most uniquely beautiful succulents. This hardy plant is also quite easy to grow indoors and outdoors.

By choosing the right potting mix, providing optimal lighting, watering properly and fertilizing occasionally, you can keep your gollum jade healthy and looking its best. Repot when necessary to maintain vigor.

Gollum jade’s whimsical nature makes it a fun addition to plant collections. Pair it with other succulents or let it cascade from a hanging pot or shelf. With a little basic care, this intriguing plant will thrive for years to come.

How to Grow and Care for Gollum Jade: A Concise Summary

Native to South Africa and Mozambique
Unique tubular, curled green leaves
Trailing, mounded growth habit
Thrives in bright light, tolerates partial shade
Allow soil to dry between waterings
Average room temps, avoid extremes
Water deeply only when dry to the touch
Use cactus/succulent soil for drainage
Fertilize lightly in spring and summer
Repot every 2-3 years in spring
Prune leggy growth as needed
Fun companion for mixed succulent pots