Ruby Necklace
Family
Asteraceae
Origin
Southern Africa
Description
A grounded, low level succulent, 'Ruby Necklace' has a trail of bean-like foliage which have a glossy purple & green color and purple stems. It will grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in height, before trailing downwards. The beans can range in color from green to a purple or burgundy. The stems are a bright ruby red to purple.
Small, yellow, daisy like flowers can appear all year round but the flowers are particularly abundant in the winter months. As with other daisies, the floral heads give the appearance of being a single flower, when in fact they are a cluster of tiny flowers. These heads are about inch (1 cm) across.. The flower grows on a tall red stem above the foliage.
Despite its delicate appearance, this unusual succulent house plant is a vigorous grower, quickly creeping across the surface of the pot, then cascading down the side. Its trailing stems can reach 2-3 ft (60-90 cm). If long stems become straggly, you can cut them off. Poke healthy stem tip cuttings back into the soil to create a full, lush plant.
Environment
Bright light with direct sunlight & well-drained sandy soil. In summer protect plants from direct sunlight. In growing season they like to be moist, fresh and plenty light.
In the warmer months Othonnas go into their dormancy period, stop watering, place them in a shaded, cooler area, away from getting direct sunlight and with good air circulation, relatively dry. In the fall, sometime around early to mid October when nights cool down, the plants may start growing on their own, but a good soaking will help them to leaf out.
Water thoroughly, then allow to dry out slightly between watering. This plant will not tolerate soggy soil. Cut back on water in winter, watering just enough to prevent the soil from drying out.
Feed once a month spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Landscape Use
Othonnas fleshy leaves and daisy-like flowers make them excellent in a desert or rock garden (where hardy), or a superb plant to have in a hanging basket or cascading over a retaining wall. Can also be used as a ground cover in the garden.
