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How to Pollinate Gollum Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Updated: July 15, 2022

Gollum plant, also known as Crassula ovata ‘Gollum,’ is a succulent that is native to South Africa. It is a popular houseplant and is easy to care for. One of the key factors in successfully growing Gollum plant is pollination. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive part of the flower to the female reproductive part of the flower. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate Gollum plant and increase your yield.

Why Pollination is Important for Gollum Plant

Pollination is essential for Gollum plant because it allows for the production of seeds. Without pollination, your Gollum plant will not produce any seeds, which means you cannot propagate or grow more plants. Additionally, pollination can increase the yield of your Gollum plant. When a flower is pollinated, it ensures that fertilization occurs and that the plant can produce fruit or seed.

How to Pollinate Gollum Plant

There are two methods to pollinate Gollum plant: natural pollination and hand pollination.

Natural Pollination

Natural pollination occurs when insects or other animals visit the flowers and transfer pollen from one flower to another. However, this method can be unpredictable and may not result in adequate pollination. If you want to increase your chances of successful pollination, consider hand pollination.

Hand Pollination

Hand pollination involves manually transferring pollen from the male reproductive part of the flower (stamen) to the female reproductive part of the flower (pistil). Here’s how to do it:

  1. Identify a flower that is ready for pollination. The flower should be fully open and have a visible stigma in the center.

  2. Locate the stamen in the center of the flower. The stamen is the long, thin structure with a yellow or brown tip.

  3. Gently remove the stamen from the flower using a pair of tweezers.

  4. Locate the pistil in the center of the flower. The pistil is the long, thin structure that extends from the center of the flower and has a bulbous base.

  5. Gently touch the removed stamen to the stigma at the top of the pistil. Be sure to transfer as much pollen as possible.

  6. Repeat this process with other flowers on your Gollum plant.

Tips for Successful Pollination

Here are some tips to help you successfully pollinate your Gollum plant:

  • Pollinate during the morning when the flowers are fully open.
  • Use a soft-bristled paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen if you do not have tweezers.
  • Make sure that you transfer pollen from one flower to another, not from one part of the same flower.
  • Water your plant regularly to ensure healthy growth and flowering.

FAQ

How often should I pollinate my Gollum plant?

You should pollinate your Gollum plant whenever you see a flower that is ready for pollination. This can occur once every few weeks or once every few months, depending on how often your plant produces flowers.

Can I propagate my Gollum plant without pollination?

Yes, you can propagate your Gollum plant through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings without pollination. However, pollination is necessary if you want to produce seeds and grow new plants from those seeds.

What if my Gollum plant is not producing any flowers?

If your Gollum plant is not producing any flowers, it may not be receiving enough light or water. Ensure that your plant is getting adequate sunlight and water regularly. Additionally, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer to encourage flowering.

In conclusion, pollination is an essential part of growing a healthy and productive Gollum plant. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can successfully pollinate your Gollum plant and increase your yield.