Money Plant Crassula Ovata Gollum From Leaf – Your Simple Guide To

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at the quirky, trumpet-shaped leaves of a Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ and thought, “I wish I had more of these”? It feels like a plant straight out of a fantasy world, and the idea of creating a whole new one from just a single leaf can seem like magic.

I get it. Many gardeners, especially those new to succulents, feel intimidated by propagation. They worry they’ll do it wrong and end up with a mushy, failed attempt.

I promise you, it’s not magic, and it’s far easier than you think. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the simple, rewarding process of growing a money plant crassula ovata gollum from leaf. We’ll cover everything from picking the perfect leaf and nurturing your new plantlet to troubleshooting common issues, turning you into a propagation pro in no time.

Meet Your New Favorite Succulent: The ‘Gollum’ Jade Plant

Before we dive into making new plants, let’s get properly acquainted with this fascinating succulent. Often called ‘Gollum’ Jade, ‘Trumpet’ Jade, or even ‘Ogre’s Ears’, Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ is a unique cultivar of the common Jade Plant.

Its most striking feature is its leaves. Instead of being flat and oval, they are tubular, almost like a little green finger with a reddish, suction-cup-like tip. This unique appearance makes it a standout in any succulent collection.

Don’t let its exotic looks fool you—this plant is incredibly resilient and forgiving. It’s a perfect succulent for beginners, and its ability to grow from a single leaf is one of its most magical qualities.

Gather Your Supplies: The Propagation Toolkit

Good news! You don’t need a fancy laboratory or expensive equipment for this project. In fact, you probably have everything you need already. This is a perfect example of a sustainable money plant crassula ovata gollum from leaf project.

Here’s your simple checklist:

  • A Healthy Mother Plant: Your success starts here. Choose a well-established, healthy ‘Gollum’ Jade to take a leaf from.
  • Your Hands: A gentle twist is all you need. A sterilized blade or scissors can be used, but the twist method often yields the best results.
  • A Shallow Tray or Pot: A terracotta saucer, a clean takeout container with holes poked in it, or a small nursery pot will work perfectly.
  • Well-Draining Soil: This is non-negotiable. Use a pre-made cactus or succulent mix, or create your own by mixing potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.

The Complete Guide: How to Propagate a Money Plant Crassula Ovata Gollum from Leaf

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a whole new family of ‘Gollum’ Jades. This is the core of our money plant crassula ovata gollum from leaf guide.

Step 1: Select and Remove the Perfect Leaf

The leaf you choose is the foundation of your new plant. Look for one that is plump, firm, and vibrant. Avoid any leaves that are yellowing, wrinkled, or have any spots or damage.

To remove it, gently hold the leaf near its base where it connects to the stem. With a slight side-to-side twisting motion, pull it off. You want a clean break right at the stem. If part of the leaf base is left behind, it likely won’t propagate. Don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries to get the hang of it!

Step 2: Let it Callous (This is the Secret to Success!)

This is the most important step and the one people often skip. You need to let the tiny wound at the base of the leaf dry out and form a “scab” or callus. This prevents the leaf from absorbing too much water and rotting when you place it on soil.

READ MORE  Can Money Plant Grow Underwater – The Ultimate Guide For A Lush

Simply place your leaf on a paper towel in a spot with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. This can take anywhere from three days to a week. You’ll know it’s ready when the end is dry and sealed over.

Step 3: Place Your Leaf on Soil

Fill your shallow tray with your well-draining succulent soil. Now, just lay the calloused leaf right on top of the dry soil. You don’t need to bury it!

Some people like to stick the calloused end slightly into the soil, but I find laying it flat on top reduces the risk of rot. The roots will find their way down into the soil on their own.

Step 4: The Waiting Game – Light and Water

Place your tray in a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. A north-facing window or a spot a few feet from a sunny window is ideal. Direct sun will scorch your little leaf before it has a chance to grow.

Now, for watering: do not water it yet. The leaf has all the water and nutrients it needs to start producing roots. After about a week, you can start lightly misting the soil around the leaf every few days, but only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the number one enemy of propagation.

Patience is key here. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a month before you see tiny pink roots emerging from the base of the leaf. Soon after, a miniature ‘Gollum’ plantlet will begin to form. It’s a truly magical sight!

