Little Pickles, Ruby Necklace, Cape Aster, Cape Othonna, Bobbejaankool, Crassothonna capensis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Othonna capensis is highly versatile and can be used in various settings:
The yellow flowers of this trailing succulent attract pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
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.
This succulent plant is generally resistant to deer due to its lack of palatability.
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.
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.
The primary benefits of Othonna capensis include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 Othonna capensis (Ruby Necklace) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Othonna capensis (Ruby Necklace) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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