The String of Rubies (Othonna Capensis) is a plant with reddish-purple leaves that are formed like narrow ovals and grow on a reddish-purple stem. Other common names for this plant include Ruby Necklace, Little Pickles, and String of Pickles. This plant is perfect for a pedestal or hanging basket due to its distinctive form. When grown in bright sunlight, this String of Rubies Plant produces bean-shaped leaves in a vivid ruby red color. The yellow color of the blossoms is very striking.
Growing in its native habitat, this String of Rubies Plant takes on the appearance of a trailer due to the way its stems hang on the bottom and produce dense mats of roots at their points of contact. Uniquely curved leaves help the desert-adapted plant known as the String of Rubies survive in harsh conditions. In the dry desert environment, the plant’s ability to store water in its leaves is essential to its survival. A string of Rubies Plants may go for very long periods of time without water due to the succulent water of its foliage and stems.
In contrast to other trailing succulents, the string of rubies is distinguished by a singular quality that sets it apart from the others. When this plant is under a lot of stress, its leaves, which are shaped like beans, transform into a beautiful ruby red color.
String of Rubies (Othonna Capensis) Grow and Care
Othonna capensis/String of Rubies requires little attention and is simple to care for. You can practically walk away from your plant for an extended length of time without it being troubled in the slightest. You should not, however, neglect the fact that the care of a string of rubies plant has a few special needs that must be met. When you’ve finally mastered them, your succulent will thrive for many years to come.
Light
The perfect setting for a string of rubies is a window that faces south, is bright and sunny, and receives at least 6 hrs of direct sunlight each day. Growing a string of rubies outside in settings that range from full sun to part shade is optimal for their development. This indicates that when this succulent is cultivated inside, it has to be exposed to the maximum amount of light possible.
The leaves of a string of rubies will take on the color of its namesake if they are exposed to direct sunlight when the plant is being produced. However, if it is cultivated in settings where there is not enough light, the leaves will turn back to their original green color, and the plant will be more prone to become spindly. If you do not have access to a location that receives sufficient sunlight for the string of rubies, it will still thrive if you place it in an area that is illuminated by powerful grow lights.
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Soil
A soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal for growing a string of rubies succulents because it drains well and is acidic. You may use cactus and succulent soil mixtures that are available for purchase for a string of rubies, or you can build your own soil mix by modifying standard potting soil by adding a significant quantity of sand, perlite, and or pumice to increase drainage.
Watering
The fact that this plant is a succulent means that it can withstand dry conditions better than most others. Extreme care must be used when watering the ruby string. Overwatering can cause a number of problems, including rot at the base of the plant’s stems and roots, which we’d like to avoid. It is recommended that you wait until the potting mix is completely dry before watering your Othonna capensis again. “Soak and dry” describes this method well.
There’s no need to worry if you’ve been so busy that it’s been a while since you remembered to water your succulent. The plant is hardy because its leaves are fashioned like beans; this helps the plant retain more water, increasing its chances of survival. The String of Rubies requires very little watering and hence should be maintained on the dry side of the recommended watering range.
Temperature and Humidity
Due to its lack of winter hardiness, the string of rubies is best produced in warmer climates. Under no circumstances should you ever leave your ruby necklace alone in temperatures below 10 ° C. (or 50 degrees Fahrenheit). When grown in a home, a string of rubies thrives in the typical heat and humidity of a typical American summer. Avoid exposing your ruby necklace to cold and drafty windows during the winter months.
Fertilizer
The Othonna Capensis does not require frequent fertilizing and is not a high feeder, like the majority of other succulents. Yet, the string of rubies can be fertilized several times during the spring and summer to encourage the establishment of new growth. Selecting a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content will yield the best results.
Pruning
The process of pruning a string of rubies includes removing any damaged or diseased foliage, as well as trimming back any new growth that may have occurred. This not only serves a functional purpose but also aids the plant in general in keeping its visual appeal. Additionally, it aids in preventing the spread of disease and encourages the development of new tissues.
If you want to get the most out of your Othonna capensis trimming, you should wait until the growing season has started. Plants are actively growing at this time, therefore regeneration will occur at a faster rate. When pruning, remember that a third of the plant is the maximum amount that should be cut down. Be sure to clean the area and any tools you’ll be using for trimming with disinfectant before you start cutting.
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Potting & Repotting
There will be a two- to three-year wait before you may continue with repotting the string of rubies. It prefers to be contained within a smaller pot and hence does best in smaller pots. It’s time to repot your Othonna capensis when its roots start poking through the bottom of the pot.
