Ruby necklace (Crassothonna capensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Ruby necklace on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Ruby necklace
Crassothonna capensis, commonly known as Othonna capensis, is a trailing succulent native to South Africa, prized for its slender, creeping stems adorned with small, fleshy, grayish-green leaves. It produces small, daisy-like yellow flowers that beautifully contrast with its foliage. It is ideal for hanging baskets or for gently spilling over the edges of pots and planters, creating a charming cascading effect.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun to thrive and maintain its compact form, though it can tolerate some partial shade. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, especially in winter when watering should be drastically reduced. Use a well-draining succulent-specific substrate. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this plant; it's better to err on the side of too dry than too wet.
How to save a dying Ruby necklace
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled or yellowing leaves, leggy stems searching for light.
- First aid
- Repot into a well-draining pot with sandy soil. Water only when dry. Place in partial shade or soft sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of direct light. It doesn't tolerate soggy soil or deep shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's very resilient. Prune damaged parts, propagate healthy cuttings. Give it light and don't drown it.