Get ready to smarten up your plant collection with a unique and eye-catching addition: the "Crassula ovata Gollum," or simply 'Gollum jade.' It is also known as a money plant, Shrek ear, ET finger succulent, and finger jade.

The Gollum jade plant is also known as "ET Fingers" because its fleshy leaves resemble the alien character's long, pointed fingers in the 1982 film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The tips of the plants also look like the ears of the popular animated character Shrek, hence the other popular name, Shrek Ears.  The plant's distinctive appearance has made it a favorite among kids who love the common names and like to look at it and touch it.  This plant is also easy to care for, which may make it a good choice for families. 

Need some extra luck in life? The Crassula ovata Gollum jade is also considered a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture; that's why sometimes it is also referred to as the money plant! But here's the best part: taking care of this plant doesn't require any lucky charms. In fact, it's super low-maintenance, easy to keep alive, and pretty.

These evergreen-flowering ET fingers can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide and are sure to be the talk of your garden or indoor space. When exposed to bright light, it produces green finger-like leaves with red circles at the tips.

The flowers of your ET finger succulent bloom during the late spring to early winter, with small, pinkish-white, star-shaped blooms.

You can propagate new ET finger plants from stem or leaf cuttings. Just make sure you're careful about where you place them, since all parts are toxic to pets. 

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum Jade’ is often confused with Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit Jade' due to their similarities and both being named after characters from JRR Tolkien’s stories. 

Additionally, the ET finger jade plant is considered mildly toxic to both humans and pets if consumed.

Whether you add the Gollum jade to your outdoor garden or bring it inside in a funky container, this quirky little plant is sure to be a conversation starter and eye-catcher. 

Watering Needs 

These Shrek ear succulents requires minimal watering. It's important to only water them when the soil has dried out, as overwatering can cause root rot. Succulents, including these Et fingers Crassula ovata Gollum jade, are prone to rot if their roots are constantly submerged in moisture. 

As a drought-tolerant plant, the jade plant has developed an effective mechanism for storing water in its leaves. Oftentimes, people worry about under-watering their plants when they're actually giving them too much water - succulents, in particular, don't thrive well in damp soil, which can lead to root problems. 

Light Requirements 

Providing enough light for these desert Et's fingers is one of the most important aspects of their care. If indoors, place your jade plant directly in front of a west- or south-facing window.

If grown outdoors in full sun, the leaves turn red or bronze, and the attractive reddish tinge on the tips will take your breath away. It is important to grow Gollum jade in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct light every day to keep them happy.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the right soil and fertilizers for your adorable ET Fingers succulent, you need to be extra cautious and need to use the right kind of succulent soil.  Moisture can be a real killer, leading to root and stem rot in no time flat. But fear not, my fellow green thumbs! Planet Desert has got your back with our specialized succulents potting mix that includes organic mycorrhizae – perfect for promoting healthy roots and happy plants. 

Natural fertilizers with an equal ratio of 5-10-5 (NPK) also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your jade some love with some awesome organic fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

As desert dwellers, these jade plants enjoy warm indoor temperatures. They prefer constant temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate triple digits in the summer, so don't worry if your succulent gets too hot. 

If grown outdoors, Et finger grows best in USDA zone 9-11. They cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in its environment.  It can be grown as a houseplant in colder climates. 

Like other succulents, your ET fingers prefers average to low humidity environments. These plants are adapted to arid conditions and have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. So, you don't need to worry too much about providing extra humidity for them. Just make sure the air isn't excessively dry, especially during winter months when indoor heating can reduce humidity levels

Final Thoughts

Overall, the ET Fingers or Shrek ears (Crassula ovata 'Gollum' Jade) is a unique and fascinating succulent that captures attention with its unusual finger-like leaves. This plant is a cultivar of the popular Jade Plant, known for its resilience and easy care. The ET Fingers variety features tubular, elongated leaves with a greenish hue and red tips, resembling the fingers of the iconic extraterrestrial character. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Like other succulents, it has low water requirements and should be watered sparingly to prevent overwatering. 

Be sure to add this unique plant with the tips of the tubular leaves that look like ET's fingers or Shrek's ears to your home or garden and enjoy its low maintenance care while admiring its impressive display year after year.