Are you looking to add a splash of vibrant color to your home or garden? The Ruby Necklace plant (Othonna capensis) might be just what you need! This stunning succulent, with its trailing stems and ruby-red leaves, is not only beautiful but also relatively easy to care for.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your Ruby Necklace plant, from watering to propagation.
What is a Ruby Necklace Plant?
Before we dive into care instructions, let’s get to know this unique plant a little better:
- Scientific name: Othonna capensis
- Common names: Ruby Necklace, String of Rubies, String of Pickles
- Native to: South Africa
- Family: Asteraceae (related to the Senecio genus)
The Ruby Necklace plant is known for its long, trailing stems adorned with plump, bean-shaped leaves. What makes this succulent truly special is its ability to change color. In bright light, the leaves turn a stunning ruby-red, giving the plant its name.
How to Care for Ruby Necklace Plant Indoors
Bringing the outdoors in? Here’s how to keep your Ruby Necklace happy inside your home:
Light Requirements
Ruby Necklace plants love bright light, but they can adapt to different indoor conditions:
- Ideal: Place near a south-facing window for plenty of bright, indirect light.
- Acceptable: East or west-facing windows can work too.
- Color change: More light = more vibrant red color. Less light = greener leaves.
- Warning: Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, don’t worry! You can supplement with grow lights to keep your Ruby Necklace happy and colorful.
Watering Needs
Ruby Necklace plants are succulents, which means they’re drought-tolerant. However, they still need proper watering:
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Water thoroughly when top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Give less water in winter when the plant is dormant.
- Use well-draining soil to prevent water-logging.
Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater. If in confusion, wait an extra day before watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Ruby Necklaces are pretty adaptable when it comes to indoor conditions:
- Temperature: They thrive in average room temperatures (60-75°F).
- Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is fine, but they appreciate a bit extra.
Tip: Keep your Ruby Necklace away from drafty windows or heating vents to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Soil and Fertilizer
For a happy, healthy Ruby Necklace:
- Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. (Amazon)
- Add perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage if needed.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Ruby Necklace Succulent Propagation
Want more Ruby Necklace plants? Good news – they’re easy to propagate!
- Cut a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 inches of bare stem.
- leave cutting to dry for a day or two to form a callus.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil.
- Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light.
Roots should develop in a few weeks. Be patient and keep the soil slightly moist until you see new growth.
Ruby Necklace Plant Problems
Even with the best care, you might face some issues. Here are common problems and solutions:
Shriveling Leaves
If your Ruby Necklace plant is shriveling, it could be due to:
- Underwatering: Increase watering frequency slightly.
- Overwatering: Check for root rot and adjust watering schedule.
- Too much sun: Move to a spot with less direct sunlight.
Pest Infestations
Ruby Necklaces are generally pest-resistant, but they can sometimes attract:
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
Color Loss
If your Ruby Necklace is losing its vibrant color:
- Gradually increase light exposure
- Ensure it’s getting enough but not waterlogged
- Check for signs of stress or disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How to take care of a ruby necklace?
To care for a Ruby Necklace plant:
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Water when the soil is dry
- Use well-draining soil
- Keep in average room temperature
- Fertilize sparingly during growing season
How much light does a ruby necklace need?
Ruby Necklace plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning, but too much can scorch the leaves.
How often should you water a ruby necklace?
Water your Ruby Necklace when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This usually means watering once every 1-2 weeks, depending on your climate and the plant’s environment.
Does a ruby necklace like full sun?
While Ruby Necklace plants enjoy bright light and can tolerate some direct sun, full sun all day can be too intense. Morning sun or bright, indirect light is ideal.
Conclusion
Caring for a Ruby Necklace plant can be a rewarding experience. With its unique color-changing ability and easy-care nature, it’s a perfect choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Remember to provide plenty of light, water carefully, and watch for any signs of stress.
With a little love and attention, your Ruby Necklace will thrive, adding a stunning splash of color to your space.Now that you’re equipped with all this knowledge, why not give the Ruby Necklace a try? It might just become your new favorite plant!
