Crassula Ovata gollum f. variegata

Crassula ovata Gollum Variegata: The Rare Treasure

A Crassula Ovata gollum f. variegata is a captivating succulent that stands out for its peculiar appearance and vibrant colors. It is a variegated variation of the popular ‘Gollum’, famous for its tubular, elongated leaves, which resemble “Shrek’s ears”. It’s a plant that adds a fun, exotic and colorful touch to any collection.

Features:

• Leaves: Tubular and elongated, with tapered tips and often with a small concavity, resembling fingers or “Shrek’s ears”.
• Color: Predominantly bright green to lime green, with striking cream-colored variegation in shades of vibrant pink and white. The intensity of the color varies with sun exposure, becoming brighter and richer in bright light.
• Shape: Bushy and branched, developing into a compact, multi-stemmed plant over time. It can reach up to 60-90 cm in height under ideal conditions, but is slow-growing.
• Texture: Smooth and shiny, with variegation adding extra visual interest.
• Growth: Slow to moderate, forming a robust, branched structure.
• Flowering: It produces small star-shaped flowers, usually white or pale pink, which appear in clusters in late autumn or early winter, providing a delicate contrast to the foliage.

Care:

• Light: It needs bright sunlight for most of the day so that the pink, white variegation is vibrant. In places with little light, the variegation may fade and the plant may elongate.
• Watering: Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. Like all succulents, it is susceptible to excess water, which can lead to root rot. In winter, significantly reduce the frequency of watering.
• Substrate: Use a specific substrate for succulents and cacti, with excellent drainage. A mixture of coarse sand, perlite or pumice is essential to prevent waterlogging.
• Temperature: Adapts well to mild temperatures (18-28°C). Protect it from strong frosts in winter.
• Ventilation: Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases and keeps the plant healthy.

Where to grow:

• Vases: Perfect for decorative pots, where its sculptural shape and colorful variegation can be appreciated as a focal point indoors (with good light) or outdoors (balconies, patios).
• Succulent arrangements: Adds a unique texture and pop of color to any mixed succulent arrangement, creating an interesting contrast with other shapes and colors.
• Rock gardens: In mild climates, it can be integrated into well-drained rock gardens, standing out for its shape and color.
• Themed environments: Ideal for collections of unusual plants or for those looking for an exotic and playful touch.