Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Ruby Necklace
Latin Name: Othonna capensis
Hardiness Zones: Tender in cooler climates. Best grown outdoors in USDA zones 9b–11 or as a houseplant elsewhere. Frost causes dieback.
Typical Height: 2–6 in (5–15 cm) upright foliage height, stems trail longer.
Typical Spread: 12–36 in (30–90 cm) trailing length in cultivation.
Bloom Period: Late winter to spring in mild climates. Timing varies by region.
Soil Preferences: Very well draining gritty or sandy soil. Use cactus or succulent mix. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soil which cause root rot.
Light Preferences: Bright light to full sun for best leaf color. Tolerates light shade. Low light causes leggy growth and loss of red coloration.
Toxicity: No authoritative listing as highly toxic found. Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset in pets or people. Verify with poison control for pet safety.
Propagation: Easily by stem cuttings and division. Seeds can be used but are less common. Allow cut ends to dry briefly before rooting in well draining mix.

Key Facts

Trailing succulent with small rounded leaves.
Leaves often flush ruby red in strong sun.
Produces small yellow daisy like flowers.
Native to South Africa.
Commonly grown in hanging baskets or as a trailing pot plant.
Prefers very well draining gritty or sandy soil.
Drought tolerant but susceptible to root rot in persistently wet soil.

Ruby Necklace is a trailing succulent grown for its small round leaves that often flush ruby red in strong sun. It suits hanging baskets and bright windows and performs best in very well draining soil.

Identification

Othonna capensis has small rounded leaves along long trailing stems and forms low foliage mounds above the pot. Leaves often turn ruby red under strong light and the plant produces small yellow daisy like flowers in favorable conditions. Upright foliage stays low while stems can extend far beyond the pot.

Best uses and where to grow

Use Ruby Necklace as a hanging basket accent on a sunny patio or as a bright windowsill houseplant where trailing stems can spill over containers. It is tender outdoors in mild climates and works well in mixed succulent displays that need a soft trailing element. Treat plants in cooler zones as container subjects moved indoors for winter.

Light and soil

Bright light to full sun brings out the red leaf color while light shade is tolerated. Avoid low light that causes leggy growth and loss of color. Plant in a gritty or sandy succulent mix that drains fast. Adding pumice or coarse sand to a cactus mix improves drainage and helps prevent sitting water at the roots.

Watering and feeding

Allow the potting mix to dry between waterings and water sparingly through cooler months. Drought tolerant plants use little water but will suffer in consistently wet soil that leads to root rot. Feed lightly with a balanced diluted fertilizer during the active growing season if displayed in a fast draining container.

Planting and spacing

Plant in containers that encourage trailing stems or space outdoor plants to allow 30 to 90 centimeters of trailing length in cultivation. In ground situations provide well draining raised beds or gritty soil to avoid waterlogging. In regions where it is tender grow in pots so plants can be moved for frost protection.

After flowering and pruning

Remove spent flower stems to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth. Trim back long or leggy stems to promote a bushier habit and to control spread. Pruning also makes attractive cuttings for propagation and limits how far stems trail from hanging baskets.

Propagation

Propagate easily from stem cuttings and by division. Let cut ends dry briefly before inserting into a very well draining mix and keep bright indirect light while roots form. Seeds can be used but are less common for home growers. Cuttings root quickly when not kept constantly wet.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Ruby Necklace grow?: Growth is moderate to fairly quick under bright light and warm conditions. Trailing stems commonly reach 30 to 90 centimeters in cultivation depending on container size and light.
How much light does it need?: Bright light to full sun produces the best leaf color. Tolerates light shade but low light causes leggy growth and loss of red tones.
Can it be grown indoors?: Yes it is well suited to bright windowsills and hanging baskets indoors. Provide strong light and a very well draining potting mix to prevent root problems.
When does it bloom?: Blooming typically occurs from late winter to spring in mild climates though timing varies by region. Flowers are small and yellow and appear on short stems above the foliage.
How do I propagate it?: Take stem cuttings or divide offsets. Allow cut ends to callus briefly then root in a gritty free draining mix kept in bright light until established.