Introducing a stunning jade bonsai tree plant, also known as Crassula ovata 'Hobbit', similar to Gollum jade. It is a cultivar of the Crassula ovata species, originally from South Africa. This lovely plant goes by several common names, such as Hobbit Jade, Shrek's Ears, and Ogre's Ears.
It's important to note that while Crassula ovata Hobbit is referred to as a "tree," it is actually a succulent plant that can develop a bonsai-like base, giving it a tree-like appearance. This adds to its unique charm and makes it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts.
The jade bonsai tree probably needs to be 10 gal minimum to start looking like a tree, ours is 20 gal which is why it has a more mature trunk and developed appearance compared to dwarf jade bonsai trees. The larger size allows for more intricate shaping and growth potential.
When cultivated as a small bonsai tree, this jade bonsai tree typically reaches a height of around 6-8 inches, showcasing a compact shape and bushy appearance.
However, when grown as a regular potted plant, it can grow up to 3 feet tall. Imagine adding a rare and beautiful plant to your collection that develops into a woody, branching shrub that makes an excellent large bonsai tree.
If given the proper care, jade hobbit plant crassula can live up to 70 years. Although it grows slowly, adding only two inches to its height each year, this plant can grow to a maximum height of three to six feet.
The jade bonsai tree boasts thick, fleshy leaves that are tubular and spoon-shaped, resembling the ears of characters from movies like "Hobbit" or "Shrek." Its leaves have a glossy, jade-green hue, and when exposed to direct sunlight, they may develop reddish edges.
The flowers of this jade bonsai tree are pinkish-white star-shaped and bloom from late winter to late spring, making it a true showstopper. Although it typically does not bloom indoors, this jade succulent's green and white variegated leaves are attractive.
You can propagate Crassula ovata Hobbit through stem or leaf cuttings. Simply allow the stem cuttings to dry for a few days, then plant them in well-draining soil. Over time, they will root and establish themselves.
Watering Needs
The jade bonsai tree is drought-tolerant by nature, and its fleshy, water-storing stems can hold a lot of water. However, their root structure is easily susceptible to overwatering so make sure that you don't overwater as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
The Crassula ovata hobbit prefers to be watered using the "soak and dry" technique. This involves thoroughly watering the jade hobbit plant before allowing it to completely dry out between watering sessions completely.
Both potted and outdoor variegated jade hobbit plants should receive a deep soak once or twice a month during their growth periods, ensuring proper drainage so that the roots don't become waterlogged. Avoid watering your outdoor Crassula species when it's raining or during the winter months.
Light Requirements
If indoors, place your Crassula ovata hobbit directly in front of a west- or south-facing window. If they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten. So, make your jade hobbit plant happy and give it plenty of light.
When grown outdoors, providing enough light for these desert jade hobbit plant (Crassula ovata Hobbit) succulents is one of the most important aspects of their care. It is important to grow your jade plants in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily to keep them happy. Under bright sunlight, bright red margins appear on leaves that are up to 2 inches long.
It's critical to remember that during a heatwave during long periods of extreme heat, your jade hobbit tree could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect the plant in this situation by moving it indoors or to a shaded area.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The hobbit jade plants prefer sandy, well-drained soil, as excess moisture can promote root and stem rot. Planet Desert specializes in succulents and has a specialized succulent potting soil that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your Crassula ovata hobbit jade succulents thrive.
As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil.
When it comes to fertilizing your jade hobbit plant, organic fertilizers with an equal mixture of 5-10-5 (NPK) once a year in the growing season (spring) will keep your soil alive. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your hobbit jade succulent some love with some awesome organic fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
When it comes to indoor bonsai cultivation, the Crassula ovata hobbit prefers average room temperatures between 60-75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during winter, around 50-55°F, but avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures. The Jade Bonsai Tree is adaptable and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, it appreciates a slightly more humid environment, especially during the dry winter months. To increase humidity, you can place a tray filled with water near the growing bonsai or use a humidifier.
For outdoor cultivation, the Jade Bonsai Tree is generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. These zones include regions with mild winter temperatures, such as parts of the southern United States and coastal areas. If you live in a colder climate, it's best to keep the bonsai indoors during winter or provide protection from frost.
When placing the Jade Bonsai Tree outdoors, choose a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Avoid exposing it to direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Additionally, ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Jade Bonsai tree (Crassula ovata Hobbit) is a super cool plant with some awesome features. It's got these thick, succulent leaves that give it a unique and tree-like appearance. Crassula ovata Hobbit, often referred to as a "tree," is actually a succulent plant that can create a bonsai-like base, enhancing its unique charm and making it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts. The Jade Bonsai Tree is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in average room temperatures around 60-75°F. To maintain its health, add water or use a humidifier. For outdoor growth, choose USDA hardiness zones 9-11 with mild winters. Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, and use well-draining soil. Protect it from frost during colder months.
Be sure to add the jade hobbit plant Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care while admiring its impressive display year after year.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Fall, Early winter |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' |
| Common Name | Hobbit jade, money tree |
| Dormancy | Winter, Fall |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | White, light pink |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Upright, Branched |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft tall, 2 ft wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial, annual succulent |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, Pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulent potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Gnarledlooking trunk |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic for humans, mildly toxic for dogs, mildly toxic for cats |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing a stunning jade bonsai tree plant, also known as Crassula ovata 'Hobbit', similar to Gollum jade. It is a cultivar of the Crassula ovata species, originally from South Africa. This lovely plant goes by several common names, such as Hobbit Jade, Shrek's Ears, and Ogre's Ears.