You should select a new container that is only slightly bigger than the one you were using previously. Put down a layer of new potting mix to start. Place the String of Rubies there with care, making sure not to damage the plant’s delicate roots. The soil for a succulent plant should be dense enough to hold the whole thing, and any gaps should be filled in. Water the pot thoroughly, then dump out the surplus. Some plants appear to be drooping after being repotted because the process is stressful for them. If you don’t want this to happen, but the newly repotted plant in a shady spot as soon as possible.
Propagation
A propagating string of rubies from stem cuttings is an efficient way. To ensure healthy growth from your cuttings, you should leave at least two or three nodes on each stem. A string of ruby cuttings can be rooted in either soil or water, although the success rate is higher when rooted in the soil since the cuttings are less likely to rot.
You can use soil to propagate your plant by filling a tray or low pot with cacti and succulent soil and then laying the stem cuttings on top of the soil. You can then cultivate a larger plant population by doing this. In order to encourage rooted, maintain a damp (but not drenched) soil environment until new growth is visible.
If you want to attempt growing a new string of rubies plant without using soil, all you have to do is take cuttings from an established plant, remove the lowest leaves to expose the stem and nodes, and then stick the stem end of the stem into the water of water. Be careful to submerge at least a couple of the nodes. Using glass containers, such as cups, small pots, or glass jars you purchase at thrift stores, will allow you to see how the roots are developing. Once a week is the suggested frequency for water changes. Transfer the cuttings to the soil once the roots have become entrenched in the water, and keep the soil moist for the first week or two. In doing so, we avoid shocking the roots.
Toxicity of (Othonna Capensis) String of Rubies
A String of Rubies, when strung around a human house, is completely safe for occupants of any age. The fact that this species is harmless means you won’t have to worry about facing the difficulties often associated with toxic substances. You won’t get sick from touching the sap of this plant, unlike other toxic plants. Since this is the case, your skin is safe even if you neglect to wear gloves.
But young people are more likely to take risks than adults. If they manage to obtain some of the leaves, they could try eating them. Despite not containing any potentially toxic chemicals, it may nonetheless cause them stomach distress. The degree of intestinal sensitivity plays a major role. So, don’t let the kids play with it.
Growing a string of rubies poses no risk to your pets. So, pet pets of canine and feline offspring need not worry; this succulent is completely safe to keep near your furry family members. Because it lacks any form of toxic ingredient, ingesting any of its parts won’t harm you. Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively or act paranoid.
A plant like this should be kept out of the reach of pets, especially if they are curious and want to explore new environments. Rubies on a string are easily broken, so keep them safe from your pets. At all costs, spare oneself such agony.
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Common Problems of String of Rubies
Pests/Diseases
On your string of rubies, keep an eye out for typical houseplant pests that feed on the sap, like mealybugs and scale. The easiest method for avoiding more serious infestations is to inspect the succulent on a regular basis and catch any pests early on in their life cycle. In order to get rid of unwanted pests, affected plants should be treated with insecticidal soap, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil.
The string of Rubies Plant dying
The root rot illness that results from constantly damp soil is the primary cause of your String of Rubies Plant’s demise. Make sure the soil in which this String of Rubies is growing has good drainage and that the container in which it is grown has a hole in the bottom.
When a plant is dormant or not actively developing, it does not need as much water, so be careful not to overwater it. Considering how slow development is in the winter, this is of paramount importance.
The string of Rubies losing leaves
There are two reasons why a String of Rubies plant’s leaves could start to fall off. If you have been watering the Othonna Capensis plant with ice-cold water, this may be one of the causes of its leaf loss. In order to avoid startling this tropical plant, make sure the water that is used to water it is at room temperature.
Another hypothesis for why the String of Rubies (Othonna Capensis) is losing leaves is a lack of water. Take good care of this String of Rubies by giving it enough water and letting the soil dry out in between waterings. However, the soil ball shouldn’t ever be allowed to entirely dry out.
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String of Rubies brown dry leaf spots
The brown, dry spots on the leaves of the String of Rubies Plant are caused by underwatering. During the growing season, provide the String of Rubies Plant with a moderate amount of water and allow the soil to go completely dry in between waterings. It is important to prevent the soil from becoming entirely dry.
String of Rubies discolored and wilted leaves
The overwatering that took place during the cold time caused the wilted & discolored leaves on the plant. During the cold season, watering should be cut back, and the soil should be kept just barely moist.
