Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:51 am
Crassula ovata hobbit, often simply referred to as hobbit crassula or hobbit jade plant, has become an incredibly popular houseplant over the last few years, and with good reason – this unique succulent’s leaves grow right down to the soil so that they look like little green hands growing out of the ground!
These are great indoor plants and make an excellent gift to new plant owners. Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about caring for crassula ovata hobbit that can lead to disappointing results if you don’t correct them.
Hobbit crassula plant is a very dwarf variety of Crassula ovata. While the standard Crassula ovata can grow up to 6 feet tall, Crassula ovata hobbit typically only grows to be about 3 feet tall, though this can vary depending on the care it receives and which variety you have.
Regardless of its size, Crassula ovata hobbit makes an excellent houseplant or garden addition because it requires little maintenance and thrives in indoor environments.
Origin and distribution
Crassula ovata hobbit (hobbit crassula) is native to South Africa and Namibia. It is named after the similarity in leaf shape and size to the fictional characters in The Lord of the Rings called hobbits.
Crassula ovata hobbit grows as an evergreen plant with stiff, upright leaves and produces bright green flowers during the winter months. This plant can grow into an ornamental feature tree up to 10 feet tall and spread up to 7 feet wide. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil with regular watering but can survive neglect or drought conditions if need be.
It does well in both tropical and desert climates and does not need too much water, so it can be planted in pots with cacti as well as succulents. Some care must be taken when handling this plant because its leaves can easily break off; they grow quickly though so they don’t need to be replanted often.
Crassula ovata hobbit propagation
Crassula ovata hobbit can be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, use a sharp knife or scissors to take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant. Remove the bottom leaves and allow the cutting to dry for a few hours before inserting it into well-draining cactus or succulent soil. Keep the soil barely moist in a sunny location.
You should see new growth within a month. For leaf cuttings, wait until the plants are actively growing, and then use your fingers or clippers to strip off an entire leaf from one of the stems. Allow this cutting to dry for at least four hours before inserting it into moist potting soil that is high in organic matter such as peat moss or compost.
The newest growth will form at the base of the leaf-cutting so position it in this area just above the soil line. Once rooted, water sparingly but make sure not to overwater and keep it in a bright spot with good air circulation. It may take several months for roots to develop but you will know when they have taken hold because there will be little white nodules along their length.
If you notice any wilting, overwatering is probably the cause. In addition to being a durable houseplant, Crassula ovata hobbit makes an excellent groundcover due to its tolerance of light foot traffic and low maintenance requirements. Plant it in containers or rock gardens for best results.
Crassula ovata hobbit care information
The Crassula ovata hobbit is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 12 inches tall and wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. fertilize sparingly with a succulent fertilizer.
Light requirement
The hobbit crassula does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. If the light is too low, the leaves will become etiolated and lose their color. However, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn red or brown.
Soil/potting mix
A well-draining potting mix is important for crassula ovata hobbit, as they are susceptible to root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix would work well, or you could make your own by mixing together one part perlite or grit with two parts potting soil. If a particular mixture doesn’t drain quickly enough, add some sand.
Watering
The Crassula ovata hobbit does best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, and be sure to allow the pot to drain completely after watering. These succulents are drought tolerant, so don’t worry if you forget to water them for a week or two. Just be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer
This plant doesn’t need much fertilizer, but when you do fertilize, use a light hand. Too much fertilizer will burn the roots and damage the plant. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize once a month during the growing season and every other month during the winter. If you notice the leaves starting to yellow, that’s a sign that you’re over-fertilizing and should cut back.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves will start to turn red. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will turn brown. The plant can tolerate short periods of time outside of this temperature range, but it will not do well in long-term exposure to extreme temperatures.
Humidity
One of the best things about the Crassula ovata hobbit is that it can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. Whether you live in a dry or humid climate, this plant will be happy as long as you provide it with the right amount of water. That said, too much humidity can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off, so be sure to not overwater your plant.
The ideal humidity range is 50-60% relative humidity. If you’re unsure what the relative humidity level is where you live, get an inexpensive hygrometer.
Pruning
If you want to keep your crassula ovata hobbit (hobbit crassula) looking its best, you’ll need to prune it regularly. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking tidy, but it also encourages new growth.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning your crassula ovata hobbit Bend each stem towards the ground and use a sharp pair of scissors to cut through it just above where it bends. You can also use your fingers to pinch off dead leaves or stems that are starting to die back on their own as well as any yellowing leaves that are past their prime and no longer green.
Once you’re done with these steps, give the soil around your hobbit some extra water, and then wait for spring when there should be plenty of new growth! Leave them in bright light at room temperature during the winter months and provide an environment with temperatures between 55°F – 80°F in order to get healthy, vigorous plants.
When to repot
The best time to repot your crassula ovata hobbit is in the spring before it starts putting out new growth. If you wait too long, the roots will start to become crowded and the plant will be more difficult to repot.
If you’re not sure when the last time your plant was repotted, it’s probably time to do it again. Repotting is usually done in March or April, but the timing depends on how much water the plant gets over winter.
You can tell by looking at the potting mix – if it’s still moist from being watered over winter, then you don’t need to worry about watering until next summer. Remember that as a houseplant, your plant may need less water than an outdoor potted plant does.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Many succulents, including crassula ovata, enter a state of dormancy during the winter months. This is a natural process in which the plant conserves energy by slowing down growth and reducing water and nutrient intake. Although it may look like your plant is dying, rest assured that it is just taking a much-needed break!
To encourage dormancy, place your crassula in a cool, dry location with plenty of air circulation. Reduce the watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
A thick layer of mulch will also help retain moisture and prevent cold weather from damaging the roots. During dormancy, leaves will turn yellow or brown before falling off the stem. When new shoots start growing again in springtime, gradually resume normal watering habits to keep the soil moist but not wet.
Crassula ovata hobbit flower & fragrance
The Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ is a beautiful, evergreen succulent that produces small, white flowers. This plant is perfect for those who are new to gardening, as it is very easy to care for. Simply place it in a sunny spot and water it when the soil is dry.
Growth rate
The growth rate of the Crassula ovata hobbit is relatively slow. However, with the right care, it can grow up to 12 inches tall. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Is crassula ovata hobbit toxic
The Crassula ovata hobbit contains saponins, which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
USDA hardiness zones
The Crassula ovata hobbit is a small, compact succulent that is perfect for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11.
Pests and diseases
The crassula ovata hobbit is a hardy succulent plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but it is susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you should treat them immediately with an insecticide.
The crassula ovata hobbit is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure to plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist during the summer months and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Try not to overwater this plant as it does not like wet feet!
