Ruby Necklace Plant Care: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Plant Healthy

Oleh Tamara Lueilwitz June 05, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you looking for a unique addition to your indoor plant collection? Look no further than the Ruby Necklace plant, also known as Othonna capensis. This South African succulent is prized for its trailing stems of ruby red leaves, making it a stunning addition to any space. However, caring for this plant can be tricky if you're not familiar with its specific needs. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Ruby Necklace plant care, from watering and fertilizing to pruning and propagation.

The Ruby Necklace plant is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to South Africa. It's a semi-succulent plant that grows well in warm, dry climates. The plant produces long, trailing stems that can reach up to 3 feet in length. The stems are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves that range in color from green to deep red. When grown in bright light, the leaves take on a stunning ruby red hue, which gives the plant its name.

In the wild, Ruby Necklace plants grow in rocky, sandy soil, and they're often found growing along cliffs or in crevices. To replicate these conditions at home, you'll need to provide your plant with a well-draining potting mix and plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Let's dive into the specifics of caring for this unique plant.

Watering

One of the most important aspects of Ruby Necklace plant care is proper watering. As a semi-succulent plant, the Ruby Necklace stores water in its leaves and stems, so it's important not to overwater it. Too much water can cause the plant to rot, especially if it's grown in a poorly draining potting mix.

To water your Ruby Necklace plant, wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, then water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Be sure to empty any standing water from the saucer or tray beneath the pot to prevent root rot.

If you're unsure how often to water your plant, it's better to err on the side of underwatering. The Ruby Necklace can tolerate periods of drought, and it's better to let the soil dry out completely between watering than to risk overwatering.

Light

The Ruby Necklace plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant red color. If you're growing your plant indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light.

If you don't have a sunny window, you can also grow your Ruby Necklace under artificial lights. A full-spectrum LED grow light is an excellent option for providing the bright, indirect light that this plant needs to thrive.

Soil

As we mentioned earlier, the Ruby Necklace plant prefers a well-draining potting mix. You can create your own mix by combining equal parts perlite, peat moss, and sand. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made cactus or succulent potting mix, which will also work well.

When repotting your Ruby Necklace, be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. It's also a good idea to choose a pot that's only slightly larger than the current one, as the plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.

Fertilizer

Like many succulent plants, the Ruby Necklace doesn't require a lot of fertilizer to stay healthy. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize your Ruby Necklace once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you don't need to fertilize at all. Instead, simply water your plant sparingly and provide it with plenty of bright light.

Pruning

The Ruby Necklace plant doesn't require much pruning, but you may want to trim back any long, leggy stems to keep the plant looking neat and tidy. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and fuller growth.

If your plant becomes too large for its current pot, you can also prune it back by up to one-third of its height. This will help to promote new growth and keep the plant from becoming too top-heavy.

Propagation

Propagating a Ruby Necklace plant is relatively easy. You can take stem cuttings from the plant in the spring or summer and root them in moist potting soil or perlite. Simply cut off a stem that's about 4-6 inches long and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional), then stick it into the soil or perlite.

Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and mist it regularly to prevent it from drying out. Within a few weeks, you should to see new growth emerging from the base of the cutting. Once the new plant has established roots, you can transplant it into a new pot.

Common Problems

Even with the best care, your Ruby Necklace plant may experience some issues from time to time. Here are a few common problems to watch out for:

Root rot: This can occur if the plant is overwatered or grown in a poorly draining potting mix. To prevent root rot, be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Pest infestations: The Ruby Necklace plant is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice tiny white or brown insects on your plant, treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf drop: If your plant's leaves to fall off, it may be due to overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Make sure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect sunlight.

The Ruby Necklace plant is a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection. With its trailing stems of ruby red leaves, it's sure to make a statement in any space. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can keep your Ruby Necklace plant healthy and thriving for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I water my Ruby Necklace plant?

A: Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, then water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Be sure to empty any standing water from the saucer or tray beneath the pot to prevent root rot.

Q2: Can I grow my Ruby Necklace plant in low light?

A: No, the Ruby Necklace plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. If you don't have a sunny window, you can grow your plant under artificial lights.

Q3: How do I propagate my Ruby Necklace plant?

A: You can take stem cuttings from the plant in the spring or summer and root them in moist potting soil or perlite. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location and mist it regularly to prevent it from drying out.

Q4: What kind of potting mix should I use for my Ruby Necklace plant?

A: The Ruby Necklace plant prefers a well-draining potting mix. You can create your own mix by combining equal parts perlite, peat moss, and sand. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made cactus or succulent potting mix.

Q5: How often should I fertilize my Ruby Necklace plant?

A: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize your Ruby Necklace once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you don't need to fertilize at all.

Q6: Why are the leaves on my Ruby Necklace plant turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Make sure your plant is getting enough bright, indirect sunlight.

Q7: Can I grow my Ruby Necklace plant outdoors?

A: Yes, the Ruby Necklace plant can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.

Q8: How big does a Ruby Necklace plant get?

A: The Ruby Necklace plant can grow up to 3 feet in length when grown in ideal conditions.

Q9: What temperatures does a Ruby Necklace plant prefer?

A: The Ruby Necklace plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but may suffer damage if exposed to frost.

Q10: How do I prevent pest infestations on my Ruby Necklace plant?

A: The Ruby Necklace plant is susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice tiny white or brown insects on your plant, treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.