Caring for a Hobbit Succulent

Appearance

• "Hobbit" jade plant has smaller, curled-back to quilled leaves compared to the larger, flat, oval leaves of the regular jade plant. A lot of variation in leaf shape occurs, with spoon-shaped, shovel-shaped and wide-open tubes possible. Some people liken the shapes to those of pita bread or gyros. It is also a shorter plant, growing 20 to 32 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. "Hobbit" has a thick, succulent trunk that develops interesting patterns and textures with age. Mature plants produce clusters of white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers similar to those of jade plant.

Growing Conditions

• Give "Hobbit" full sun to partial shade, depending on the intensity of sun in your area. In hot, dry climates "Hobbit" needs partial shade, but in winter it needs at least four hours of direct sun to develop its red leaf coloration. "Hobbit" can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. In USDA zone 8 and below, bring "Hobbit" indoors well before the first frost and return it outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Soil and Containers

• With its succulent habit, "Hobbit" needs a well-draining, open, cactus and succulent growing medium. The pot should be just 2 inches wider than the plant's root ball. When the "Hobbit" becomes root-bound, give it just the next largest pot size. Only use a pot with a drainage hole. You can use a decorative pot without a hole if you have the "Hobbit" in an inner pot with drain holes and take the plant out of the decorative pot to water it, allowing the excess water to drain away before replacing it.

Watering

• The most common mistake in caring for a succulent plant is not watering it correctly. When you water the "Hobbit," water it thoroughly so the growing medium in the pot is completely wet and excess water flows out the drainage holes. Then let the plant dry out at least 2 inches down from the top of the soil before watering it again. When the plant is growing actively, you might need to water it weekly. When it is dormant, water needs might go down to every other week or less often. Test the soil by using a probe, like a chopstick or pencil, before you water your plant. Fertilize the plant once at the start of the growing season with a half-strength application of a balanced liquid fertilizer such as 10 drops of an 8-7-6 formulation in 1 quart of water. Follow the directions on the brand of fertilizer you buy.