Plate No. 42
Ruby Necklace
Othonna capensis
"Purple threads set with yellow stars"
Native to
Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa

History
A brief account
A trailing succulent whose slim green beans and wine-coloured stems deepen to ruby in strong sun. Bright yellow daisies open along the trails from late spring through autumn. Introduced to cultivation in the 1970s and now a favourite for hanging baskets.
How to care for
Place Ruby Necklace according to its light needs: Bright direct sun for strongest colour. For watering, weekly in summer; sparing in winter. For the potting medium, use succulent mix with added perlite. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer.
5–30°C. Light frost survivable. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.
How to propagate
Cuttings root within days. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent.
Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young Ruby Necklace into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.
Cultivation
Quick tips for care & planting
- Light
- Bright direct sun for strongest colour.
- Water
- Weekly in summer; sparing in winter.
- Soil
- Succulent mix with added perlite.
- Temperature
- 5–30°C. Light frost survivable.
- Propagation
- Cuttings root within days.