Your New Baby: The Money Plant Crassula Ovata Gollum from Leaf Care Guide

You did it! You have a tiny new plant. Now what? Caring for your new plantlet is simple, but the rules are a little different than for a mature plant.

When to Water Your Plantlet

Once your plantlet has established a small root system, you can switch from misting to watering. Use a small watering can or squeeze bottle to gently water the soil around the plantlet, avoiding the leaves. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Light and Temperature Needs

As your new ‘Gollum’ grows stronger, it can handle a bit more light. You can gradually move it to a location with a few hours of gentle morning sun. Continue to protect it from harsh afternoon sunlight, which can still be too intense for its delicate structure.

Separating and Repotting

There’s no rush to repot. The mother leaf will continue to provide nutrients to the new plantlet. Over time, the original leaf will shrivel up and eventually fall off on its own. Once the new plant is about an inch tall and the mother leaf is gone, you can gently transplant it into its own small pot.

Common Problems with Money Plant Crassula Ovata Gollum from Leaf Propagation

Even with the best care, you might run into a few hiccups. Don’t be discouraged! Here are some common problems and how to solve them.

Problem: My Leaf Turned Mushy and Black

This is almost always a sign of rot, caused by too much moisture. It likely happened because the leaf wasn’t allowed to callous properly or the soil was kept too wet. Unfortunately, a rotting leaf can’t be saved. Just toss it and start again, making sure to let the next one fully callous.

Problem: The Leaf Shrivelled Up with No Growth

Sometimes, a leaf just doesn’t have enough energy to produce a new plant. It’s a numbers game! This is why I always recommend propagating several leaves at once to increase your chances of success. It could also be that the environment was too hot or dry. Check your conditions and try again.

READ MORE  Chinese Money Plant Yellow Leaves Brown Spots - A Gardener'S 5-Step

Problem: It’s Been a Month and Nothing Is Happening!

Patience, my friend! Succulent propagation is a slow process. As long as the leaf is still firm and green and shows no signs of rot, it’s still viable. Just leave it be and give it more time. It could take two months or more in some cases.

The Joyful Benefits of Money Plant Crassula Ovata Gollum from Leaf Propagation

Beyond just getting a new plant, this process is rewarding in so many ways and is one of the best eco-friendly money plant crassula ovata gollum from leaf practices you can adopt.

  • It’s Free: You can create an endless supply of new plants without spending a dime. They make wonderful, personal gifts for friends and family.
  • It’s Sustainable: Propagating reduces the demand for commercially grown plants, cutting down on plastic pots, soil waste, and transportation emissions.
  • It’s Deeply Rewarding: There is a unique sense of accomplishment and connection that comes from nurturing a new life from a single leaf. It’s a wonderful lesson in patience and the resilience of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Propagating Crassula Ovata ‘Gollum’

How long does it take for a ‘Gollum’ Jade leaf to root?

It varies widely depending on conditions like light, temperature, and the health of the leaf. Generally, you can expect to see the first signs of roots in 3 to 6 weeks, with a new plantlet appearing shortly after.

Can I propagate ‘Gollum’ Jade in water?

While some succulents can be propagated in water, it’s not recommended for Jade plants. They are highly susceptible to rot, and transitioning them from water to soil can be difficult. Soil propagation is a much safer and more reliable method.

Why are my ‘Gollum’ Jade leaves turning yellow?

On a mature plant, yellowing leaves are most often a sign of overwatering. Ensure the soil is drying out completely between waterings. If it’s your propagating leaf that’s yellowing before rooting, it may just be running out of energy and won’t be viable.

Do I need to use rooting hormone?

Nope! Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ roots so easily on its own that rooting hormone is completely unnecessary. It’s one of the best parts about this easygoing plant.

Go Forth and Propagate!

You are now equipped with all the money plant crassula ovata gollum from leaf tips and knowledge you need to successfully create new plants. The process is a simple and beautiful cycle: select a healthy leaf, allow it to callous, place it on soil, and wait patiently for new life to emerge.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Propagate a few leaves at a time and see what happens. It’s a journey of small, quiet miracles happening right on your windowsill.

So go ahead, give it a try. Your garden (and your wallet) will thank you for it. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts