Crassula ‘Hobbit Jade’ is a popular cultivar of the Crassula Ovata species, commonly known as the jade plant or money tree. This slow-growing variety is known for its small, round leaves that are tightly packed together on the stem. The best time to propagate Crassula ‘Hobbit’ (Finger Jade) or any other plants is typically during the growing season, which is usually in spring or summer.
Methods to Propagate Hobbit Jade Plant
It is a popular indoor plant and can be propagated easily through stem or leaf cuttings.
During spring or summer season, Crassula ‘Hobbit Jade’ plant is actively producing new growth and has more energy to focus on developing roots from cuttings. The warmer temperatures and increased light during these seasons also help to promote healthy root growth.
1. Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Crassula Hobbit Jade can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from an adult plant and rooting it in soil to grow a new plant.
Here are the steps to propagate Crassula ‘Hobbit’ through stem cuttings:
- Prepare the stem cuttings: Use a sharp and clean pair of scissors or a knife to take stem cuttings from the parent plant. Make sure to choose a healthy, disease-free stem that is at least 2-3 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node, which is the point on the stem where leaves grow.
- Allow the cuttings to dry: Before planting the cuttings, allow them to dry for a day or two to allow the cut end to callus over. This will prevent the cuttings from rotting when planted.
- Plant the cuttings: Once the cuttings have callused over, you can plant them in a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix, or you can use a combination of perlite, sand and peat moss. Make sure to plant the cuttings about an inch deep in the soil.
- Water and provide light: Place the cuttings in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, to prevent rotting.
- Wait for roots to grow: Keep an eye on the cuttings and wait for roots to grow. It can take several weeks to a few months for the roots to develop and for new growth to appear. Once the roots have grown and new growth appears, the cutting can be considered a new plant and can be transplanted to a larger pot.
2. Propagation through Leaf Cuttings
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ can also be propagated through leaf cuttings. This method involves taking a leaf cutting from an adult plant and rooting it in soil to grow a new plant. Here are the steps to propagate Crassula ‘Hobbit’ through leaf cuttings:
- Prepare the leaf cuttings: Use a sharp and clean pair of scissors or a knife to take leaf cuttings from the parent plant. Make sure to choose a healthy, disease-free leaf that is at least 1-2 inches long.
- Allow the cuttings to dry: Before planting the cuttings, let them sit out for a day or two to allow the cut end to harden. This will prevent rotting when planted.
- Plant the cuttings: After the cuttings have hardened, plant them in a well-draining soil mix that is suitable for cacti or succulents. Alternatively, you can mix perlite, sand, and peat moss to create the soil. Ensure that the cuttings are planted about an inch deep in the soil and bury the stem of leaf cuttings, not the leaf itself.
- Water and provide light: “Place the cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light, and avoid direct sunlight. Water only when the soil is completely dry, to prevent rotting and to avoid over-watering
- Wait for roots to grow: Monitor the cuttings regularly and wait for roots to form. It may take several weeks to a few months for roots to develop and new growth to appear. Once roots have formed and new growth is visible, the cutting can be considered a new plant and can be transferred to a larger pot.
Both methods are easy to follow and it’s a matter of personal preference which method you choose. Keep in mind that both methods will work best during the plant’s growing season, typically in the spring and summer. It’s also important to use a sharp and clean pair of scissors or knife to take the cuttings, to ensure that they are disease-free and healthy. Once the cuttings have rooted and new growth appears, the cutting can be considered a new plant and can be transplanted to a larger pot.
It’s also important to note that propagating Crassula ‘Hobbit’ can take some time and patience as it’s a slow-growing variety. But with proper care, your new plants will thrive and grow in no time.
Crassula Ovata ‘Hobbit’ vs ‘Gollum’ Jade Plant
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ and Crassula ‘Gollum’ are both cultivars of the Crassula Ovata species, commonly known as the jade plant or money tree. Both cultivars are known for their unique, finger-like leaves that are small and plump.
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ has small, round leaves that are tightly packed together on the stem. It is a slow-growing variety that is often used as a bonsai plant.
Crassula ‘Gollum’ has elongated, tubular leaves that are slightly curved and have a reddish tint on the edges. It is a taller and more vigorous grower compared to ‘Hobbit’.
Both cultivars are easy to care for and are popular as indoor plants. They require bright light, well-draining soil and occasional watering.
Does Crassula ‘Hobbit’ cuttings root in water?
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ cuttings can be rooted in water, but it is not the most ideal method of propagation. Like most succulent plants, Crassula ‘Hobbit’ cuttings can be rooted in water, but the process can take longer, and the roots that form may not be as robust or healthy as those that form in soil.
Water-rooted cuttings are also more susceptible to rotting and fungus growth, especially if the water is not changed frequently and if the environment is not clean and sterile.
When rooting cuttings in water, it is important to change the water frequently and to keep the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Once roots have formed, the cutting should be transplanted to a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix, or a combination of perlite, sand, and peat moss.
It’s always better to propagate the Crassula ‘Hobbit’ through stem or leaf cuttings in soil, as it is a more reliable method of propagation and it results in stronger and healthier plants.
It’s always better to follow the recommended method of propagation, in this case is through stem or leaf cuttings in soil, as it is a more reliable method that results in stronger and healthier plants.
FAQs
Q1: What is Crassula ‘Hobbit’?
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ is a cultivar of the Crassula Ovata species, commonly known as the jade plant or money tree. This slow-growing variety is known for its small, round leaves that are tightly packed together on the stem, making it a popular indoor bonsai plant.
Q2: What are the care requirements for Crassula ‘Hobbit’?
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ is easy to care for and requires bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. It’s important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers temperatures above 45 Fahrenheit.
Q3: How can I propagate Crassula ‘Hobbit’?
Crassula ‘Hobbit’ can be easily propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the plant’s growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer. Once the cuttings have callused over, they can be planted in a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix or a combination of perlite, sand, and peat moss. Keep an eye on the cuttings and wait for roots to grow, it can take several weeks to a few months for the roots to develop and for new growth to appear.
