Ogre Ears (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’), a unique variety of the popular jade plant, is known for its tubular, fleshy green leaves that resemble the ears of the fictional character, Shrek. These succulents are not only visually appealing but also hardy and easy to care for, making them a favorite among plant enthusiasts. One of the great things about Ogre Ears is that they are easy to propagate, meaning you can grow new plants from a single parent plant.
In this guide, we will cover the steps and techniques for propagating Ogre Ears successfully, whether through leaf, stem cuttings, or division.
What Are Ogre Ears?
Ogre Ears, also known as Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ or Shrek’s Ears, is a unique cultivar of the jade plant. Its distinctive, tubular leaves are often curled at the tips, creating a trumpet-like shape. These succulents are easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and can thrive both indoors and outdoors with the right conditions. Like other jade plants, Ogre Ears grow slowly, but with patience, they can become large, beautiful additions to any plant collection.
Why Propagate Ogre Ears?
Propagating Ogre Ears is not only a fun and rewarding process, but it’s also a great way to expand your collection or share this fascinating plant with friends and family. Additionally, if your existing plant becomes leggy or overgrown, propagation can help rejuvenate it, encouraging fuller, bushier growth.
Method of Propagating Ogre Ears
There are several ways to propagate Ogre Ears, with the three most common methods being:
Leaf Cuttings
Stem Cuttings
Division
Let’s break down each method and how you can apply them to grow new Ogre Ears plants.
1. Propagating Ogre Ears from Leaf Cuttings
One of the easiest methods of propagating Ogre Ears is through leaf cuttings. This process involves removing individual leaves from the parent plant and encouraging them to grow into new plants.
Step-by-Step Guide for Leaf Cuttings:
Select a Healthy Leaf: Choose a plump, healthy leaf from the plant. Look for leaves that are free of blemishes, diseases, or discoloration. It’s best to select a mature leaf rather than a young one because mature leaves have a better chance of rooting and growing successfully.
Gently Remove the Leaf: Using your fingers or a clean, sharp pair of scissors, carefully twist or cut the leaf from the plant. Ensure that the entire leaf, including the base where it attaches to the stem, is intact. If part of the leaf base is damaged, it may not root properly.
Let the Leaf Callous Over: After removing the leaf, set it aside in a dry, shaded area for 1-2 days. This allows the cut end to callous over, which is essential to prevent rot when the leaf is placed in soil.
Prepare the Potting Mix: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. If you prefer, you can make your own mix by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite. Ogre Ears, like other succulents, do not tolerate sitting in wet soil, so proper drainage is crucial.
Place the Leaf on Top of the Soil: Once the leaf has calloused, place it on top of the potting mix without burying it. It’s important not to push the leaf into the soil, as this can cause it to rot. The leaf will begin to develop roots from the cut end over time.
Water Sparingly: Lightly mist the soil once every few days or whenever the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause the leaf to rot. In a few weeks, you should see tiny roots emerging from the base of the leaf, followed by new growth.
Wait for New Growth: Propagating succulents through leaf cuttings takes time. Be patient as the new plantlet develops. Eventually, the parent leaf will wither and die, but by then, the new plant will have established roots and leaves of its own.
See also: How to Propagate Succulents in Soil
2. Propagating Ogre Ears from Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another popular method of propagating Ogre Ears. This method is faster than leaf cuttings and often results in a more established plant more quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide for Stem Cuttings:
Choose a Healthy Stem: Select a healthy, mature stem from the parent plant that is at least 3-4 inches long. The stem should have several leaves attached and be free of any diseases or damage.
Make a Clean Cut: Using a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors, cut the stem just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). Make sure your cutting tool is sterilized to prevent introducing any pathogens to the plant.
Remove the Lower Leaves: Remove a few leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving the top few leaves intact. This will give the stem cutting more surface area to root while preventing the leaves from sitting in the soil, which can cause rot.
Allow the Cutting to Callous: Just like with leaf cuttings, it’s essential to let the cut end of the stem callous over before planting. Set the cutting aside for 1-2 days in a dry, shaded area.
Prepare the Potting Mix: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix for your stem cutting. Fill a small pot with the mix and make a hole in the center for the stem cutting.
Plant the Cutting: Once the stem has calloused, gently place it into the hole you’ve made in the soil. Make sure the cut end is buried in the soil, while the remaining leaves stay above the surface.
Water Sparingly: Lightly water the soil to keep it slightly moist but not soggy. Overwatering can cause the cutting to rot before it has a chance to root.
Wait for Roots to Develop: Within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. You’ll know it’s rooted when you gently tug on the cutting and feel resistance. At this point, you can start treating the new plant like a mature Ogre Ears succulent.
3. Propagating Ogre Ears by Division
For those with a larger, well-established Ogre Ears plant, propagation by division is an option. This method involves dividing the plant into multiple sections, each with its own roots and stems.
Step-by-Step Guide for Division:
Remove the Parent Plant from Its Pot: Gently remove the parent plant from its pot by tipping it upside down and supporting the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the roots during this process.
Inspect the Root System: Examine the root system to identify where the plant can be divided. Look for natural separations in the plant where you can carefully separate the stems and roots.
Divide the Plant: Using your hands or a clean knife, carefully divide the plant into sections. Each section should have its own roots and stems. If necessary, trim any damaged or overly long roots.
Repot the Divisions: Once you’ve divided the plant, place each section into its own pot filled with well-draining succulent mix. Gently firm the soil around the roots to ensure the plant is stable.
Water Sparingly: Water the newly divided plants lightly, being careful not to overwater. The roots may take some time to adjust to their new environment, so be patient.
Provide Proper Care: After dividing, place the plants in a location with bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. With time, the new divisions will grow into healthy, mature plants.
Caring for Your Newly Propagated Ogre Ears
Once you’ve successfully propagated your Ogre Ears, it’s important to provide the right care to ensure they thrive. Here are a few tips to help your new plants grow strong and healthy:
Light: Ogre Ears prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become sunburned, while too little light can result in leggy, weak growth.
Water: Like most succulents, Ogre Ears are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings. Water only when the soil is completely dry, and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix, to prevent water from accumulating in the soil.
Temperature: Ogre Ears thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost.
Conclusion: Propagating Ogre Ears Is Easy and Rewarding
Propagating Ogre Ears is a simple and enjoyable process, whether you’re using leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or division. By following these step-by-step instructions and providing proper care, you can successfully grow new plants and expand your collection. With a little patience and attention, your new Ogre Ears succulents will thrive and become a stunning addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.
