String of rubies plant care guide

Want to add a String of Rubies to your houseplant collection? They are beautiful and easy to care for! Here's my complete String of Rubies care guide!

I was recently shopping for plants for our new floating shelves in the guest bedroom. When poking around the Lowes houseplant section, I noticed a plant tucked back behind a stack of pots - I suspect hidden by an earlier shopper.

It was a string of rubies plant and I was so excited to see it! This beautiful purple plant is uniquely purple in color and has those classic "string of" succulent leaves.

What is String of Rubies?

String of rubies is a beautiful trailing succulent plant with purple coloring.

Other names for String of Rubies include:

• Othonna capensis
• ruby necklace
• string of pickles
• little pickles

String of Rubies origins

This succulent is native to South Africa. The leaves are perfect for storing water during long periods of drought.

Is String of Rubies rare?

I found my String of Rubies at Lowes, so it can't be that rare. That being said, it was my first time seeing it there so it's not super common!

Is String of Rubies toxic?

This plant is non toxic to humans and pets.

Does string of rubies flower?

Yes, this plant will get little daisy-like yellow flowers at the end of it's strands.

String of Rubies care guide

String of rubies is an easy care plant - almost too easy! The biggest most common problem for them is lack of light or over watering.

String of Rubies watering

This plant is drought tolerant and only needs to be watered when very dry, every few weeks.

Read my guide on drilling drainage holes in pots!

How often should I water my String of Rubies?

Only water occasionally when very dry. These are drought tolerant plants.

Should I mist my String of Rubies?

No, you do not want to mist this plant.

String of Rubies lighting needs

String of Rubies likes full sun. If kept indoors, get it as much sun as possible!

Can I keep String of Rubies outdoors?

Yes, these plants can be kept outdoors in the sun, just move them indoors when the weather gets cool. Never let it go below 50 degrees!

String of Rubies soil + potting

String of rubies needs a well draining acidic soil. A cactus or succulent potting mix is perfect for them!

Does String of Rubies like to be root bound?

String of Rubies does not mind being root bound and does not need to be repotted very often. Be careful when repotting - the leaves are very delicate. I lost quite a few during my repotting experience.

String of Rubies fertilization

You can fertilize with a succulent fertilizer occasionally during the warm growing season.

Troubleshooting String of Rubies

Why is my string of rubies turning green?

A green string of rubies plant could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough sun.

Thanks for reading!