Ruby Necklace Plant Care: Tips and Tricks for a Lush and Healthy Plant

If you're looking for a low maintenance, yet stunning houseplant, the Ruby Necklace Plant is an excellent option. Its shiny green leaves with red undersides trail down the pot, creating a beautiful cascading effect. This plant is also known as the String of Rubies or Fishbone Cactus.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Ruby Necklace Plant care. From watering to fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and pest control, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to keep your Ruby Necklace Plant lush and healthy.

Native to South Africa, the Ruby Necklace Plant is a succulent that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It's a trailing plant that can grow up to 3 feet long in its natural habitat. In homes, it's commonly grown as a hanging plant or trained to climb a trellis.

The Ruby Necklace Plant is an easy-care houseplant, making it perfect for beginners. It requires minimal watering, indirect light, and well-draining soil. However, like any other plant, it has its own needs and requirements. Let's dive into some essential tips and tricks for caring for your Ruby Necklace Plant.

Watering

The Ruby Necklace Plant is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves and stem. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out between watering. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature, humidity, and light levels in your home.

During the growing season (spring and summer), water your Ruby Necklace Plant once a week. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering to once every two weeks. Be sure to use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Light

The Ruby Necklace Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to keep it away from windows that receive direct sunlight. If you notice that your plant is stretching towards the light, it might not be getting enough light.

Soil

The Ruby Necklace Plant prefers well-draining soil that's rich in nutrients. A mix of succulent soil and perlite or sand works well. Avoid using heavy potting mixes that retain moisture, as they can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

During the growing season, fertilize your Ruby Necklace Plant once a month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer that lasts up to six months.

Pruning

To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of your Ruby Necklace Plant. You can also trim off any leggy or unhealthy-looking stems. Use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.

Propagation

Ruby Necklace Plants are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply take a healthy stem cutting and let it dry out for a day or two. Then, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly until it establishes roots.

Pests

Like other succulents, Ruby Necklace Plants are relatively pest-free. However, they can attract mealybugs and spider mites. To get rid of these pests, wipe down the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Temperature and Humidity

The Ruby Necklace Plant prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid exposing it to frost or freezing temperatures.

Humidity isn't a significant concern for this plant. It can thrive in average indoor humidity levels. However, if the air in your home is too dry, you can increase the humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

Repotting

Ruby Necklace Plants grow relatively slowly and don't need frequent repotting. You can repot them once every two to three years or when the pot becomes too crowded. Use a pot that's slightly larger than the previous one and fill it with fresh soil.

Common Issues

If your Ruby Necklace Plant isn't looking its best, here are some common issues you might encounter:

• Yellowing leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering, so reduce watering and let the soil dry out.

• Drooping stems: This could be a sign of underwatering, so give your plant a good drink of water.

• Brown or black spots on leaves: This could be a sign of sunburn or fungal infection. Move your plant away from direct sunlight and treat with a fungicide.

The Ruby Necklace Plant is an easy-care houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any room. By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to keep your plant lush and healthy for years to come. Remember to avoid overwatering, provide bright indirect light, use well-draining soil, and fertilize sparingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I water my Ruby Necklace Plant?

A1. Water your Ruby Necklace Plant once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. Be sure to let the soil dry out between watering to prevent root rot.

Q2. Can I grow my Ruby Necklace Plant outdoors?

A2. Ruby Necklace Plants can be grown outdoors in warm climates. However, they're sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures, so bring them indoors during the winter.

Q3. Can I propagate my Ruby Necklace Plant in water?

A3. While it's possible to propagate Ruby Necklace Plants in water, it's not recommended. The plant prefers well-draining soil that's rich in nutrients.

Q4. How do I know when it's time to repot my Ruby Necklace Plant?

A4. You can repot your Ruby Necklace Plant once every two to three years or when the pot becomes too crowded. Use a pot that's slightly larger than the previous one and fill it with fresh soil.

Q5. Why are the leaves on my Ruby Necklace Plant turning yellow?

A5. Yellowing leaves could be a sign of overwatering. Reduce watering and let the soil dry out between watering.

Q6. Can I grow my Ruby Necklace Plant in low light?

A6. While Ruby Necklace Plants prefer bright indirect light, they can tolerate low light conditions. However, they won't thrive in complete darkness.

Q7. How do I prune my Ruby Necklace Plant?

A7. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of your Ruby Necklace Plant. You can also trim off any leggy or unhealthy-looking stems.

Q8. What kind of soil does my Ruby Necklace Plant need?

A8. The Ruby Necklace Plant prefers well-draining soil that's rich in nutrients. A mix of succulent soil and perlite or sand works well.

Q9. Can I use tap water to water my Ruby Necklace Plant?

A9. While Ruby Necklace Plants can tolerate tap water, they prefer distilled or rainwater. Tap water contains minerals that can build up in the soil over time.

Q10. How do I get rid of pests on my Ruby Necklace Plant?

A10. Wipe down the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to get rid of mealybugs and spider mites. Alternatively, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.