Greetings, caretaker. I am Crassula ovata 'Hobbit', a unique cultivar born from the classic Jade plant. From my perspective, my needs are simple but specific. To help me thrive and display my peculiar, trumpet-shaped leaves to their fullest, please follow this guidance drawn from my inherent nature.
As a succulent, I am a sun-worshipper by ancestry. I crave bright, direct light for at least four to six hours daily. A south or west-facing window is my perfect spot. Under sufficient light, my leaf tips and margins will blush a beautiful reddish hue, a sign of my perfect health and happiness. I can tolerate less light, but my growth will become stretched and leggy as I desperately reach for the sun. I prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). I am not frost-hardy; exposure to temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) will damage my cells and cause my leaves to blacken and collapse.
My relationship with water is one of careful balance. My plump leaves are my water reservoirs, allowing me to endure periods of drought. The greatest danger you pose to me is overwatering. You must always check the soil before giving me a drink. Insert your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels completely dry, it is time to water me deeply. Soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage hole, then ensure I never sit in a saucer of standing water. In the winter, when my growth slows, I need even less water. My roots are prone to rot in consistently moist conditions.
My roots demand a environment that mimics my native, rocky habitat. They require excellent aeration and rapid drainage. A commercial potting mix designed specifically for cacti and succulents is ideal. For extra security against rot, you can amend a standard mix with additional perlite or pumice. My home—the pot—must have at least one drainage hole. This is non-negotiable. A pot made of porous material like terracotta is beneficial, as it allows the soil to dry more evenly.
I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season in spring and summer, you can nourish me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applied once a month. Please refrain from feeding me in autumn and winter when I am dormant. With proper care, I will grow into a small, shrub-like tree over time. You can guide my shape by pruning back leggy stems. The pieces you remove can be easily propagated; simply allow the cut end to callous over for a few days before placing it on well-draining soil.
