Othonna capensis 'Ruby Necklace'  (String of Rubies | String of Pickles)

Description

Othonna capensis is a trailing succulent with African origins, and a best-selling variety for a number of reasons – you’ll know it as Ruby Necklace, or perhaps String of Pickles, or String of Rubies. That name refers to the fleshy, almost bean-shaped leaves which grow densely along thin, wine-coloured stems, turning deep ruby-red when grown under bright light, shifting from soft green to intense crimson, from which it derives its popular name. Given its naturally sprawling growth habit, Othonnacapensis works best grown in a hanging pot or plant basket, on a high shelf or cupboard.

Ruby Necklace succulent relies on water stored within its leaves which means it doesn't mind being forgotten a time or two. It enjoys bright balconies, sunlit windowsills and spaces around a bright window receiving a couple hours of morning sun or filtered light. During the harshest Indian summer, it does appreciate shade from the sun at peak afternoon as intense light can scorch the leaves, while the chills of the morning usually bring out red and purple colours in the stems. In addition to its colourful stems and leaves, it may sprout tiny yellow flowers similar to daisies if provided with enough light.

Ruby Necklace is for beginners as this plant care method is not particularly tricky and tolerant, as long as you understand light and drainage requirements, this makes a stunning hanging statement as a feature for a balcony grille, corner study or for the office desk on the shelf where it can hang off the edge.

Key Features

• The trailing plant's delicate stems hang softly in a hanging basket or spill down a shelf.
• Plump, beaked shaped succulent leaves which turn very bright red and purple when put in lots of sun. 
• Also it has little daisies like flowers which pop against the color of the leaves. 
• Our leaves also have the ability to store water which sees it through the odd missed watering, so this is a very tough plant. 
• A tough and low maintenance succulent, perfect for busy homes and beginners alike.
• Nice compact growth which performs well in very bright indoor situations or in shadier outdoor environments.
• Also it is easy to propagate from stem cuttings for you to share or add to your own collection.
• Makes a unique present for those into succulents and hanging gardens.

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 x Live Othonna capensis 'Ruby Necklace' plant
• 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care instructions

Important Notes

• As a natural product each plant will have some variation in leaf color, stem length, and overall shape.
• Some leaf loss and color fade during transit is to be expected; the plant should return to health within a week or two of being put in its new location.
• Introduce your plant to full sun slowly instead of going straight to intense sunlight right after a transit.
• Do not over water at any time, the Ruby Necklace plant is very sensitive to wet soil which does cause damage to it more so than it is to being a little dry.
• Growth drops off in winter, for that reason reduces watering in the colder months.
• Steer clear with children and pets that get attachment to leaf-chewing-pretty much any plant could be risky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why has the ruby red leaves of my necklace turned to green?

A: Ruby Necklace leaves will turn from ruby red to green according to the amount of light exposure it receives. If your plant has green leaves, then it's a sign of insufficient bright direct light. Relocate the plant into a window with a full sun to a balcony to help the leaves turn to ruby red again.

Q: How much should I water this plant? 

A: Water only as the soil dries completely. The plant can last indefinitely if watered as infrequently, usually every 7 to 10 days in summer and much less often in winter. As always stick your finger in the soil to check before you water as depending on the local heat and humidity you may want to change the exact schedule.

Q: Can Ruby Necklace be grown indoors? 

A: Yes, provided that it gets a really good bright light situation. The south or west facing window will work well. If not sufficiently bright, stems will begin to lengthen and will not go red, but remain green.

Q: Is it out of the question for pets to be around Ruby Necklace? 

A: There is some variation in what sources report. Mostly, it is noted that the product is non-toxic to cats and dogs but some point out that it is from a plant family which includes some that may cause mild stomach issues if chewed. As a very basic rule of the road it is best to keep all house plants out of the reach of your pet’s paws and little ones’ hands.

Q: Why is my plant dropping leaves or showing mush at the base? 

A: You’ve overwatered and/or your drainage is bad. This is almost always leading to rot of the roots or the stem. Let the soil completely dry out, remove any mushy stems and do not water the plant again until it’s looking better.

Q: How do I propagate Ruby Necklace?

A: Take a healthy stem cutting, let the cut end callous over for a day or two, then lay or plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and roots typically form within a few weeks.