The String of Rubies (Othonna capensis) is a captivating succulent, popular for its vibrant, ruby-red foliage and trailing growth. Propagating this appealing plant is an accessible and rewarding process for expanding your collection or sharing. This guide details how to multiply your Othonna capensis at home.
Why Propagate Your String of Rubies?
Propagating String of Rubies offers several benefits. You can create new plants to share with friends and family.
Propagation also revitalizes leggy or sparse plants; taking cuttings encourages bushier growth on the parent. Additionally, propagating can save sections of a struggling plant, preserving its genetic material.
Preparing for Propagation
Successful propagation begins with proper preparation. The ideal time is during the active growing season, typically spring and summer, when the plant is most vigorous.
You will need clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears for precise cuts, which helps prevent damage. Rooting hormone can enhance root development.
Prepare small pots with a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, or regular potting soil amended with perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage. Select healthy, robust stems free from disease, ensuring each segment has at least two to three nodes where roots will emerge.
Step-by-Step Propagation Methods
String of Rubies is commonly propagated through stem cuttings, using two primary approaches: water propagation and soil propagation. Both methods are effective, though soil propagation often has a slightly higher success rate due to reduced risk of rot.
Water Propagation
For water propagation, take healthy stem cuttings, ideally 4-6 inches long. Remove leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches to expose the nodes, as roots sprout from these points.
Place cuttings into a glass container with clean water, ensuring at least one or two nodes are submerged. Position the container in bright, indirect light, and change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots typically begin to form within two weeks.
Soil Propagation
For soil propagation, take similar 4-6 inch stem cuttings, ensuring each has a few nodes. Allow them to air dry for one to two days until the cut end forms a callus; this dry seal helps prevent rot.
Once callused, you can optionally dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the callused cuttings directly into small pots with a well-draining succulent mix, either by inserting the cut end or by laying the stem horizontally to ensure node contact.
Aftercare for New Cuttings
Proper aftercare is important for successful establishment. Place new cuttings in bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh direct sunlight that can scorch new growth.
While rooting, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture leads to rot. For soil-propagated cuttings, regular misting helps maintain humidity.
Signs of successful rooting include resistance when gently tugging on the cutting, or visible new growth. Once established, gradually transition to a watering schedule similar to a mature String of Rubies, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Common Propagation Challenges
Challenges can arise during String of Rubies propagation. Cuttings may rot due to overwatering or insufficient callusing.
To prevent this, ensure cuttings are adequately callused and use well-draining soil mixes, allowing them to dry slightly between waterings. Cuttings may also fail to root due to unhealthy parent material, incorrect temperature, or insufficient light.
Providing consistent warmth (65-80°F or 18-27°C) and bright, indirect light improves rooting success. Slow growth after rooting might indicate a need for more light or a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer during the active growing season.