Scientific Name
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit'
Common Name(s)
Crassula Hobbit, Finger Jade, Hobbit Jade, Hobbit Jade Plant, Organ Pipe Jade Plant
Synonym(s)
Crassula portulacea 'Hobbit', Crassula 'Hobbit'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is a succulent shrub or small tree with branched stems that bear interesting green leaves with tips that turn red in direct sun. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach 3 feet (90 cm) in height. Branches are fleshy grey-green, becoming woody as they mature with scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves are thick, fleshy, curled back, and up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. The leaf colors vary depending on the season and growing conditions.
This cultivar is very similar to Crassula ovata 'Gollum', but while the leaves of 'Gollum' have highly modified tips with a deep central depression, the leaves of 'Hobbit' are rolled back at all edges, forming a slightly flattened cylinder with a lens-shaped dimple just below most leaf tips.
Flowers are white or pinkish, star-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) across, and appear in compact terminal clusters from mid-winter to early spring.
Origin
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is one of the first two cultivars comprising the Tolkien Group, named after the characters in Tolkien's legendarium. The other one is Crassula ovata 'Gollum'. They are monstrous mutations of Crassula ovata.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula ovata 'Hobbit'
Light: This succulent thrives in full sun and requires about 4 to 6 hours of daily sun exposure. It will survive in partial to medium shade but needs direct sunlight for flowering. If kept indoors, find a bright spot in your home.
Soil: Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' requires well-draining soil. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for succulents, or mix your own.
Hardiness: This plant tolerates a wide range of temperatures and may even tolerate light frost. However, prolonged cold is usually fatal. Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: One of the most important things when caring for Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is ensuring it is properly watered. Although it is a succulent plant, it does need water. During the growing season, it does best when the soil is allowed to dry out between deep waterings. In summer, it requires little water and even less in winter when it is semi-dormant.
Fertilizing: Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is a slow-growing plant and does not need much feeding. However, it will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: This succulent does not mind being root-bound in a small pot, although it is best to repot it every 2 to 3 years or when the plant becomes top-heavy. The best time to repot is in spring when the new growth starts.
Propagation: Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is started by stem cuttings or leaves. Propagation from stem cuttings is the fastest way to get a decent-sized plant. Always take cuttings when the plant is actively growing.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Jade Plant.
Toxicity of Crassula ovata 'Hobbit'
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and mildly toxic to humans through ingestion or skin contact.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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