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Gollum Jade Plant: The Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you’re on the lookout for an unusual and low-maintenance houseplant, then the Gollum jade plant might just tick all your boxes.
This quirky succulent is part of the Crassulaceae family and is native to South Africa.
Its name comes from its uncanny resemblance to J.R.R.
Tolkien’s character Gollum, thanks to its finger-like shape that makes it stand out among other succulents.Gollum jade plants are ideal for those who want a fuss-free addition to their indoor garden as they require minimal care.
You can grow them in a range of environments, making them perfect for homes or offices with fluctuating temperatures and lighting conditions.
Additionally, their unique look will undoubtedly add a bit of whimsy to any space they occupy!
Appearance
The Gollum jade plant has fleshy green leaves with reddish tips that are tubular in shape, resembling a trumpet or suction cups.
The leaves can grow up to 3 inches long and have small elongated windows on their tips.
These windows allow light into the leaf for photosynthesis, which gives them an unusual appearance.
Location and lighting
The ideal location for your Gollum jade plant would be near a south-facing window where it can get at least 4-6 hours of bright but indirect sunlight per day.
Indoor plants should be kept away from direct heat sources such as radiators, vents or fireplaces since they prefer cooler temperatures.
- If you live in an area with harsh winters or limited natural light during certain seasons of the year, consider providing artificial lighting through grow lights to keep your Gollum jade healthy.
- Avoid exposing your succulent too much direct sunlight because it may cause sunburns on its leaves causing brown patches on them.
Soil Requirements
Gollums require well-draining soil with good drainage properties.
A cactus soil mix works well due to its fast-draining properties and is easily available in gardening stores.
In case you don’t have access to cactus soil mix, you can make your own by combining regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve the drainage.
- Make sure that the container you use has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating at the base of your plant’s roots, which may cause them to rot.
- Avoid using heavy garden soils because they can retain moisture for too long and suffocate your Gollum’s root system
Watering Requirements
Gollum jade plants prefer dry conditions rather than a lot of moisture.
Watering it once every 7-10 days is enough for most succulents, but it would help if you keep an eye out for signs of thirst such as droopy leaves or wrinkled stems.
- During winter seasons when growth slows down, scale back on watering frequency and quantity as well since the plant’s ability to absorb water decreases during dormancy period.
- If unsure about how often and how much water your Gollum needs, place a finger into its soil; if it feels dry up to a depth of at least 1 inch below the surface level before watering again next time.
Fertilization Requirements
Gollums do not require frequent fertilization due to their slow-growing nature; twice a year should be enough during spring and summer seasons when they are most active.
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen phosphorous and potassium works best in small quantities since excess nutrients can damage its root system causing water absorption issues.
- The frequency should also reduce during winter when their growth rate slows down significantly.
Propagation
Gollum jade plants can be propagated through stem cuttings.
To do this, use a sharp and sterilized knife or shears to cut 3-4 inches of a healthy stem from the parent plant.
Allow the cutting to dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil.
- Keep the soil moist until rooting occurs, which usually takes about two weeks.
Pests and Diseases
Gollum jade plants are susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and spider mites that feed on its sap, causing yellowing leaves and distortion.
Regularly inspect your plant’s leaves for signs of infestation; if found, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil-based solution to treat them immediately.
- Avoid overwatering because it may cause root rot diseases that manifest through brown/black mushy roots resulting from fungal infections.
Conclusion
Gollum jade plants are low maintenance succulents with striking appearances that add flair to any garden or interior space.
They can survive extreme weather conditions from droughts during summer seasons to cool temperatures during winter months making them ideal houseplants for beginners.
By following our care tips above you would be sure your plant stays health throughout its life cycle
