Ruby Necklace Plant – Vibrant Succulent Guide for Australian Gardens

The Ruby Necklace plant (*Othonna capensis*), also known as *Little Pickles*, is a fast-growing trailing succulent adored for its vibrant stems and jewel-like leaves. This striking plant produces rich ruby-red stems lined with green or purple-toned foliage, making it a standout in hanging baskets, raised planters, or succulent walls.

Originally from South Africa, this succulent is prized in Australian gardens for its vivid colour shifts, fast growth, and resilience. With adequate sunlight, the plant’s foliage transitions from green to intense purple, while yellow daisy-like flowers appear intermittently through spring and summer. Its eye-catching colours and trailing growth habit make it a favourite among succulent enthusiasts looking for a bold, low-maintenance accent.

How to Grow the Purple Ruby Necklace Succulent in Australia

Unlike slower-growing string succulents, the Ruby Necklace plant fills out containers quickly and benefits from occasional pruning to encourage fuller, bushier growth. It thrives in Australian regions like NSW, QLD, and SA—especially in warm, dry climates where frost is rare. In cooler zones, it performs well indoors near bright windows or under grow lights.

Whether you’re building a colourful trailing succulent mix or looking for a dramatic statement piece, *Othonna capensis* offers bold hues and reliable growth with minimal care. Its colour intensifies with light, making it ideal for balcony railings, wall planters, and indoor shelf edges where it can spill freely without crowding nearby plants.

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How to Care for a Ruby Necklace Plant

Caring for *Othonna capensis* is simple, but providing the right light, drainage, and seasonal watering is key to keeping the plant vibrant. Below is a full breakdown for Ruby Necklace care in Australian conditions:

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Outdoors, it flourishes in dappled morning sun. Indoors, position near a north or east-facing window. Intense direct sun will deepen the purple hues but can also scorch the foliage if exposure is too long.
Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry out between watering. In summer, water every 7–10 days depending on heat. Reduce to monthly in winter or in shaded locations. Yellowing leaves and mushy stems often signal overwatering.
Soil: Use a free-draining succulent mix or create your own with potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. Avoid soils that retain moisture, as this plant is prone to rot in soggy conditions.
Temperature: Best suited to 15–30 °C. Protect from frost. In cooler zones, move indoors during winter or grow in portable containers.
Humidity: Prefers dry environments. Avoid high humidity spaces like bathrooms unless airflow is strong.
Fertilising: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a diluted, balanced fertiliser. Choose a low-nitrogen blend to preserve compact, colourful growth. Stop feeding in winter.

If your Ruby Necklace plant starts to fade in colour or looks leggy, it likely needs more sunlight. Legginess can also indicate too much nitrogen or lack of pruning. Regular trimming helps promote a fuller appearance and encourages more trailing stems.

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Propagation, Toxicity & Common Problems

One of the joys of owning a Ruby Necklace plant is how easily it propagates. Whether you want to expand your collection or gift it to a friend, here’s how to multiply it successfully:

Propagation Method (Stem Cuttings)

Take 10–15cm stem cuttings with a few healthy nodes.
Allow the cuttings to dry and callous for 24 hours to reduce rot risk.
Place the cuttings directly into dry succulent soil—bury at least one node.
Keep in bright, indirect light and mist lightly every few days until roots develop (2–3 weeks).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ruby Necklace plant toxic to cats or dogs? Yes, like other members of the Senecio family, this plant may be mildly toxic if ingested by pets. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs, especially curious chewers.
Why is my Ruby Necklace plant dying? Common causes include overwatering, insufficient sunlight, or root rot. Ensure the pot drains well and reduce watering during cooler seasons.
How do I keep it vibrant and purple? Increase sun exposure gradually. The more sunlight it receives (without burn), the deeper the ruby tone becomes. Indoors, supplemental grow lights may help boost colour.
Does it flower? Yes! It produces small yellow daisy-like flowers that contrast beautifully with its ruby stems. Flowering is more frequent in spring and summer with adequate sun and light feeding.

To support vibrant growth and strong trailing stems, apply a light monthly feed of CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser (NPK 20-20-20) at half strength during the growing season. This helps maintain colour without encouraging overly fast, leggy growth.