It's important to note that while Crassula ovata Hobbit is referred to as a "tree," it is actually a succulent plant that can develop a bonsai-like base, giving it a tree-like appearance. This adds to its unique charm and makes it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts.
The jade bonsai tree probably needs to be 10 gal minimum to start looking like a tree, ours is 20 gal which is why it has a more mature trunk and developed appearance compared to dwarf jade bonsai trees. The larger size allows for more intricate shaping and growth potential.
When cultivated as a small bonsai tree, this jade bonsai tree typically reaches a height of around 6-8 inches, showcasing a compact shape and bushy appearance.
However, when grown as a regular potted plant, it can grow up to 3 feet tall. Imagine adding a rare and beautiful plant to your collection that develops into a woody, branching shrub that makes an excellent large bonsai tree.
If given the proper care, jade hobbit plant crassula can live up to 70 years. Although it grows slowly, adding only two inches to its height each year, this plant can grow to a maximum height of three to six feet.
The jade bonsai tree boasts thick, fleshy leaves that are tubular and spoon-shaped, resembling the ears of characters from movies like "Hobbit" or "Shrek." Its leaves have a glossy, jade-green hue, and when exposed to direct sunlight, they may develop reddish edges.
The flowers of this jade bonsai tree are pinkish-white star-shaped and bloom from late winter to late spring, making it a true showstopper. Although it typically does not bloom indoors, this jade succulent's green and white variegated leaves are attractive.
You can propagate Crassula ovata Hobbit through stem or leaf cuttings. Simply allow the stem cuttings to dry for a few days, then plant them in well-draining soil. Over time, they will root and establish themselves.
Watering Needs
The jade bonsai tree is drought-tolerant by nature, and its fleshy, water-storing stems can hold a lot of water. However, their root structure is easily susceptible to overwatering so make sure that you don't overwater as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
The Crassula ovata hobbit prefers to be watered using the "soak and dry" technique. This involves thoroughly watering the jade hobbit plant before allowing it to completely dry out between watering sessions completely.
Both potted and outdoor variegated jade hobbit plants should receive a deep soak once or twice a month during their growth periods, ensuring proper drainage so that the roots don't become waterlogged. Avoid watering your outdoor Crassula species when it's raining or during the winter months.
Light Requirements
If indoors, place your Crassula ovata hobbit directly in front of a west- or south-facing window. If they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten. So, make your jade hobbit plant happy and give it plenty of light.
When grown outdoors, providing enough light for these desert jade hobbit plant (Crassula ovata Hobbit) succulents is one of the most important aspects of their care. It is important to grow your jade plants in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily to keep them happy. Under bright sunlight, bright red margins appear on leaves that are up to 2 inches long.
It's critical to remember that during a heatwave during long periods of extreme heat, your jade hobbit tree could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect the plant in this situation by moving it indoors or to a shaded area.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
The hobbit jade plants prefer sandy, well-drained soil, as excess moisture can promote root and stem rot. Planet Desert specializes in succulents and has a specialized succulent potting soil that includes an organic substrate with mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your Crassula ovata hobbit jade succulents thrive.
As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil.
When it comes to fertilizing your jade hobbit plant, organic fertilizers with an equal mixture of 5-10-5 (NPK) once a year in the growing season (spring) will keep your soil alive. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your hobbit jade succulent some love with some awesome organic fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
When it comes to indoor bonsai cultivation, the Crassula ovata hobbit prefers average room temperatures between 60-75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during winter, around 50-55°F, but avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures. The Jade Bonsai Tree is adaptable and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, it appreciates a slightly more humid environment, especially during the dry winter months. To increase humidity, you can place a tray filled with water near the growing bonsai or use a humidifier.
For outdoor cultivation, the Jade Bonsai Tree is generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11. These zones include regions with mild winter temperatures, such as parts of the southern United States and coastal areas. If you live in a colder climate, it's best to keep the bonsai indoors during winter or provide protection from frost.
When placing the Jade Bonsai Tree outdoors, choose a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Avoid exposing it to direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Additionally, ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Jade Bonsai tree (Crassula ovata Hobbit) is a super cool plant with some awesome features. It's got these thick, succulent leaves that give it a unique and tree-like appearance. Crassula ovata Hobbit, often referred to as a "tree," is actually a succulent plant that can create a bonsai-like base, enhancing its unique charm and making it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts. The Jade Bonsai Tree is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in average room temperatures around 60-75°F. To maintain its health, add water or use a humidifier. For outdoor growth, choose USDA hardiness zones 9-11 with mild winters. Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade, and use well-draining soil. Protect it from frost during colder months.
Be sure to add the jade hobbit plant Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' to your home or garden and enjoy its low-maintenance care while admiring its impressive display year after year.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Fall, Early winter |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' |
| Common Name | Hobbit jade, money tree |
| Dormancy | Winter, Fall |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Flower Color | White, light pink |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Upright, Branched |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Mature Size | 4 ft tall, 2 ft wide |
| Native Area | South Africa |
| Plant Type | Perennial, annual succulent |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, Pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Succulent potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Gnarledlooking trunk |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic for humans, mildly toxic for dogs, mildly toxic for cats |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |