How to Grow and Care for String of Rubies

If you are a fan of trailing succulents, a string of rubies (Othonna capensis), also known as the ruby necklace plant, is one that you have to add to your collection. This plant is easy to grow but needs plenty of sunlight. It does best in warm temperatures and is not cold-tolerant. String of rubies can be grown indoors or outdoors.

String of Rubies Care

The string of rubies is an easy-to-grow succulent that sports delicate yellow flowers for the majority of the year when it is properly cared for.

• Place this sun-loving plant in a bright location that receives at least six hours of it a day.
• Water every couple of weeks. Do not overwater as this is a drought-tolerant succulent.
• Keep out of colder temperatures, this plant may decline outside of warm weather.
• Prune minimally during dormancy.

Light

Indoors, a bright, sunny, south-facing window that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is the ideal environment for string of rubies. When grown outdoors, string of rubies does best in full sun to partial shade conditions.

True to its name, when string of rubies is grown in direct sun, the leaves will turn ruby red. However, when grown in low light conditions, the leaves will revert to green and the plant is more likely to become leggy.

If you do not have an area that receives enough sunlight for your string of rubies, it will also do well under strong grow lights.

Soil

The string of rubies succulent requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Commercially available cactus and succulent soil mixes can be used for a string of rubies, or you can make your own soil mix by amending regular potting soil with plenty of perlite, sand, and/or pumice to provide drainage.

Water

Let your string of rubies dry out thoroughly between waterings. As with most succulents, string of rubies is easily susceptible to root rot if overwatered and is considered drought-tolerant. Let the soil dry out and then water your string of rubies thoroughly, allowing any excess water to drain out of the pot.

Temperature and Humidity

String of rubies is not a cold weather succulent and does best in warmer temperatures. Never let your plant sit in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods of time.

When grown indoors, string of rubies does well in typical household temperature and humidity levels. Avoid placing your string of rubies next to cold or drafty windows during extreme winter temperatures.

Fertilizer

As with most succulents, string of rubies is not a heavy feeder and does not require regular fertilization. However, to support new growth, the plant can be fertilized a couple of times throughout the spring and summer months. Use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen for best results.

Pruning

Only prune your sting of rubies if it is growing unevenly or becoming too dense or leggy. Pruning minimally will ensure all parts receive ample sunlight and air circulation. Prune in spring as the plant comes out of dormancy. Trim just above the leaf node where new shoots can begin later. Precision pruners work best for succulents to make clean cuts and not damage any delicate stems.

Propagating String of Rubies

String of rubies is propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings can be rooted in soil or water, although the success rate is usually higher with soil because the cuttings are less likely to rot. Here's how:

1. When taking cuttings, ensure that at least 2-3 nodes are present on each stem.
2. To propagate using soil, fill a tray or shallow pot with cactus/succulent soil and lay the stem cuttings on the top of the soil.
3. Until roots have established and new growth can be seen, keep the soil moist (but not waterlogged) to help encourage rooting.
4. If you wish to try propagating string of rubies in water rather than soil, take the stem cuttings and remove the bottom leaves to expose the stem and the nodes and then place the end of the stem in water.
5. Ensure that at least 1-2 nodes (but no leaves) are submerged in water.
6. Using glass containers such as small jars, vases, or thrifted glass containers will help you to keep an eye on the root development. The water should be changed weekly.
7. Once roots have established in water, transfer the cuttings to soil and keep the soil moist for the first week or two so that the roots don’t go into shock.
   

Potting and Repotting String of Rubies

These trailing succulents don’t typically require frequent repotting and don’t mind being slightly rootbound. Repotting every two to three years should be adequate.

When you are choosing a pot for your string of rubies, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to provide adequate drainage. Only go up one pot size and refresh the potting mix when you repot.

Although string of rubies can do well in any pot, terra-cotta varieties are usually a great choice for succulents. This material absorbs any excess water in the soil and this makes it harder to overwater the plant.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Watch out for common sap-sucking houseplant pests such as mealybugs and scale on your string of rubies. Regularly inspecting the succulent and catching any pests early is the best way to prevent more serious infestations. Treat affected plants with rubbing alcohol, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to get rid of unwanted pests.

If succulents fall victim to bacterial or fungal diseases, it is usually due to overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly and check that your soil is draining well.

Common Problems With String of Rubies

String of rubies is generally easy to care for, but watch out for some common growing problems.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice your plant's leaves drooping, ensure that you aren't overwatering. If the water levels are correct, the succulent may not be getting enough sunlight or might be too cold.

Leaves Turning Red

True to its name, its bean-shaped leaves turn a bright ruby red when the plant is under stress due to heat, watering, or sunlight.

Plant Leaves Falling Off

String of rubies may lose leaves due to extreme temperatures or incorrect watering. Make sure to let the plant dry out between watering and do not let it get too cold as it is not a cold-tolerant plant.

From: thespruce