Ruby Necklace Care Guide

Othonna capensis-Ruby Necklace is a fast-growing trailing succulent loved for its vibrant purple stems and bean-shaped leaves. In bright light it can take on ruby, burgundy, and purple tones. It can cascade from hanging baskets, shelves, and container arrangements. During cooler months, it produces yellow daisy-like flowers.

What Makes It Special?

Unlike many trailing succulents that stay mostly green, Ruby Necklace changes color depending on its growing conditions. Bright light, mild water stress, and cooler temperatures can bring out its beautiful purple color. It is also one of the easier trailing succulents to grow and propagate, making it a fan favorite for both beginners and collectors.

One thing that often surprises new owners is the white fuzzy wax found between the nodes. This is a natural waxy coating produced by the plant and is completely normal. It is often mistaken for mealybugs but is simply part of the plant’s natural growth.

Key Facts

• Scientific Name: Othonna capensis ‘Ruby Necklace’
• Common Name: Ruby Necklace, Little Pickles
• Family: Asteraceae
• Native Range: South Africa
• Growth Form: Trailing succulent
• Common Use: Hanging baskets, container gardens, shelf displays, and succulent arrangements

How to Care for Ruby Necklace

Light

Ruby Necklace thrives in bright light and can handle several hours of direct sun (be sure to harden it off first!). The more light it receives, the more vibrant its purple coloration becomes.

Indoors, a sunny south-facing or west-facing window is ideal. If grown in lower light conditions, the stems may stretch and the plant will remain greener.

Water

Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. When its thirsty, the leaves will begin to soften slightly and may wrinkle a bit.

Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry again before watering.

Ruby Necklace is much more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.

Soil

Use a well-draining cactus and succulent mix.

If you grow indoors or tend to overwater, consider adding more perlite or pumice to your soil mix. Increasing drainage allows water to move through the soil more quickly, reducing the risk of root rot.

At our nursery, we use a mix that retains slightly more moisture because plants are watered less frequently, often only every few weeks. If you’re watering weekly, you’ll need a much faster-draining soil mix to prevent the roots from staying wet for too long.

A good rule of thumb: the more often you water, the faster your soil should drain.

Temperature

Ruby Necklace thrives between 65°F and 85°F. Protect it from frost and prolonged temperatures below 30°F. While it can tolerate brief cold spells, freezing temperatures can damage leaves and stems.

Fertilizer

Feed once per month during spring and summer using a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer. Avoid alot of fertilizing, as that can encourage weak, stretched growth.

Blooming

Ruby Necklace produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers, typically during the cooler months of the year. The blooms appear above the leaves and can last for several weeks.

Pet Safe?

It may cause mild to moderate symptoms if ingested, such as vomiting or stomach upset. We recommend keeping it out of reach of pets.

Humidity

Average household humidity is perfectly fine. It prefers good airflow and does not require additional humidity.

Propagation

Ruby Necklace is one of the easiest succulents to propagate. Take a healthy stem cutting and allow the cut end to callous for a few days. Place the cutting on top of well-draining soil. Roots typically begin forming within a few weeks.

Because the stems naturally root where they touch soil, even small cuttings can quickly grow into full trailing plants.

Troubleshooting

My Ruby Necklace Is Turning Green

This usually means the plant would like more light. Move it to a brighter spot and the purple color should gradually return.

My Stems Are Long and Sparse

This is usually caused by not enough light. Give it brighter light to have it grow more compact growth and fuller stems.

My Leaves Are Mushy

Mushy leaves are often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Be sure the soil is completely dry and make sure your pot has drainage holes.

My Plant Looks Wrinkled

Slight wrinkling is usually a sign the plant is thirsty. Give it a deep watering and the leaves should plump back up within a few days.

What Are the White Fuzzy Spots Between the Leaves?

Good news, they’re usually completely normal. Ruby Necklace naturally produces a white waxy coating between its nodes that can resemble mealybugs. If the white material stays neatly tucked between the leaves and does not spread, it is part of the plant’s natural growth.

Why We Picked This Plant

Ruby Necklace has been one of our most requested trailing succulents and for good reason. It’s colorful, easy to grow, beginner-friendly, and adds a completely different look than a traditional rosette succulent.

We especially love how its colors change throughout the year. Giving bright green to ruby purple depending on light and growing conditions. Plus, those yellow blooms are always a welcome surprise. 🤩

If this Ruby Necklace showed up in your Succly box, congratulations, you now own one of the easiest and most colorful trailing succulents to grow!

Snap a pic, tag @Succly, and show us where your Ruby Necklace lives. Bonus points if it’s in bloom 🌼.

Keep Learning About Succulent Care

New to succulents or want to learn even more? These guides will help you grow healthier, happier plants.

Watering Succulents
Learn why overwatering isn’t about how often you water, but how long the soil stays wet.
→ Read our Watering Guide

Find the Right Succulent Soil
There isn’t one “perfect” succulent soil. Discover how to choose or mix the best soil for your growing environment.
→ Read our Succulent Soil Guide

Succulent Care 101
Everything you need to know about light, watering, repotting, dormancy, and keeping your succulents thriving.
→ Read Succulent Care 101