The Ruby Necklace Plant: A Stunning and Low-Maintenance Addition to Your Home

Oleh Billy Daugherty May 21, 2023 Post a Comment

Have you been looking for a way to bring some vibrant color into your home without having to constantly tend to high-maintenance plants? Look no further than the Ruby Necklace Plant! This unique succulent is known for its stunning ruby-red stems and delicate, bead-like leaves that grow in long strands. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Ruby Necklace Plant, from its care requirements to its origin story.

The Ruby Necklace Plant, also known by its scientific name Othonna Crassifolia, is native to South Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes many other popular succulents like the String of Pearls and the String of Bananas. The plant is named after its necklace-like appearance, with its small, spherical leaves growing in long, cascading strands.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Ruby Necklace Plant is its low-maintenance nature. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs to be watered once every two weeks. Additionally, it can be propagated easily by simply snipping off a strand of beads and planting it in soil. With its striking appearance and ease of care, it's no wonder that the Ruby Necklace Plant has become a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

But there's more to this plant than just its good looks. Let's dive deeper into the fascinating world of the Ruby Necklace Plant.

1. History and Origins

The Ruby Necklace Plant is believed to be native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, where it grows on rocky terrain and in sandy soils. It was first described by the German botanist Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer in 1837, and has since become a popular ornamental plant around the world.

2. Botanical Characteristics

The Ruby Necklace Plant is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves and stems to survive in dry environments. Its stems are thin and wiry, with small leaves that grow in clusters of beads. The leaves have a slightly curved shape and are a deep green color, with a glossy finish. When the plant is exposed to bright sunlight, the stems take on a beautiful ruby-red hue.

3. Care Requirements

As mentioned earlier, the Ruby Necklace Plant is quite easy to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some direct sun as long as it's not too intense. It prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to use a pot with drainage holes and allow excess water to drain out after watering.

The plant only needs to be watered once every two weeks or so, depending on how dry the soil becomes. It's important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. If you're unsure whether your plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

4. Propagation

One of the great things about the Ruby Necklace Plant is how easily it propagates. Simply snip off a strand of beads from the parent plant and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and within a few weeks you should see new growth emerging from the base of the planted strand.

5. Pests and Diseases

Like most succulents, the Ruby Necklace Plant is relatively pest-resistant. However, mealybugs and spider mites can sometimes be a problem. If you notice white, cotton-like spots on the leaves, this is a sign of a mealybug infestation. Spider mites can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. To get rid of these pests, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use an insecticidal soap if necessary.

6. Health Benefits

While the Ruby Necklace Plant is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it does have some health benefits as well. Like many other indoor plants, it can help purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, some studies have suggested that spending time around plants can improve mood and reduce stress levels.

7. Decorating with the Ruby Necklace Plant

One of the great things about the Ruby Necklace Plant is how versatile it is when it comes to decorating. Its long, cascading vines make it an ideal choice for hanging planters or placing on high shelves where it can drape down. It also looks great in terrariums or mixed with other succulents in a dish garden.

8. Interesting Facts

The Ruby Necklace Plant is sometimes called "little pickles" due to the shape of its leaves.
In its native South Africa, the plant is used medicinally to treat conditions like coughs and colds.
The plant is poisonous to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep it out of reach of pets.

9. Varieties

While there are no true varieties of the Ruby Necklace Plant, there are some related species that are worth exploring. These include:

Othonna Capensis: Also known as the Ruby Necklace Vine, this plant has similar bead-like leaves but grows in a more vine-like habit.
Othonna Obcordata: This species has heart-shaped leaves that grow in clusters, with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

10. Where to Buy

The Ruby Necklace Plant is widely available at most garden centers and nurseries that specialize in succulents. You can also find it online from retailers like Etsy and Amazon. When buying a plant, look for one with healthy, plump leaves and avoid any that appear wilted or damaged.

The Ruby Necklace Plant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some color and texture to their indoor garden without having to spend a lot of time caring for their plants. With its striking red stems and delicate bead-like leaves, it's sure to become a conversation piece in your home. Remember to give it bright, indirect light and water it sparingly, and you'll enjoy this stunning succulent for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Ruby Necklace Plant toxic?

Yes, the Ruby Necklace Plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets to avoid any potential health issues.

2. How often should I water my Ruby Necklace Plant?

Water your plant once every two weeks or so, depending on how dry the soil becomes. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep to check whether it needs watering.

3. Can the Ruby Necklace Plant be grown outdoors?

While the plant can tolerate some direct sun, it's best suited for growing indoors. It prefers well-draining soil and doesn't like to be overwatered.

4. What kind of soil does the Ruby Necklace Plant need?

The plant prefers well-draining soil, so use a pot with drainage holes and a soil mix that includes perlite or sand.

5. How do I propagate the Ruby Necklace Plant?

Snip off a strand of beads from the parent plant and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and within a few weeks you should see new growth emerging from the base of the planted strand.

6. Can I grow the Ruby Necklace Plant in a terrarium?

Yes, the Ruby Necklace Plant looks great in a terrarium. Make sure to use a container with good ventilation and well-draining soil.

7. What kind of lighting does the Ruby Necklace Plant need?

The plant thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some direct sun as long as it's not too intense.

8. How big does the Ruby Necklace Plant get?

The plant can grow to be several feet long if given enough space, but can also be pruned to keep it at a smaller size.

9. Can the Ruby Necklace Plant be grown from seed?

While it's technically possible to grow the plant from seed, it's much easier to propagate it using cuttings.

10. What other plants pair well with the Ruby Necklace Plant?

The Ruby Necklace Plant looks great mixed with other succulents like the String of Pearls or the Haworthia. It also pairs well with trailing plants like the Pothos or the Spider Plant.