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The Tubular Herbarium

Gollum Jade

Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’

Tubular foliage with rounded, cup-like tips gives Gollum its sculptural outline. Provide a sunny position and draining root conditions, then shape branches to suit the space.

Explore the care guide
Botanical illustration

Care at a glance

Know your plant

Gollum is a named cultivar of Crassula ovata. Its fleshy leaves are elongated and nearly tubular, with distinctive cup-like ends. [4][2]

The foliage sits on branching succulent stems that become woody with age. The plant combines the familiar jade-tree habit with an upright fan of finger-like leaves. [4]

Light and placement

Set Gollum near a sunny window. The species grows well with at least four hours of direct sun; increase exposure gradually when moving it from shade. [6][7]

For a compact fan of leaves, keep the growing tips well lit. Lengthening, weak stems are a reason to improve the light gradually. [5]

Watering

  1. Check the mix before watering and let it dry between waterings. Use the condition of this pot to set the interval. [6]

  2. Water the root ball thoroughly, let excess run through the drainage holes, and empty the saucer or outer pot. [8]

  3. Extend the interval as light and growth decline in autumn and winter. Check the plant regularly so a dry rest does not become prolonged drought. [6][2]

Soil and pot choice

Plant in a porous cactus or succulent mix and a container with drainage holes. The root zone should shed excess water freely. [11]

Choose a stable pot that supports the branching crown. When potting up, increase the container modestly so a large volume of wet mix does not surround the roots. [7]

Temperature and humidity

An ordinary indoor room suits jade. A daytime range around 60–70°F / 16–21°C is a useful growing target, with cooler nights. Protect the plant from freezing. [7]

Ordinary dry indoor air suits succulent growing. Keep the plant in a ventilated position and care for the roots through drainage and measured watering. [8]

Feeding

Feed lightly during active spring and summer growth. Use a dilute liquid fertilizer and follow its container-plant directions. [3]

RHS jade guidance recommends monthly feeding while the plant is growing. Reduce feeding as growth slows and resume when active growth returns. [4]

Repotting

  1. Check for crowded roots and an unstable, top-heavy plant before choosing a new container. Repot as fresh growth starts. [5]

  2. Move to a slightly larger draining pot, support the plant upright, and settle fresh succulent mix around the root ball. [11]

  3. Water sparingly while the repotted plant establishes, then return to a drying cycle suited to its pot and light. [5]

Propagation

  1. Take a healthy stem cutting with clean tools, remove the lowest leaves, and let the cut end dry and callus for several days. [9]

  2. Insert the healed stem base into freely draining rooting medium. Keep it in bright indirect light and avoid saturating the mix. [9]

  3. Gollum also supports whole-leaf propagation. Remove an intact leaf with its base attached and place the base at the surface of lightly damp, draining medium. [4][9]

Pruning and growth

Keep an open view of the tubular foliage by shortening selected stems to a lateral branch in spring. Use clean cuts to shape the outline. [5]

Let a naturally branching plant grow freely, or use light shaping to maintain its place on the shelf. Routine pruning is optional. [4]

Problems and checks

Soft yellowing leaves or stems

Possible causes
  • Excessive moisture or impaired drainage.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Check for damp mix and water trapped in the outer pot.
Low-risk next step
Empty trapped water, clear the drain and let the mix dry appropriately.
When to seek expert help
Seek horticultural help for a collapsing stem or dark, soft roots.
Sources for these checks

Persistently wet succulent roots can rot, and overwatering can lead to leaf loss. [10]

Shrivelled foliage

Possible causes
  • A dry root ball or roots damaged by prolonged moisture.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Compare the moisture in the mix with the condition of stems and visible roots.
Low-risk next step
Water a dry, firm-rooted plant thoroughly and drain it. Correct wet conditions before adding more water.
When to seek expert help
Seek help if shrivelling continues with damp mix or a soft stem.
Sources for these checks

Underwatering and damaged roots can both leave succulent foliage shrivelled. [10]

Long, weak growth

Possible causes
  • Insufficient light.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Look at the length of new stems and the brightness of the growing position.
Low-risk next step
Move toward brighter light in stages.
When to seek expert help
Ask a horticulturist if new growth remains weak after improving the light.
Sources for these checks

Jade develops weak, stretched growth when light is insufficient. [2]

Pale or brown patches after a move

Possible causes
  • Abrupt exposure to stronger sun.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Compare the affected side with the recent change in placement.
Low-risk next step
Return to gentler light and acclimate in stages.
When to seek expert help
Seek help for spreading damage without a change in sun exposure.
Sources for these checks

Succulent foliage can scorch after a sudden increase in sunlight. [10]

Cottony clusters or fixed bumps

Possible causes
  • Mealybugs or scale insects.
Checks to distinguish them
  • Inspect leaf joints, stems and leaf undersides closely.
Low-risk next step
Separate the plant and remove visible pests carefully. Choose further treatment with horticultural advice.
When to seek expert help
Ask for pest identification if the infestation spreads or repeatedly returns.
Sources for these checks

Mealybugs and scale can affect jade foliage and stems. [2]

Seasonal indoor care

As autumn light and growth decline, extend watering intervals and check each pot. [6]

Acclimate a summer outdoor plant gradually and bring it under cover before frost. Choose a bright indoor position for the return. [5]

Children and pets

Safety

Jade plant is toxic to cats and dogs. ASPCA lists it under the synonym Crassula argentea; signs include vomiting, depression and poor coordination. [13][1]

After suspected ingestion or signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Provide the plant’s botanical name. [14]

Keep the plant, cuttings and loose potting material beyond young children’s reach. Display it as an ornamental plant and keep plant material away from food and drinks. [15]

For a human plant ingestion in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use webPOISONCONTROL. Elsewhere, contact your local poison service. [16]

Similar plants

Classic jade has broad oval leaves; Gollum has elongated tubular foliage. Both belong to Crassula ovata and use the same species care principles. [3][4]

Elephant bush is Portulacaria afra, with small rounded leaves and fine reddish young stems. [12]

Sources

  1. Crassula ovata (Mill.) Druce — Plants of the World Online

    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  2. Crassula ovata — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

    NC State Extension

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  3. Crassula ovata — jade plant

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  4. Crassula ovata Gollum — jade plant Gollum

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  5. Jade Plant, Crassula ovata

    University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — Susan Mahr

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Revised April 2025

  6. How do I care for a jade plant?

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Richard Jauron

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last updated June 2, 2025

  7. Jade Plants

    University of Connecticut Home Garden Education Office

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  8. Growing Succulents Indoors

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Aaron Steil

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed December 2024

  9. How to Propagate Succulents

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Aaron Steil

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed August 2023

  10. Common Problems and Issues of Succulents

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Aaron Steil

    Accessed October 5, 2026 · Updated: Last reviewed August 2023

  11. How to grow houseplant cacti and succulents

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  12. Portulacaria afra — elephant bush

    Royal Horticultural Society

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  13. Jade Plant — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  14. ASPCA Poison Control

    ASPCA Poison Control

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  15. Poisonous and non-poisonous plants: An illustrated list

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026

  16. Get help online or by phone

    National Capital Poison Center

    Accessed October 5, 2026