Discover the enchanting Orthonna - Capensis Variegated, also known as Calara's Opal Necklace, an exceptionally rare gem in the succulent world. Perfectly suited for enthusiasts, this unique plant stands out with its variegated leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any collection. 
 
Appearance:
Trailing Stems: Like the Ruby Necklace, 'Calara's Opal Necklace' features long, slender, trailing stems that can cascade beautifully, making it ideal for hanging baskets and elevated planters.  
Leaf Shape: The leaves are typically small, plump, and bean-shaped to somewhat cylindrical, resembling miniature pickles or beads.  
Variegation: This is the key distinguishing feature. Unlike the solid green or ruby-red hues of the standard Ruby Necklace, 'Calara's Opal Necklace' displays a stunning variegation. The leaves exhibit a mix of colors, often including:
Creamy White or Pale Yellow: Streaks, margins, or patches of these light colors are prominent.
Green: Various shades of green form the base color.
Pink and Purple: Depending on light exposure and stress, hints of pink and purple can appear, sometimes more subtly than in the Ruby Necklace.
Overall Effect: The combination of the trailing habit and the multi-toned, slightly luminous leaves creates a truly unique and eye-catching display.
 
Care:
'Calara's Opal Necklace' generally shares similar care requirements with other Othonna capensis varieties, being relatively low-maintenance:  
Light: It thrives in bright, indirect light to partial sun. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, intense midday sun can scorch the delicate variegated leaves. Providing enough light will help maintain the vibrancy of the variegation.  
Water: Like most succulents, it prefers sparse watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a primary cause of root rot in succulents, so err on the side of underwatering. Water more frequently during the active growing seasons (spring and summer) and reduce watering significantly in fall and winter.  
Soil: It needs a well-draining soil mix to prevent water retention around the roots. 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: It generally prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect it from freezing temperatures. It can typically handle average indoor temperatures.
Humidity: Average humidity levels are usually sufficient. Avoid overly humid environments, which can contribute to fungal issues.
Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Its trailing nature makes it well-suited for hanging baskets or pots placed on shelves where the stems can cascade.
Fertilizing: It is not a heavy feeder. You can fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring/summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents or cacti, perhaps once every 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning: You can prune the trailing stems to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or propagate new plants.
Propagation: 'Calara's Opal Necklace' can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Allow the cut ends to callus for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.
 
Unique Characteristics and Considerations:
Variegation Stability: Unlike some variegated succulents that may revert to their non-variegated form, 'Calara's Opal Necklace' is generally known for maintaining its variegation even without stress.
Color Intensity: While the vibrant colors are usually present under optimal conditions, the intensity of the pink and purple hues might be slightly influenced by light and temperature, similar to the Ruby Necklace. Cooler temperatures and slightly less frequent watering (gentle stress) can sometimes enhance these colors.
Flowering: Like Othonna capensis, 'Calara's Opal Necklace' can produce small, daisy-like yellow flowers on slender stems. Flowering typically occurs during the warmer months, adding another element of interest.  
Rarity and Availability: As a specific variegated cultivar, 'Calara's Opal Necklace' might be less commonly available than the standard Ruby Necklace. It's often sought after by collectors for its unique appearance.
 
Othonna capensis 'Calara's Opal Necklace' is a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for succulent prized for its trailing habit and stunning creamy-white and green variegated leaves, often with hints of pink and a subtle opalescent sheen. It's a fantastic choice for hanging baskets, adding a touch of unique charm to any succulent collection, especially for those who appreciate variegated plants.
 
 
* 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.