Contents
1. Description
Othonna Capensis, also known as Ruby Necklace or Little Pickles, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a low-growing, trailing plant that can grow up to 12 inches in height. The plant produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer.The leaves of the Othonna Capensis are fleshy, elongated, and cylindrical, measuring between 1 to 3 inches in length. They are a bright green color and have a glossy, smooth texture. The leaves grow in clusters along the stems of the plant and form a dense, compact mat when mature.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Othonna |
| Species | Capensis |
3. Appearance
Othonna Capensis is a small, compact plant that grows in a trailing manner. The leaves of the plant are elongated, cylindrical, and fleshy. They are a bright green color and have a glossy, smooth texture. When mature, the leaves grow in clusters along the stems of the plant and form a dense, compact mat.The plant produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and appear on long, thin stems that rise above the foliage of the plant.
4. Care Guide
Othonna Capensis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be careful not to water too frequently.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Othonna Capensis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand is a good choice for this plant.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Be sure to provide your plant with at least 4 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Othonna Capensis is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Othonna Capensis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. Spider mites are tiny, red or brown insects that can spin webs on the plant.To prevent pest infestations, inspect your plant regularly and remove any affected leaves or stems. You can also treat your plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
6. Habitat
Othonna Capensis is native to South Africa and can be found growing in rocky areas and on steep slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in arid conditions.
7. Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Othonna Capensis?
A: You should water your Othonna Capensis when the top inch of soil is dry. Be sure not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Q: What kind of soil does Othonna Capensis prefer?
A: Othonna Capensis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand is a good choice for this plant.
Q: Does Othonna Capensis require frequent fertilization?
A: No, Othonna Capensis does not require frequent fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Othonna Capensis hardy in cold climates?
A: No, Othonna Capensis is not hardy in cold climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
8. Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Othonna Capensis:- Othonna Crassifolia- Othonna Tetragona- Othonna Obtriangularis
9. References
– “Othonna Capensis.” World of Succulents, https://worldofsucculents.com/othonna-capensis-ruby-necklace-little-pickles/.- “Othonna Capensis.” Gardening Know How, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/othonna/othonna-ruby-necklace-care.htm.- “Othonna Capensis.” Mountain Crest Gardens, https://mountaincrestgardens.com/othonna-capensis-ruby-necklace-little-pickles/.
