Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ (Hobbit Jade)
Common Name: “Pygmy Jade”; “Hobbit Jade”; “Finger Jade”
Scientific Classification:
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Species: C. ovata
Cultivar: ‘Hobbit’
Note: It is commonly confused with Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, which has leaves that are entirely tubular. Gollum and Hobbit?… quite a Tolkien duo¹, here!
Native To: The Shire. Haha, just kidding!
Nursery-produced cultivar (origin species from South Africa).
Growing Specs:
- Appearance: Small-branched, compact, shrubby succulent that grows up to 3 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide. Bright lime green, glossy foliage with red edges that develop in optimal lighting conditions. The tips of the leaves bend backwards, creating a hooded shape. The truck will thicken with age, making it an interesting bonsai subject!
- Flowering: Bunches of pink to white, star shaped flowers appear in early spring.
- Hardiness: It is more cold hardy than most succulents, at 15 degrees F.
Care Requirements: Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ is a low maintenance succulent. It is best grown in full sun, but it will tolerate part shade. Like most succulents, it needs well-draining soil that dries out between waterings.
Propagation: Propagating Jade Plants can be done by stem or individual leaf cuttings. Allow the cutting to callous before planting directly into soil.
Toxicity: Poisonous to humans and pets if ingested. Check out my Pet Safety Guide for more information.
Xylem Rising’s Observations: If it doesn’t get the proper amount of light, the red leaf margins will fade. The picture at the very bottom of this post was when it was living in the middle of a redwood forest, vs. my succulent greenhouse sanctuary.
~CRK.
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All photo rights belong to Cristie R. Kiley. Please ask permission before taking.
¹Read more about the Tolkien name references for Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Gollum’.
Xylem Rising 