Crassula ovata ‘Horn Tree’

Tolkien Group history of Crassula ovata 'Horn Tree'

'Horn Tree' belongs to the Crassula ovata Tolkien Group, which includes jade forms with curled, partly fused leaves. Plants in this group have been grown since before 1980, and the same form is also sold under the name 'Hobbit'.

Wild Crassula ovata grows across south-eastern Mozambique and eastern and southern South Africa as a succulent shrub of dry subtropical landscapes.

Home care and shaping for Crassula ovata 'Horn Tree'

• Pruning: For shaping, cut just above a healthy leaf pair or branch joint. Allow fresh cuts to seal before the next watering.
• Light: Choose a very bright spot and build up direct sun until the plant receives several hours each day.
• Water: Let the mix dry completely before watering. Water deeply once, then allow all excess water to leave the container.
• Temperature and humidity: During growth, 18–24°C works well; about 10°C is the lower limit. Ordinary room humidity is fine.
• Potting mix: Use a fast-draining succulent mix with pumice, perlite or grit.
• Feeding: Two or three light feeds while growth is strong are enough; follow the label for a cactus or succulent fertiliser.

Crassula ovata 'Horn Tree': moisture, light and pest problems

• Softening leaves while the mix is wet: The roots have too much moisture around them. Pause watering until the mix has dried all the way through and check that the drainage holes are open.
• Leaves wrinkle and the compost is dry: The leaves have lost stored water during a long dry spell. Soak the mix deeply and allow the container to empty afterwards.
• Pale, weak new growth: The plant is not getting enough light. Move it towards stronger light, adding more direct sun as it adjusts.
• Fine pale speckling, cottony deposits or visible small insects: Mealybugs, spider mites or aphids may be feeding on the new growth. Inspect the affected areas and clear visible pests carefully. If pests are still present, select a treatment for succulents according to its label.

Crassula ovata ‘Horn Tree’ is toxic to cats and dogs

• Keep this plant away from cats and dogs that may chew it.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, vomiting, stomach pain or weakness.
• Contact a veterinarian after pet ingestion. Seek medical advice if a person swallows the plant and becomes unwell.

What does the name Crassula ovata mean?

Crassula comes from the Latin crassus, meaning thick. The epithet ovata means egg-shaped and describes the fleshy leaves of the typical species.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Crassula in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 283.

Philip Miller first described it as Cotyledon ovata in 1768 in The Gardeners Dictionary, eighth edition, n.° 8. George Claridge Druce later placed it in Crassula as Crassula ovata in 1917 in Report of the Botanical Society and Exchange Club of the British Isles, volume 1916, page 617.