Asteraceae
Ruby Necklace: Ground Cover Plant
Othonna capensis
Prefers strong, direct light for several hours a day, which intensifies the ruby coloration of the leaves. Water only when the substrate is completely dry, as it is a drought-tolerant plant sensitive to overwatering. Use a well-draining substrate, suitable for succulents and cacti. It does not tolerate frost, making it ideal for hardiness zones 9 to 11; in cold climates, grow in a pot and protect from temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
10° - 29°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Ruby Necklace?
Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Othonna capensis, popularly known as Ruby Necklace, is a creeping and trailing succulent native to the arid regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Its cylindrical, finger-shaped leaves are grayish-green and develop intense ruby tones at the tips when exposed to plenty of sun and little water. In...
Ruby Necklace grows up to 15cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 29°C, 30–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Ruby Necklace tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Ruby Necklace?
TLDR: Ruby Necklace needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-29°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Ruby Necklace?
Allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings, approximately every 14 days, less in winter. Water deeply and drain all excess water; overwatering causes root rot.
How Much Light Does Ruby Necklace Need?
Provide direct or very strong sunlight for at least a few hours daily, such as in a west or south-facing window. The more light, the more intense the ruby color of the leaves; in low-light environments, the plant becomes green and etiolated.
What Is the Best Soil for Ruby Necklace?
Use a well-draining substrate for succulents and cacti, mixed with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. Avoid substrates that retain too much moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Ruby Necklace?
Prefer hanging baskets or elevated planters with drainage holes, so that the trailing stems can grow freely; terracotta pots help the substrate dry faster.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 180 days
Repot
Every 900 days
What Is Ruby Necklace and Where Does It Come From?
Othonna capensis, popularly known as Ruby Necklace, is a creeping and trailing succulent native to the arid regions of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Its cylindrical, finger-shaped leaves are grayish-green and develop intense ruby tones at the tips when exposed to plenty of sun and little water. In winter and early spring, it produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers on thin, elongated stems. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely used in hanging baskets, rock gardens, and compositions with other succulents.
How Big Does Ruby Necklace Grow?
TLDR: Ruby Necklace can reach up to 15cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Ruby Necklace?
TLDR: Ruby Necklace is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
As a resilient and easy-to-grow succulent, the Ruby Necklace often symbolizes endurance, abundance, and the beauty that flourishes even in adverse conditions.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
