Othonna Capensis

If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-care trailing plant, you’ve found it. The othonna capensis is a fantastic succulent that brings a unique look to any space with its plump, bean-shaped leaves.

Often called the “Ruby Necklace” or “String of Pickles,” this plant is a real standout. Its leaves can turn a stunning shade of purple-red when given enough sunlight, creating a gorgeous contrast. It’s perfect for hanging baskets where its vines can cascade down several feet.

This guide will give you all the practical tips you need to grow a healthy, vibrant plant. We’ll cover everything from light and water to making more plants for your friends.

This South African native is part of the Asteraceae family, related to daisies and sunflowers. It’s a drought-tolerant perennial that stores water in its leaves and stems. In the right conditions, it will produce cheerful, yellow, daisy-like flowers, mainly in the cooler months.

Why Choose This Trailing Succulent?

There are several reasons why this plant has become so popular among gardeners:

Visual Interest: The unique form and color changes provide year-round appeal.
Low Maintenance: It thrives on neglect, making it ideal for busy people or beginners.
Fast Growth: Under good conditions, it trails quickly, filling out a pot in a single season.
Excellent for Propagation: It’s incredibly easy to grow new plants from cuttings.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To keep your plant thriving, you’ll want to mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible. Getting these basics right prevents most common problems.

Light Requirements

Light is the most critical factor for color and health. This plant loves bright light.

For Best Color: Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct morning sunlight. This stress from the sun is what triggers the beautiful purple and red hues.
Indoor Placement: A south or west-facing window is perfect. An east window also works well.
Too Little Light: The stems will become leggy as they stretch for light, and the leaves will stay green. The spaces between leaves will get larger.
Too Much Harsh Light: Intense afternoon sun in hot climates can scorch the leaves, causing permanent brown marks.

Soil and Potting Needs

The right soil mix is essential to prevent root rot, the main threat to succulents.

Drainage is Key: Use a pot with a drainage hole. Always.
Soil Mix: A commercial cactus or succulent mix is great. For even better drainage, you can amend it with extra perlite or pumice (about a 2:1 ratio of soil to grit).
Pot Material: Terracotta pots are excellent because they breathe, helping soil dry faster. But plastic or ceramic pots work fine if you are careful with watering.

Your Care Routine Simplified

A simple, consistent routine is better than sporadic, intense care. Here’s how to nail the basics.

Watering Correctly

This is where most people go wrong. The “soak and dry” method is your best friend.

Wait until the soil is completely dry all the way through. You can check with your finger or a wooden skewer.
When dry, water thoroughly until water runs freely out the drainage hole. This ensures the roots get a good drink.
Empty the saucer under the pot after 15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in water.
Wait for the soil to dry out completely again. In summer, this might be every 7-10 days. In winter, it could be every 3-4 weeks.

Signs of overwatering include mushy, translucent leaves or black stems. Signs of underwatering are wrinkled, shriveled leaves.

Feeding for Growth

Fertilizing isn’t strictly necessary, but it can encourage lush growth and flowering.

When: Only during the active growing season (spring and summer).
What to Use: A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength (like a 10-10-10 formula).
How Often: Once a month at most. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Propagation: Making More Plants

One of the joys of this plant is how easy it is to propagate. You can create many new plants from just one.

Take a healthy cutting with at least 2-3 leaf nodes. Use clean, sharp scissors.
Let the cutting callous over for 1-2 days. This lets the cut end dry and helps prevent rot when planting.
Place the calloused cutting on top of moist succulent soil. You can also gently insert the stem into the soil.
Place in bright, indirect light. Mist the soil lightly every few days to keep it slightly moist (not wet).
In a few weeks, you should see new roots and growth. Once established, treat it like a mature plant.

Common Issues and Simple Solutions

Even easy plants can have occasional problems. Here’s how to identify and fix them.

Pests to Watch For

Mealybugs and aphids are the most common pests. They look like small white cottony masses or tiny green insects on stems and leaves.

Treatment: Isolate the affected plant. Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying as directed.

Leggy Growth and Lack of Color

This is almost always due to insufficient light. The plant is stretching to find more.

Solution: Gradually move it to a brighter location. You can also prune the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth from the base. The cuttings can be propagated!

Leaf Drop

Some leaf drop is normal, especially on older stems. Excessive drop can be from overwatering, underwatering, or a sudden drastic change in environment (like moving it from indoors to full sun too quickly). Review your care routine and adjust gradually.

Seasonal Considerations

Your plant’s needs change with the seasons, just like outdoor plants do.

Spring & Summer (Growing Season): Water more regularly, provide bright light, and consider monthly feeding.
Fall & Winter (Dormant/Slow Growth Season): Reduce watering significantly. Let the soil stay dry for longer periods. Stop fertilizing entirely. Ensure it still gets good light to maintain its form.

If you live in a frost-free climate (USDA zones 9-11), you can grow othonna capensis outdoors year-round. In cooler zones, bring it inside before the first frost.

Design Ideas for Your Plant

Its trailing habit makes it incredibly versatile for home decor.

Let it spill over the edge of a tall shelf or bookcase.
Plant it in a hanging basket and place it in a bright window.
Use it in mixed succulent arrangements as a “spiller” element.
Train it to trail along a sunny mantelpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the string of pickles plant toxic to pets?

Yes, othonna capensis is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.

Why are my ruby necklace leaves turning purple?

That’s a good sign! It means your plant is receiving adequate sunlight. The purple-red color is a stress response to sun exposure and is completely healthy and desirable.

How often should I repot my string plant?

Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time to repot. Choose a pot only one size larger to avoid having too much wet soil around the roots.

Can I grow this plant in water?

You can root cuttings in water, but it’s not ideal for long-term growth. The plant is a succulent adapted to dry soil, and keeping its roots in water long-term will likely lead to rot. It’s better to transfer water-rooted cuttings to soil once they have a good set of roots.

What’s the difference between othonna capensis and a string of bananas?

They are different species. Othonna capensis has more cylindrical, bean-shaped leaves that can turn purple. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) has curved, banana-shaped leaves that are typically a solid green or blue-green color. Their care is very similar, though.

With its charming appearance and resilient nature, the othonna capensis is a rewarding plant for any collection. By providing plenty of light, being careful with water, and giving it a little seasonal attention, you’ll be able to enjoy its trailing beauty for years to come. Remember, the most successful succulent gardening often involves a bit of benign neglect, so don’t feel you need to fuss over it constantly.