Plate No. 42

Ruby Necklace

Othonna capensis

"Purple threads set with yellow stars"

Native to

Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa

Botanical illustration of Ruby Necklace
Othonna capensis — drawn from life
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.