Ogre Ear Succulent Care Guide

If you like plants that have unusual appearances and enjoy caring for them, then the ogre ear succulent is exactly what you need. Those strange plants are also called Crassula Ovata, or “Gollum Jade”. They are famous for their tubular, juicy foliage.

Since you came across this article, you must be wondering about the care of this plant. And you are in the right place, this how-to-care guide will give you all the essential information that you may need. So, let’s start exploring.

What Does Ogre Ear Succulent Look Like? 

Ogre ear succulent is a type of Jade plant. Some leaves of those plants are totally modified into a circular shape, while others have flutes. The leaves are light green but can get the red and blue hints in the presence of cold or dryness. The bright red leaf tips of fully fused leaves are common.

White flower clusters in the shape of stars cover the branches throughout the winter. The individuals that are placed in the coastal locations should have well-drained soil. Whereas inland regions should have some mild shade. Those beauties can be drought resistant, yet, the warmest months look best with slight watering. It is possible to cultivate ogre ear succulents both inside and outside. One need is to give the plant ample sunlight and a well-draining potting mix.

Light Requirements

When indoors, the plant will do best when placed in a well-lit area, preferably somewhere closer to a window. Try a window that faces east. Another option is a window that faces south and west. When maintained in full or partial shade, this plant develops a richer green tint. With further sun exposure, the hue lightens and the red points become more obvious.

If the plant begins to spread out and grow leggy, it means that the light it receives is insufficient and it is called etiolation. Weak and stunted development results from this. They require around 4-6 hours of strong light every day to be truly happy.

How Often To Water Succulents- Ogre Ears

Your local climate has a big impact on how often to water succulents. Although ogre's ears are well adapted to dry weather, they also perform well when given enough water as long as it isn't left on them for too long. There isn't really a defined timetable or method for watering succulents. If you live in a very dry and hot environment, then they will require more constant watering. However, if it is in a place with lower heat and higher humidity levels, you may not need to water them as frequently.

The answer to the question of how often to water succulents and specifically ogre's ears varies. It depends on the season. Watering can be done every 7 to 10 days throughout the summer. However, in winter, those plants enter the stage of dormancy and require much less (almost no) watering.

The rule of thumb of how often to water succulents, especially ogre ear is to let the soil dry. Before giving it additional water, you must check the dryness level. If the soil is completely dried, then you can give it additional watering.

As for the fertilizer, those amazing plants do not require fertilizing too much. However, if you want to help them you can feed them. The feeding must be done during the growing season. Give the liquid, half-strength fertilizer 2 or 3 times during the growing season. This will help the plant to develop and grow quickly.

Ogre ear soil requirements

Every soil mixture contains both organic and mineral components. Mineral matter, such as silt, sand, clay, and silt, assist soil drainage. So, the organic additions and decomposing plant tissue, serve to keep moisture in the soil. Humus is often found as an organic part of the soil too.  As a result, it gives nutrients to the plant.

Because succulents can withstand drought and don't need constant watering. Their potting soil has to be permeable and well-draining. Also, must contain less organic matter than typical indoor soil mixtures. The ideal soil is a loose, granular combination with a good amount of perlite, sand, or pumice.

Ogre ear succulent prefers the well-draining soil. Similarly to the plants such as Devils backbone plant, moonshine snake plant, Vicks plant, and pink panther plant. The right kind of soil and appropriate irrigation go hand in hand. We recommend you use the perlite and cactus potting soil in combination for better drainage.

Perfect Temperature For Ogre Ear Succulents

Those plants love the dry, desert environments and therefore will do well in arid conditions. Maintain a stable indoor temperature for your succulent. ideally between 65 and 85 degrees, and keep it free from drafts. Yet, if kept dry, succulents can tolerate lower temperatures as well, down to 45 Fahrenheit. 

You can even keep them outside but make sure to adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Keep them away from humid areas that can be found. For example, in the bathroom, moisture can cause decay in a similar way to overwatering.

Propagation and Pruning

The Crassula Hobbit may be pruned nearly like a bonsai tree. When it becomes well established, it likes to have woody stems. You may trim it to shape it into a spherical bush for a lovely attractive show. It is best to prune your beautiful greenery in the spring. Spring is good to keep a consistent shape and in the fall to reduce lanky growth.

Propagation of this succulent plant can be done by its cutting. At the base of the stem, remove a full leaf and let it dry or callus over. Place in potting soil that drains well, and spray it frequently to prevent drying out. Your Crassula Hobbit should start to grow a little root system shortly after that.

Bottom Line

In this article, we discussed one of the most unique and strange-looking plants. The Ogre ear succulent can be a great addition to any house. No matter what types of plants you prefer, this one will leave you satisfied. It is not picky at all and will thrive if you care for it and love it.