Overview

Introduce a fascinating specimen to your indoor plant collection with the ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata, often recognized as the ‘Gollum Jade’ or ‘Ogre Ears’ due to its unique tubular, finger-like leaves. This captivating live succulent houseplant, a variety of the beloved Crassula ovata, is a native of South Africa and is celebrated for its distinctive appearance and resilience. Known also by delightful common names such as Jade Plant succulent, friendship tree, or lucky plant, this variety stands out with its striking elongated leaves that can develop reddish tips when exposed to ample sunlight. Its peculiar form is said to resemble the fingers of the alien character from the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” making it a whimsical addition to any home. This particular offering includes options for 4″ and 6″ pots, making it suitable for various display preferences and growth stages.

The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is not just a conversation starter; it’s also revered for its reputed ability to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner, making it a popular gift choice. As a slow-growing plant, it develops thick, woody stems and glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are a hallmark of the jade plant family. While primarily grown for its unique foliage, mature plants can produce small white or pink flowers in late winter or early spring, adding another layer of charm. This robust succulent is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant parents seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing houseplant.

Key Benefits

The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata offers a multitude of benefits, enhancing both your living space and your plant care routine. Its unique aesthetic combined with its ease of care makes it a truly rewarding plant to own and cultivate.

• Unique Ornamental Appeal: The distinctive tubular, finger-like leaves of this Jade Plant succulent create an intriguing visual texture that stands out among other houseplants. Its unusual form makes it a focal point in any room, adding a touch of exotic charm.
• Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant: Ideal for busy individuals or beginner plant enthusiasts, this succulent requires minimal watering and care. It thrives on neglect, making it a perfect choice for those who want beautiful greenery without a demanding schedule.
• Symbol of Good Luck & Prosperity: Often referred to as a lucky plant houseplant, the Crassula ovata is traditionally believed to bring good fortune and financial success to its owners. It’s a thoughtful gift for housewarmings or new beginnings.
• Air Purifying Qualities: Like many houseplants, the ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata contributes to a healthier indoor environment by helping to filter airborne toxins and improve air quality, promoting a fresher living space.
• Adaptable to Various Light Conditions: While it prefers bright, indirect light, this succulent can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it versatile for different areas of your home. It’s a resilient plant that adapts well to its surroundings.
• Long Lifespan: With proper Crassula ovata care, this plant can live for many years, even decades, becoming a long-term companion and a cherished part of your home decor.
• Compact & Versatile Size: Available in 4″ and 6″ pots, this plant is perfectly sized for desks, windowsills, shelves, or as part of a succulent arrangement, fitting seamlessly into various interior design schemes.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper Crassula ovata care is essential for the long-term health and vibrant appearance of your ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata. These succulents are generally easy to care for, but understanding their specific needs will ensure they thrive and grow beautifully in your home.

Sunlight Requirements: This succulent prefers bright, indirect light. A south-facing window with some protection from direct, harsh afternoon sun is ideal. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, too much intense sun can scorch its leaves. If kept in lower light conditions, the plant may become leggy and lose some of its vibrant coloration. For optimal growth and to encourage the reddish tips, aim for at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure even growth.

Watering Schedule & Soil Moisture: As a succulent, the ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is drought-tolerant and highly susceptible to overwatering. The most common mistake in succulent care is too much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. In warmer months (spring and summer), you might water every 2-4 weeks, while in cooler months (fall and winter), watering can be reduced to once a month or even less, depending on your home’s humidity. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before watering.

Soil Type & Drainage: This plant absolutely requires well-draining soil. A standard cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal. You can also create your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand in a 1:1 ratio. Good drainage prevents root rot, which is a common issue for succulents. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.

Temperature Range & USDA Hardiness Zone: The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata thrives in average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 40°F (4°C). If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to keep this plant indoors year-round. It is generally suited for USDA zones 9-11 if grown outdoors, but is predominantly an indoor houseplant.

Fertilization Schedule: Fertilize sparingly, if at all. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer) every 2-4 weeks. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilization can harm succulents.

Common Problems & Solutions: The primary issues for this variegated succulent care are related to watering. Yellowing leaves and soft, mushy stems indicate overwatering and potential root rot. Reduce watering immediately and repot if severe. Wrinkled or shriveling leaves usually mean underwatering; give the plant a good soak. Pests like mealybugs can occasionally appear; treat with neem oil or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.

Size & Details

The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is a charming, slow-growing succulent that makes an excellent addition to any indoor plant collection. Our offerings come as live plants in either a 4-inch or 6-inch nursery pot, providing a healthy root system ready for continued growth in your home. At maturity, this particular variety of Jade Plant succulent can reach heights of up to 3 feet and spread to about 2 feet wide, though it often remains more compact when grown in pots indoors. Its growth rate is moderate, allowing you to enjoy its unique form for many years without constant repotting.

Each plant is carefully selected to ensure it displays the characteristic tubular, finger-like leaves that give it its distinctive name. While the primary appeal is its foliage, mature plants may produce small white or pink flowers during the late winter or early spring months, adding seasonal interest. The plant will be shipped in its nursery pot, allowing for a smooth transition to its new environment. With proper Crassula ovata care, you can expect this resilient plant to thrive and become a long-lasting feature in your indoor garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is a slow-growing succulent that can eventually reach up to 3 feet in height and 2 feet in width when mature. Its size will also depend on the pot size and growing conditions, often staying smaller indoors.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is available in either a 4-inch or 6-inch nursery pot, providing a healthy start for your new houseplant. You can choose the size that best fits your space and desired growth.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is primarily an indoor plant in most climates due to its sensitivity to cold. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 where temperatures do not drop below freezing, but it thrives as a lucky plant houseplant.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This Jade Plant succulent prefers bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day. It can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata is considered a very easy-care succulent, making it excellent for beginners. Its drought tolerance and minimal needs contribute to its low-maintenance reputation, especially with proper variegated succulent care.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata will arrive as a live plant, carefully packaged in its nursery pot to ensure it reaches you in healthy condition, ready to be placed in its new home.
• Q: Is it pet-safe? A: Unfortunately, Crassula ovata varieties, including ET’s Fingers, are generally considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep this Jade Plant succulent out of reach of curious animals.
• Q: How often should I water my ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata? A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, this means every 2-4 weeks during the warmer growing season and even less frequently in winter.
• Q: Will my plant have flowers? A: Mature ET’s Fingers Crassula Ovata plants can produce small white or pink flowers in late winter or early spring, especially if they receive adequate light and have a period of cooler, drier conditions.
• Q: What type of soil is best for this succulent? A: A well-draining soil mix is crucial. Use a specialized cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own by adding perlite or coarse sand to regular potting soil to ensure excellent drainage for your Crassula ovata care.