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Othonna capensis (Ruby Necklace)

Little Pickles, Ruby Necklace, Cape Aster, Cape Othonna, Bobbejaankool, Crassothonna capensis

Ruby Necklace, Othonna capensis, Hanging Succulents, Succulent Plants, Succulent groundcover
Ruby Necklace, Othonna capensis, Hanging Succulents, Succulent Plants, Succulent groundcover
Ruby Necklace, Othonna capensis, Hanging Succulents, Succulent Plants, Succulent groundcover

Othonna capensis, commonly known as Ruby Necklace or Little Pickles, is a trailing succulent admired for its vibrant red to purple stems and elongated, fleshy leaves. Known for its resilience and fast-growing nature, this succulent is a popular choice for hanging baskets, ground cover, and even indoor arrangements. Its ability to tolerate dry conditions and striking appearance make it an attractive addition to succulent collections and gardens.

Othonna capensis belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes other popular plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and  asters. Despite its floral relatives, Othonna capensis thrives in arid conditions and is noted for its cascading growth habit and unique colors.


Description

Othonna capensis features fleshy, elongated leaves that resemble small pickles. They often take on a greenish hue in partial shade and turn a vibrant purple or red when exposed to bright sunlight. The succulent and trailing stems provide an elegant drape, especially when grown in hanging containers or over walls. In full sunlight, the plant’s stems intensify in color, offering a striking contrast against its small, yellow, daisy-like blooms.

This plant is also known for its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. The leaves store water, allowing Othonna capensis to tolerate drought, while the stems cascade elegantly, making it perfect for both ground cover and hanging pots.


Native Habitat

Ruby Necklace is native to South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape region. It thrives in semi-arid environments, where it experiences long dry seasons with occasional rainfall. This native habitat has shaped the plant’s hardiness and drought tolerance, making it a perfect fit for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.


Plant Type and Habit

Othonna capensis is a fast-growing perennial succulent with a trailing or sprawling growth habit. It is perfect for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or as ground cover in areas where other plants may struggle to survive. It grows rapidly, forming dense mats of foliage that cascade over container edges or cover soil efficiently.


Plant Size

This succulent plant generally grows to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in height, while the trailing stems can extend up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more. The plant’s size makes it ideal for covering small spaces or adding dimension to container gardens and hanging arrangements.


Flowers

This hanging or trailing succulent produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom primarily in the spring and summer. These flowers stand out against the plant’s purple stems and greenish or reddish leaves, providing a cheerful contrast. While the blooms are relatively small, they appear in abundance, brightening up the plant and adding additional ornamental value.


Foliage

The foliage and stems of Ruby Necklace are characterized by fleshy, elongated leaves that grow in a striking purplish-red hue under bright light. These thick, water-storing leaves turn green when in lower light conditions. The stems are slender and trailing, adding a cascading effect that makes the plant ideal for hanging baskets or as a ground cover. The combination of vivid stems and colorful foliage creates a stunning display, especially when the plant is grown in full sun with the most pronounced purple tones.


Hardiness

Othonna capensis thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors or protected during colder months. It can survive outdoors year-round in regions with milder winters, provided it is sheltered from freezing temperatures.


Uses

Othonna capensis is highly versatile and can be used in various settings:

  • Ground cover: Its fast-spreading growth makes it ideal for filling in bare patches in rock gardens or dry landscapes.
  • Hanging baskets: The plant’s trailing nature makes it a great choice for hanging baskets, where its stems can cascade down, creating a dramatic effect.
  • Indoor containers: Othonna capensis also thrives indoors, particularly in bright spaces where its colorful foliage can be appreciated year-round.

Wildlife

The yellow flowers of this trailing succulent attract pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.


Toxicity

Othonna capensis is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets. However, as with any plant, it is always best to discourage pets and small children from ingesting any part of the plant.


Deer and Rabbits

This succulent plant is generally resistant to deer due to its lack of palatability.


Drought Tolerance

As a succulent, Othonna capensis is highly drought-tolerant. Its fleshy leaves and stems store water, allowing the plant to survive extended periods of dry conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.


Invasiveness

Othonna capensis is not considered invasive. Although it spreads quickly and forms dense mats, it is easy to control and does not pose a threat to native ecosystems.


Benefits

The primary benefits of Othonna capensis include:

  • Ornamental value: Its trailing habit and colorful foliage make it an eye-catching addition to gardens and containers.
  • Drought tolerance: This plant requires minimal water, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
  • Pollinator attraction: The small yellow flowers attract pollinators like bees.
  • Versatility: Othonna capensis is adaptable and can thrive both indoors and outdoors, making it a flexible choice for a variety of garden settings.

Ruby Necklace, Othonna capensis, Hanging Succulents, Succulent Plants, Succulent groundcover


Ruby Necklace Care

Light Requirements

Ruby Necklace prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. For the best color and growth, place the plant where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In full sunlight, the stems will turn a deep reddish-purple, while in partial shade, the leaves remain green.

Watering

Like most succulents, Othonna capensis prefers the soak-and-dry method. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.

Soil

Use a well-draining acidic, cactus or succulent mix. You can improve drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand to the soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.

Temperature

Othonna capensis thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-30°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. In colder regions, it can be brought indoors during winter or grown as a houseplant year-round.

Fertilizer

During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding. Skip fertilizing in the winter months when the plant goes dormant.

Repotting

Repot your Othonna capensis every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. This gives it fresh soil and more room to grow. Be careful not to overhandle the delicate stems when repotting.

Pruning

Pruning Othonna capensis is simple and beneficial for encouraging dense growth and maintaining its shape. Trim back leggy stems or remove any dead, damaged, or unsightly growth to promote new growth and a fuller appearance. Prune during the growing season, and always use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Propagation

Othonna capensis can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem, let it dry for a day or two to callous over, then plant it in well-draining soil. Water lightly after a week, and roots should begin to form in a few weeks.

Pests and Diseases

Othonna capensis is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract mealybugs or scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.

The Complete Guide To Succulent Care

Frequently asked Questions

Are Ruby Necklace plants safe for pets?

Available data suggests Othonna capensis (Ruby Necklace) does not generally appear on lists of toxic plants for cats, dogs, or other pets. However, due to limited information, it’s advisable to monitor pets around the plant to avoid potential ingestion, which may still cause mild gastrointestinal issues.

Does a Ruby Necklace grow fast?

Yes, Othonna capensis grows relatively fast, especially under the right conditions of bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. It produces long, trailing stems, making it popular for hanging baskets and containers.

Why is my Ruby Necklace plant squishy?

A squishy Ruby Necklace plant (Othonna capensis) is often a sign of overwatering or root rot. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, and when overwatered or the soil remains wet for too long, the tissues can become waterlogged, leading to softness or squishiness. To fix this issue, let the soil dry out completely between waterings and ensure the pot has excellent drainage. Proper airflow and using well-draining soil can also help prevent overwatering and maintain the health of the plant.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asteraceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread 4" - 1' (10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Houseplants, Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asteraceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread 4" - 1' (10cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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