Shrek Ears Plant - Caring for Crassula Ovata ‘Gollum’

Shrek's ear is a plant native to the Mozambique savannah, so we must emulate its original conditions so that it remains in optimal conditions. Although Crassula ovata ‘gollum’ is the most popular cultivar, there are some others which may have a similar curved appearance.

This plant requires full sun exposure, although it can also tolerate indirect light. Under the sun it will develop certain attributes common to this plant. We can see a very striking red edge on the leaves and flowers can also develop when it is with full sun exposure. These two special characters will not be seen when it is kept exclusively in shade.

In terms of temperature. It is not recommended to keep Shrek ears plants in outdoor areas where there is frost. It is a jade plant that can be kept indoors, but always providing plenty of light. If not, flowers will not be produced because they need constant sun exposure.

Light can be a problem with all types of succulent plants. An indication that will tell us that Shrek's ear needs more light is the elongation of the central stem. This is because stretches to look for the sun. Such elongation results in weakness of the plant. If this happens, it will have to be moved to an area where there is more light. Near a window will be the best option that ensures an indoor succulent in healthy condition.

As for location, it is common to place them inside containers or pots. Clay ones are recommended so that they release excess moisture, an extremely important point that we will see later.

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Being a succulent, a Shrek ears plant needs its own substrate that has good drainage and only retains water to a certain extent. This helps it to avoid root rot due to prolonged exposure in contact with water.

These jade plants are from arid areas and store moisture in their leaves. The substrate is key to giving them an environment suitable for their needs. To achieve such a substrate, a mixture for succulents will be prepared by mixing equal parts peat and worm castings, with a smaller part of perlite, vermiculite or tepojal. It is also possible to find ready-made mixtures in specialized stores which are designed specifically for succulents.

It is recommended to apply a liquid fertilizer 2 or 3 times during the growing season. This is during spring, summer and autumn. Such fertilizing can be done once a month. It is not completely mandatory, but it will likely help the plant be the best Shrek ears plant it can be.

If Shrek ear plants are not for you, take a look at our guide to the best aromatic indoor plants which may be suitable for you.

Crassula ovata ‘gollum’ is a plant that needs moderate watering. Do not overwater Shrek's ear because it could rot. We will know when to water the substrate when the top layer is dry. Some succulents can have the soil completely dry before it needs more water, but Shrek ears plants should have slightly moist soil at all time. This means we might need to water a little more during high heat periods.

During the winter., watering must be reduced because Shrek ear jade plants go through a state of dormancy at this time. This means that growth will stop or be very slow, so there is no need to worry that it may be dead.

If you see your Crassula ovata ‘gollum’ or Shrek ears drops its leaves, it is possibly due to excess or lack of watering. It must also be taken into account that they periodically drop old leaves to renew themselves.

To verify that the cause of the problem is excessive watering, we will see that the leaves are very full. This is a result of root rot. To save it, you can change the substrate for a new one with more porous draining material, space out the watering until it stabilizes and place it under direct sun. If the root is too damaged, not much can be done. If we know we have been ignoring its irrigation, watering the Shrek's ear plant will likely show improvements.

Leaves that fall off for renewal reasons are usually those at the base. In this case, it is completely normal and there is no necessary action to take.

Shrek's ear jade plants are propagated by cuttings which are fragments of the plant. It can be made from the leaves or a stem, the first option being the best. This is because it will not to modify the mother plant significantly and is also usually provides a more successful propagation. Whatever cutting we choose, it must be from a healthy plant.

This method will be done during the spring to ensure success. The cuttings will be left to heal for 2 days in the air. Once we see their ends are closed, they are placed on the substrate. We will need to cover the cut area a little with soil. It is important not to overwater and only do so when the substrate is completely dry.

Now that you know about caring for Shrek ears plants (Crassula ovata ‘gollum’), you may want about other indoor succulents with our Echeveria pulvinata care guide and our paddle plant care guide.

If you want to read similar articles to Shrek Ears Plant - Caring for Crassula Ovata ‘Gollum’, we recommend you visit our Plant care and cultivation category.