The Orthonna capensis, commonly known as the Ruby Necklace, Little Pickles, or String of Rubies, is a charming and popular trailing succulent native to South Africa. Its unique appearance and relatively easy care make it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
 
Appearance:
Trailing Stems: The most distinctive feature of the Ruby Necklace is its long, slender, and often vibrantly colored trailing stems. These can grow quite long, making it ideal for hanging baskets, elevated pots, or allowing it to cascade over shelves and walls.  
Leaf Shape and Color: The leaves are small, plump, and typically bean-shaped to somewhat cylindrical, resembling tiny pickles or beads strung along the stems. The color of the leaves is a key attraction. They are typically green but develop beautiful shades of ruby red, purple, or maroon when exposed to bright sunlight and sometimes with a bit of water stress. In lower light conditions, the leaves tend to remain more green with purplish highlights, especially along the stems.  
Flowers: The Ruby Necklace produces small, bright yellow, daisy-like flowers on slender stalks. These cheerful blooms can appear intermittently throughout the year, adding a lovely contrast to the foliage.  
Overall Effect: The combination of the trailing habit and the jewel-toned foliage creates a stunning "necklace" effect, hence its common name.
 
Care:
The Ruby Necklace is generally considered an easy-to-care-for succulent, making it a great choice for beginners:
Light: This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate full sun. The intensity of the red and purple hues in the leaves is directly related to the amount of sunlight it receives. For the best color, aim for at least 6 hours of bright light daily. However, be cautious of intense, direct midday sun, especially in hot climates, which can sometimes scorch the leaves.  
Water: Like most succulents, the Ruby Necklace prefers the "soak and dry" method. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and then allow it to dry out fully before watering again. Overwatering is the most common mistake and can lead to root rot. During the active growing seasons (spring and summer), you might water more frequently than in the dormant fall and winter months.
Soil: It requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal. You can also amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.  
Temperature: The Ruby Necklace prefers temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (60°F and 85°F). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures. In colder climates, it can be grown indoors as a houseplant during winter.  
Humidity: Average household humidity levels are usually sufficient. Avoid overly humid conditions, which can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilizing: It is a light feeder. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti, perhaps once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing.  
Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. Its trailing nature makes it particularly well-suited for hanging baskets or containers placed where the stems can cascade.
Pruning: Pruning can be done to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, or remove any dead or leggy stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Pruning can be done during the growing season.  
Propagation: The Ruby Necklace is very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a healthy cutting, allow the cut end to dry and callus for a day or two, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until roots develop.  
 
Key Characteristics:
Trailing Habit: Makes it excellent for hanging displays and cascading from pots.
Color Change: The leaves' ability to change color from green to vibrant reds and purples in response to sunlight is a major attraction.
Easy to Propagate: Readily grows from stem cuttings.  
Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it can handle periods of dryness.  
Produces Cheerful Flowers: The small yellow daisy-like flowers add an extra element of beauty.
Relatively Fast-Growing: Under the right conditions, it can grow fairly quickly.
 
Potential Issues:
Root Rot: The most common problem, usually caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can cause the stems to stretch and become leggy with less intense color.  
Pests: While generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally be susceptible to common succulent pests like mealybugs or spider mites. Caterpillars can sometimes be attracted to the leaves, so keep an eye out for them.  
Sunburn: While it loves light, intense, direct midday sun can sometimes scorch the leaves, especially if the plant is not acclimated to it.
 
The Othonna capensis Ruby Necklace is a delightful and rewarding succulent to grow. Its trailing ruby-red stems adorned with bean-like leaves and its cheerful yellow flowers make it a standout in any succulent collection or as a unique hanging plant. With proper care, especially regarding light and watering, this "little pickle" is sure to bring joy to any plant lover.  
Sources and related content
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.