Crassula Ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade, ‘Shreks Ears’: Unveiling the Unique Succulent’s Care Guide

The Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’ is a distinct cultivar of the well-known jade plant, a type of succulent treasured for its plump, fleshy foliage.

This particular variety features leaves that resemble the fingers of the beloved alien character from the classic movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” hence its whimsical name. With its native roots in South Africa, this evergreen shrub has adapted to thrive in warm, arid conditions, making it an excellent plant for dry environments.

A cluster of Crassula ovata 'ET's Fingers' Jade, with thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a spiral pattern, growing in a small terracotta pot on a sunny windowsill

As a houseplant, ‘ET’s Fingers’ offers a unique aesthetic with its vertical growth and monstrose leaf formations. This succulent is particularly valued for its low-maintenance care, capable of enduring less than ideal conditions that would challenge other plants, such as low light and irregular watering.

Its resilience and ease of care make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to add a touch of greenery indoors.

Succulents like ‘ET’s Fingers’ are increasingly popular not just for their ornamental appeal but also for their supposed ability to improve indoor air quality.

They fit beautifully into various interior design schemes and are often mentioned in discussions about feng shui as plants that can potentially bring good fortune to a home. Whether grown as a single specimen or grouped with other succulents, ‘ET’s Fingers’ offers a compelling mix of visual interest and traditional jade plant virtues.

Plant Profile

A close-up of Crassula ovata 'ET's Fingers' Jade plant with thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a star-like pattern, with a backdrop of pebbles and small rocks

This section explores the specific details of Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’, a distinctive cultivar of the jade plant known for its unique foliage.

Botanical Overview

The jade plant, commonly recognized for its succulent attributes and resilience, belongs to the Crassula genus within the Crassulaceae family.

The scientific name of this particular cultivar is Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’. It is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, renowned for its ability to adapt to hot, dry, and sunny climates.

  • Family: Crassulaceae
  • Genus: Crassula
  • Plant Type: Succulent shrub
  • Common Name: ET’s Fingers Jade

Cultivar Characteristics

The ‘ET’s Fingers’ cultivar stands out with its tubular leaves, which bear a resemblance to fingers, complete with concave tips. The foliage can exhibit a dramatic reddish tinge under cooler weather conditions.

This evergreen plant maintains a consistent presence throughout the year, exhibiting a unique growth habit that captures the interest of plant enthusiasts.

  • Common Names: ET’s Fingers Jade Plant, Skinny Fingers, Baby Toes, Shrek Ears, Ogre Ears
  • Mature Size: Moderate size compared to other houseplants
  • Growth Habit: Clustered, tubular leaves branching from woody stems

‘ET’s Fingers’ is a cultivar that does well as a houseplant, given its modest size and interesting appearance, making it a striking addition to indoor plant collections.

Care Guide

A small pot with Crassula ovata 'ET's Fingers' Jade, sitting on a sunny windowsill with a few drops of water on the leaves

Growing Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’ requires attention to a few specific conditions: light, temperature, water, and soil. Proper care can lead to a healthy and visually pleasing plant.

Light and Temperature

  • Light: ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade thrives in a mix of direct and bright indirect light. Adequate light is crucial for the plant to maintain its unique finger-like leaves.
  • Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 65-86°F (18-30°C). It is not cold-hardy and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Watering and Humidity

  • Water: Water the plant thoroughly when the soil is almost dry, approximately every 12 days, but adjust according to plant size and environmental conditions.
  • Humidity: As a succulent, ‘ET’s Fingers’ has low humidity needs. Consistent overwatering can lead to rot.

Soil and Potting

  • Soil: Use a well-draining succulent potting mix to prevent standing water and root rot.
  • Potting: Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.

Propagation

  • Stem Cuttings: Propagate by cutting a healthy stem just above a leaf node, allowing it to dry for a few days, and then planting it in well-draining soil.
  • Leaf Cuttings: Leaf cuttings can also be used; however, ensure they are healthy and intact before planting.

Pruning and Maintenance

  • Pruning: Prune to maintain size and shape. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves and stems to keep the plant healthy.
  • Fertilizer: Fertilize every 1-2 months with a diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season to support growth.

Health and Troubleshooting

Maintaining the health of ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade (Crassula ovata) requires vigilance against common pests and awareness of issues that manifest through leaf changes.

Pests and Diseases

Pests:

  • Mealybugs: Soft-bodied, cotton-like insects that feed on plant sap, manifesting as white, fluffy spots on leaves and stems.
  • Spider Mites: Tiny spider-like pests that cause yellowing or browning of leaves and can produce fine webs.
  • Scale: Appears as brown spots or bumps on leaves, often mistaken for part of the plant itself.

Regular inspection can prevent infestations from escalating. In case of an infestation, one can use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a treatment method.

Diseases:
Fungal and bacterial infections may arise from poor ventilation or over-watering. It is essential to ensure good air circulation and moderate watering to prevent such issues.

Common Issues

Leaf Discoloration and Drop:

  • Leaf Drop: Caused by underwatering or drought stress, where the foliage might wrinkle before detaching.
  • Yellow Leaves: Over-watering is a common cause, which can also lead to root rot.

Toxicity:
The plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. It also contains sap that can irritate human skin. Caution should be exercised to keep the plant out of reach of pets and to wear gloves when handling it.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cluster of Crassula ovata 'ET's Fingers' Jade plants, with elongated, fleshy green leaves, arranged in a spiral pattern, set against a backdrop of rocky desert terrain

This section addresses common inquiries about ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade, including propagation methods, ideal indoor growing conditions, purchasing options, care tips, toxicity concerns, and distinctions from other jade plant varieties.

How do you propagate Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’?

‘ET’s Fingers’ can be propagated using leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. One should allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before planting it in well-draining succulent soil.

What are the ideal conditions for growing ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade indoors?

Ideal indoor conditions include well-draining succulent mix, 65-86°F (18-30°C) temperature range, and a mix of direct and bright indirect light. Water the plant thoroughly once the soil is almost completely dry.

Where can you purchase ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plants online?

‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plants are available for purchase from various specialty succulent nurseries and online plant retailers. Ensure to choose reputable sellers to guarantee healthy plants.

Are there any care tips for maintaining the health of ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plants?

Maintain plant health by providing appropriate light, watering when soil is almost dry, and fertilizing every 1-2 months during the growing season. Regularly inspect for signs of problems and address promptly.

‘ET’s Fingers’ is generally considered non-toxic, but as with many plants, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of pets and children to prevent any potential digestive upset if ingested.

What are the differences between Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’ and other Crassula ovata varieties?

‘ET’s Fingers’ is characterized by its elongated, tubular leaves with a reddish indentation at the end. This contrasts with the flatter, oval-shaped leaves of more traditional Crassula ovata varieties.