The String of Rubies, botanically known as Othonna capensis, offers a captivating display with its unique appearance and trailing growth habit. This succulent, also called Ruby Necklace or String of Pickles, is a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Its ease of care and striking coloration make it a rewarding addition to various indoor and outdoor settings. It provides an attractive cascading effect, suitable for hanging baskets or elevated displays.
Understanding String of Rubies
The String of Rubies is recognized by its distinctive, bean-like or tear-drop shaped leaves that grow on thin, delicate stems. These leaves typically present in a vibrant green hue, but they undergo a remarkable transformation to deep ruby red or purple when exposed to ample sunlight or mild stress conditions. This color-changing characteristic is a primary reason for its common names. Native to the Cape Province of South Africa, this succulent stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, allowing it to endure periods of dryness. Its natural growth habit is trailing or creeping, making it an excellent candidate for hanging displays.
Essential Care for String of Rubies
Caring for the String of Rubies involves providing specific environmental conditions that mimic its native arid habitat. Ensuring proper light, watering, and soil is important for its vibrant health and characteristic coloration. This succulent is generally low-maintenance.
Light
The String of Rubies thrives in bright light, which also enhances its signature ruby-red coloration. For indoor cultivation, a south-facing window that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. While it enjoys bright conditions, intense, scorching afternoon sun, especially outdoors, can harm its leaves. In lower light environments, the leaves may retain a greener appearance, and the plant can become leggy.
Watering
Adopting a “soak and dry” watering method is important for the String of Rubies. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Watering frequency varies with seasons; during its active growing period in spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, while in cooler months, watering should be reduced.
Soil
Well-draining soil is important for the String of Rubies to prevent waterlogging around its roots. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is suitable. Alternatively, a custom blend can be created by amending regular potting soil with materials like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to enhance drainage. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, between 6.0 and 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
The String of Rubies prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to cold. An ideal indoor temperature range is between 50°F and 80°F (10°C-27°C). It is not tolerant of frost and should be brought indoors or protected in regions where temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Household humidity levels are sufficient, as succulents prefer drier environments.
Fertilizing
The String of Rubies is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During its active growing season in spring and summer, a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied a couple of times. Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content to avoid root burn. Fertilizing should be avoided during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Propagation for String of Rubies
Propagating the String of Rubies is a straightforward process, most effectively done through stem cuttings. This method allows for the creation of new plants from an existing one. The best time for propagation is during the plant’s growing season, typically spring or summer.
Take a healthy stem cutting that is approximately 4-6 inches long, ensuring each cutting has at least 2-3 leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting to expose the stem and nodes. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for 1-2 days, or up to a week, which helps prevent rot when planted. Once callused, the cuttings can be placed on top of or lightly inserted into well-draining succulent soil. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not waterlogged, until roots establish within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common String of Rubies Issues
While the String of Rubies is generally easy to care for, plant owners may encounter a few common issues. Recognizing symptoms and understanding their causes helps in addressing problems and maintaining plant health.
Mushy or rotting stems indicate overwatering or poor drainage. This occurs when the soil remains wet for too long, leading to fungal infections. To remedy this, reduce watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Conversely, wrinkled or shriveled leaves signal underwatering or extreme dryness. When depleted, the plant’s leaves will show signs of dehydration. Increasing watering slightly, ensuring the soil is thoroughly soaked when watered, can help.
A lack of ruby-red coloration suggests insufficient light exposure. While the plant will remain green in lower light, moving it to a brighter location with more direct sunlight will encourage the vibrant red hues to develop. Pests like mealybugs and scale insects can also affect the String of Rubies. Regularly inspecting the plant helps in early detection, and infestations can be treated by wiping pests with rubbing alcohol or applying neem oil.