Crassula ovata 'Gollum' — Trumpet Jade Plant Care

How to grow Crassula ovata 'Gollum', the tubular trumpet-leaved Jade plant. Easy care, unique form, bonsai potential, and why the tips turn red. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Tubular trumpet-shaped leaves with suction-cup-like tips — unique and whimsical form. A mutation of the standard Jade plant (C. ovata) — same easy care, different leaf shape. Grows 2-3 feet tall with a thick woody trunk — excellent for succulent bonsai. Leaf tips turn red-orange in bright sun — the suction-cup tips glow beautifully backlit. Also known as 'Shrek Plant' or 'Trumpet Jade' — multiple common names in trade. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: The tubular leaf shape is a stable mutation that breeds true from cuttings. Red tips are a sun stress response — more light means more vivid red coloring. Thick trunk and branches develop with age — making it a popular bonsai subject. As easy as standard Jade — tolerates neglect, low light, and irregular watering. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Provide bright direct or indirect light — tolerates lower light but grows slowly and stays green. Water when soil is dry — every 1-2 weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Use well-draining soil — standard cactus mix works fine for Jade plants. Prune for shape: Cut stems above a leaf node to encourage branching for a tree-like form. Propagate from stem cuttings — let callus 2-3 days then plant in dry soil. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Succulents & Cacti collection on Houseplants Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.