Othonna Capensis 'Ruby Necklace' Succulent

How to Care for Othonna Capensis 'Ruby Necklace'

"Ruby Necklace" succulent is a light-loving plant. So place it where it gets enough sunlight, but keep it away from direct sunlight in very hot months. It is easy to care for and one of the cool-looking and popular succulents in hanging baskets. It is suited for both beginner growers and pros.

It actively grows from Spring to Summer. So do care a little extra in these seasons. You should also fertilize if possible, especially if growing in a pot. It is dormant in Winter Months. So only water just to keep it alive, otherwise, it won't need moisture.

Ruby necklace plant is a creeping ornamental vine with cascading semi-pendulous branches producing small yellow flowers. It performs best in nutrient-rich, moist, and well-draining soil.

Soil Need for Othonna Capensis 'Ruby Necklace' Plant

The plant naturally grows in South Africa where the porous soil gives them well drainage. So you'll also need the same type of well drainage soil for it to grow well.

If you need to make your soil, you can check my in-depth guide on preparing the perfect DIY succulent soil for containers.

You can also get the pre-mixed gritty mix succulent soil from amazon.

Watering

Othonna Capensis 'Ruby Necklace plant' requires the typical succulent watering schedule. It is best to water once the soil is totally dry. Otherwise, its roots may rot in wet soil. You can check the soil by putting your finger into the soil about 2.5 inches deep. OR, typically water after 4 to 7 days, depending on your environment conditions. I've mentioned it all in the "How to water succulents" guide.

It is a winter dormant plant and does not require much water in this season, except in excessively dry conditions.

Fertilizing Ruby Necklace

In the active growing seasons, i.e. in the Spring and Summer, fertilize it slightly with a succulent fertilizer once a month. But as it dormant in the winter months, so hold off on fertilizing in those months.

Known Diseases

Generally Othonna Capensis 'Ruby Necklace' is a "disease-free" succulent. However, if you over-water your succulents, especially if you let water sit on their rosettes, then they may suffer from fungal disease. So try to never over-water your succulent plant.

Known Bugs

The "Ruby Necklace Plant" may get "caterpillars", "mealybugs",  "spider mites", and "fungus gnats". Use an insecticide to prevent your plant from these bugs.

Caterpillar is the worst bug it can suffer from. These are particularly common in summer and autumn and can destroy the plant quite quickly. So do care asap.

Mealybug appears on plants as tiny, soft-bodied insects surrounded by a fuzzy, white mess around the stems and leaf nodes, that have a cotton-like look to them.

Is it Poisonous?

No! The Othonna Capensis "Ruby Necklace" is non-poisonous and is considered a safe succulent plant. Ruby necklace plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and your other pets, as well as humans.

Where to Plant

If you live in a colder environment, where the temperature can go below 20 °F (-6.7 °C), You should plant it in a pot (better with a drainage hole). Because it is not cold hardy and you'll be able to bring it inside in winter.

It grows well in a brighter area where it gets about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. But keep it away from direct sunlight in very hot months. Early morning sun will benefit its vibrant colors.

BTW, check out the art of planting succulents.

How to Propagate Ruby Necklace Plant

The ruby necklace plant can be propagated by both rooting/stem cuttings and sowing seeds. It is also possible to propagate either by dividing the rootball or merging with another plant, which will produce baby plants that can later be separated.

This succulent propagation is usually done in late spring or early summer after new growth appears.

Cover with clear plastic to create a mini-greenhouse effect, keeping in mind that higher temperatures may greatly increase the chances of success. Once roots appear around 6 weeks later, remove cover and transplant outdoors or into another container.

Another method is to remove rooted sections of the plant and re-root them in new containers. This technique can be used to fill gaps in a collection of plants or to introduce a new variety.

Propagate by cuttings

To propagate by Othonna Capensis "Ruby Necklace" by cuttings, cut a stem from the main plant. Allow the removed stem to callous over for some days. Then place it in a well-draining soil mix.

Remember to give water when the soil is completely dry to avoid root rot.

Read more about the watering schedule for babies succulents at the last in the watering succulents guide.

Propagate by seeds

To propagate plants by seed, fill a container with moist potting soil and sow about ten seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist.

When some growth appears, transplant them into individual containers when they are large enough to handle.

Where to Buy?

The plant might be available in your local nurseries, and you can easily get it from the following succulent sources too:

• SucculentsBox
• Amazon
• Etsy

Pairs Well With

• Cotyledon Tomentosa "Bear's Paw"

Ruby Necklace Plant Videos