Overview

Introducing the captivating ogre’s ears succulent plant, a truly unique variety of Crassula ovata, often referred to as ‘Gollum Jade’ or ‘Trumpet Jade’. This live plant is renowned for its unusual, tubular leaves that resemble the ears of an ogre, hence its whimsical name. An excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners, this Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’ succulent brings a touch of architectural interest and vibrant green hues to any indoor or outdoor setting. Known for its resilience and striking appearance, it’s a fantastic specimen for rock gardens, succulent arrangements, or as a standalone potted plant. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an ideal choice for those seeking beauty without extensive upkeep.

As a member of the Crassulaceae family, this unique succulent variety is native to South Africa and is celebrated for its hardy, drought-tolerant characteristics. It’s a slow-growing plant that can eventually develop into a small, tree-like bush, making it a long-lasting and rewarding addition to your plant collection. The ‘Ogre’s Ears’ succulent is not only visually appealing but also contributes to a serene environment, making it a popular choice for home and office decor. Embrace the charm of this extraordinary plant and enjoy its distinctive form and easy-to-care-for nature.

Key Benefits

The ogre’s ears succulent plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly desirable choice for plant lovers. Its unique characteristics contribute to both aesthetic appeal and ease of care:

• Distinctive Appearance: The tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves of the Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’ are truly eye-catching and provide a unique textural element to any plant display. It’s a conversation starter and a visual delight.

• Drought Tolerance: Like most succulents, this plant is incredibly forgiving of infrequent watering. It stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals or those in arid climates, embodying the resilience of drought tolerant plants.

• Low Maintenance: This is an easy care houseplant that requires minimal attention. With proper light and occasional watering, it thrives without needing constant fuss, making it ideal for beginners.

• Versatile Placement: The ‘Ogre’s Ears’ succulent can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in suitable climates. It adapts well to various settings, from windowsills to garden beds.

• Air Purification: While not as prominent as some other plants, succulents contribute to improving indoor air quality by absorbing certain toxins and releasing oxygen, albeit in smaller amounts.

• Long Lifespan: With proper care, a Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’ can live for many years, growing into a mature and impressive specimen that continues to bring joy.

• Easy Propagation: This succulent is relatively easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings, allowing you to easily share its unique beauty with friends and expand your collection of unique succulent varieties.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your ogre’s ears succulent plant is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. The key to its health and vibrant growth lies in providing the right conditions, particularly regarding light and water. This succulent thrives in bright, sunny locations. For indoor plants, a south-facing window is ideal, providing several hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown outdoors, ensure it receives at least six hours of direct sun, though some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates can prevent sunburn. Insufficient light will lead to leggy growth and duller coloration, impacting the distinctive look of your Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’.

Watering is perhaps the most critical aspect of succulent care. This drought tolerant plant prefers infrequent but thorough watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water deeply until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent demise, leading to root rot. During winter months or periods of dormancy, reduce watering significantly. The ideal soil for ‘Ogre’s Ears’ is a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can enhance drainage by adding pumice, perlite, or coarse sand to regular potting soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent water from sitting around the roots. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted succulent fertilizer, typically once a month or every other month. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is less active. This easy care houseplant generally tolerates a wide range of temperatures but should be protected from frost. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Size & Details

The ogre’s ears succulent plant typically ships as a young, robust specimen, ready to establish itself in its new home. While exact dimensions can vary, you can expect a plant similar in size and vigor to those pictured. Most plants are shipped bare root, meaning without a pot and minimal soil, to ensure safe and efficient transit. This method encourages the plant to quickly adapt to its new growing medium upon arrival. These succulents are relatively slow growers but can eventually reach a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and a similar spread when mature, forming a charming, miniature tree-like structure. The leaves themselves can vary in length, typically ranging from 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm). This unique succulent variety is perfect for small pots, terrariums, or as part of a larger succulent garden.

When you receive your Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’, it will arrive in excellent health, though it may show slight color variations due to shipping stress or seasonal changes. It is a perennial evergreen, maintaining its unique foliage year-round. Given proper care, it will gradually develop its full, distinctive form. While specific pot size is not guaranteed upon arrival (especially for bare root plants), it is recommended to plant it in a pot that is approximately 4-6 inches in diameter to allow for initial growth. This plant does not typically flower profusely indoors, but mature outdoor specimens may produce small, star-shaped white or pinkish flowers in late fall or winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this ogre’s ears succulent plant get? A: A mature Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’ can reach a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and a similar spread, forming a small, tree-like bush over many years. Its growth rate is relatively slow.

• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This succulent is versatile and can thrive as an indoor houseplant in bright, sunny locations or outdoors in climates that do not experience freezing temperatures (USDA zones 9-11). It’s an excellent easy care houseplant.

• Q: How much sunlight does the ‘Ogre’s Ears’ succulent need? A: It requires ample sunlight to thrive, ideally at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. A south-facing window is perfect for indoor plants. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth.

• Q: How often should I water my Crassula ovata ‘Ogre’s Ears’? A: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. This is key for this drought tolerant plant.

• Q: What kind of soil is best for this unique succulent variety? A: A well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can amend regular potting soil with pumice, perlite, or coarse sand to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

• Q: Is the ‘Ogre’s Ears’ succulent safe for pets? A: Crassula ovata varieties, including ‘Ogre’s Ears’, are generally considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious animals.

• Q: What condition will the plant arrive in? A: Most plants are shipped bare root, carefully packaged to ensure their health during transit. You will receive a very similar plant to the one shown in photos, though slight variations in shape and color are natural.

• Q: Can I propagate my ogre’s ears succulent plant? A: Yes, it is relatively easy to propagate from leaf or stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.

• Q: What is the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: This succulent is sensitive to frost. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F (4°C) but should be brought indoors or protected if temperatures drop below this.

• Q: Does this easy care houseplant flower? A: Mature plants, especially when grown outdoors, can produce small clusters of white or pinkish star-shaped flowers, typically in late fall or winter. Indoor flowering is less common.