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Description
Othonna Auriculifolia, also known as the Ruby Necklace plant or Little Pickles, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa but can also be found in other parts of the world. The plant has small, round, and succulent leaves that are bright green in color with a tinge of red. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, giving the plant a unique appearance.The plant has a trailing habit and can grow up to 6 inches tall and 3 feet wide. In the summer, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are about an inch wide. The flowers bloom at the end of long stems that rise above the foliage, creating a beautiful contrast.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Othonna |
Appearance
The Othonna Auriculifolia has small, round, and succulent leaves that are bright green in color with a tinge of red. The leaves are between 0.5 and 1.5 inches long and 0.25 to 0.75 inches wide. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, giving the plant a unique appearance. The stem is thin and trailing, and it can grow up to 3 feet long.In the summer, the plant produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that are about an inch wide. The flowers bloom at the end of long stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
To care for the Othonna Auriculifolia, you need to follow these guidelines:
Water
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to avoid overwatering. During the winter, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Feed the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a cactus mix or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Sunlight
The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Othonna Auriculifolia is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To prevent infestation, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. If you notice any pests, remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Othonna Auriculifolia is native to South Africa but can also be found in other parts of the world. It grows in rocky, well-draining soil and prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Othonna Auriculifolia?
A: Water the plant moderately during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Q: What kind of soil does the Othonna Auriculifolia prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a cactus mix or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Othonna Auriculifolia?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Q: Can the Othonna Auriculifolia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a well-lit area.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Othonna Auriculifolia:
- Othonna Capensis
- Othonna Crassifolia
- Othonna Dentata
- Othonna Intermedia
References
- “Othonna Auriculifolia.” Mountain Crest Gardens, www.mountaincrestgardens.com/othonna-auriculifolia.
- “Ruby Necklace Plant (Othonna Capensis).” World of Succulents, worldofsucculents.com/othonna-capensis-ruby-necklace-plant.
- “Othonna Auriculifolia: Ruby Necklace.” Succulent City, succulentcity.com/othonna-auriculifolia-ruby-necklace/.
