How to Grow and Care for Othonna Capensis Ruby Necklace
Learn the essential care practices for a thriving Othonna capensis, from maintaining health to encouraging the vibrant color in its trailing stems.
Othonna capensis, commonly known as the Ruby Necklace, is a trailing succulent recognized by its slender stems and small, bean-like leaves. The plant’s name is derived from the deep red and purple hues the stems and leaves can adopt, resembling a string of jewels. This succulent is related to the String of Pearls and is a popular choice for hanging baskets where its cascading foliage can be showcased.
Ruby Necklace Care
Light
A Ruby Necklace plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window where it can receive several hours of gentle morning sun is ideal. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its foliage will remain mostly green. The plant can also handle some direct sunlight, which is a factor in developing its notable coloration, but intense midday sun should be avoided to prevent scorching the leaves.
Soil
Proper soil composition is important for this succulent, primarily to prevent root rot. A well-draining potting mix, such as those formulated for cacti and succulents, is recommended. To further improve drainage, you can amend the mix by adding materials like perlite or pumice, which increases aeration.
Water
The most reliable watering technique is the “soak and dry” method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly until water runs from the pot’s drainage holes, and then allowing the soil to dry out completely. You can check the soil’s moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep. Overwatering is a significant risk and can lead to mushy stems and root decay.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant performs well in average household temperatures, between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from cold, so if grown outdoors, it should be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (-6.7°C). The Ruby Necklace is adapted to low humidity and does not require any special adjustments inside the home.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not a heavy requirement for the Ruby Necklace. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, you can provide a diluted, balanced fertilizer designed for succulents. This should be applied once every few weeks. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant enters a period of dormancy.
Encouraging Vibrant Color
The signature ruby-red and purple coloration of Othonna capensis is a direct response to environmental stress, specifically increased light exposure. To encourage these vibrant hues, the plant needs more direct sunlight than it would for basic survival. This process, often called “sun stressing,” prompts the plant to produce pigments that act as a protectant. Distinguishing this beneficial stress from harmful sunburn is important, as a sunburned plant will show brown or white patches.
Propagating Ruby Necklace
Propagating a Ruby Necklace is a straightforward process using stem cuttings.
- Select a healthy, mature stem and use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut a section that is approximately three to six inches long.
- It is important to allow the cut end to dry and form a callus, which typically takes a few days and helps prevent rot.
- Lay the stem cutting on top of a well-draining succulent soil mix or insert the calloused end slightly into the soil.
- Water the soil sparingly until the roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Keeping the soil lightly moist can encourage rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A common issue is the plant losing its vibrant color and reverting to green. This is almost always a result of insufficient light exposure. To restore the ruby tones, the plant should be gradually moved to a location where it can receive more direct sunlight.
Mushy stems and yellowing, translucent leaves are classic signs of overwatering. Reduce watering frequency immediately and ensure the soil is allowed to dry out completely. If the problem persists, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, dry soil after inspecting the roots.
When a plant becomes “leggy,” with stretched-out stems, it is stretching for more light. Move the plant to a sunnier spot and prune the elongated stems to encourage bushier growth.