Overview
Othonna cylindrica, also known as Ruby Necklace or Little Pickles, is a succulent plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa but can also be found in other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.Description
The Ruby Necklace plant has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other succulents. It has cylindrical, finger-like leaves that grow up to 2 inches long and 0.4 inches thick. The leaves are a bright green color with a reddish-purple tint, hence the name Ruby Necklace. The plant is small, growing only up to 6 inches long, but it can spread outwards up to 2 feet wide.Cultural Significance
The Ruby Necklace plant is often used in landscaping as a ground cover or in rock gardens due to its attractive appearance. In its native South Africa, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes such as treating coughs, colds, and snake bites.Care
Othonna cylindrica is a low maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. It requires well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. It is also a cold-sensitive plant and cannot survive in temperatures below 50°F.Propagation
Propagation of the Ruby Necklace plant can be done through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few days before planting them into well-draining soil. It is also possible to grow the plant from seeds, but this method can be challenging due to the plant's slow germination rate.Light Requirements
The Othonna cylindrica typically requires full sun exposure for its optimum growth. It is not recommended to grow this plant in a shaded location as it may result in stunted growth or even death of the plant. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant outdoors in a sunny location, such as a garden or a balcony.
Temperature Requirements
Being a subtropical plant, the Othonna cylindrica typically thrives in warm temperatures. It is recommended to grow this plant in an environment where the temperature does not drop below 60°F (15°C). Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in a warm location, such as the southern region of the United States or a similarly warm climate.
Soil Requirements
The Othonna cylindrica prefers well-draining soil with good aeration. It is important that the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this may result in root rotting of the plant. Furthermore, the soil should be rich in nutrients to promote healthy growth of the leaves and stems. Therefore, it is best to use a soil mix comprising of sand, perlite, and compost.
Cultivation methods for Othonna cylindrica auct.
Othonna cylindrica auct. is a hardy plant that grows easily in most environments. It prefers dry and rocky soils, but it can also grow well in a well-draining potting mix. It requires moderate sunlight to grow, and exposure to the full sun for an extended period can be harmful to the plant.
The most common method of propagating the plant is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems and dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The plant can also be propagated through seeds, which should be planted in moist soil and kept in a warm and bright environment to germinate.
Watering needs for Othonna cylindrica auct.
Othonna cylindrica auct. is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. The plant should be watered only when the soil is entirely dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant, so it is essential to avoid watering during the dormant season.
The plant thrives in dry and arid environments, so a little neglect can be beneficial to the plant's growth. The plant is also susceptible to waterlogging, so ensure that the soil drains well if the plant is grown in a pot.
Fertilization of Othonna cylindrica auct.
The Othonna cylindrica auct. plant can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilize every two to three months using a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid stimulating excessive foliage growth. Overfertilizing can also cause harm to the plant, so ensure that the soil is not nutrient-rich to prevent excessive greenery.
If the plant is grown in a pot, ensure that the potting soil includes slow-release fertilizers that can provide essential nutrients over a more extended period.
Pruning of Othonna cylindrica auct.
Pruning is not necessary for Othonna cylindrica auct. The plant has a natural shape that accentuates its cylindrical leaves, and the stem tends to sprawl, giving it a unique appearance when allowed to grow naturally. However, cutting back leggy stems can encourage bushiness and stimulate healthy plant growth.
If the plant outgrows its current pot or space, it can be pruned back to rejuvenate it. The plant can be cut back to half its height, and the cuttings can be used to propagate more plants, making it a useful and sustainable approach to pruning.
Propagation of Othonna cylindrica auct.
Othonna cylindrica auct., commonly known as the Ruby Necklace or Pickle Plant, is a succulent plant that is easy to propagate. There are three main propagation methods for this plant, which include cutting, division, and seed propagation.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating Othonna cylindrica auct. To propagate through cuttings, take a stem cutting of around 3 to 4 inches long from the parent plant. Make sure the cutting has at least two to three leaves attached to it. Allow the cutting to dry out for a few days to form a callus over the cut. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a bright, indirect light location. Water the cutting sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Othonna cylindrica auct., but it requires a more mature plant. Remove the parent plant from its pot and inspect the root system. Separate the healthy offshoots with roots from the parent plant. Ensure that each division has its own root system. Plant each division in separate pots with well-draining soil and place them in a bright, indirect light location. Water sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an alternative way to propagate Othonna cylindrica auct., but it is less common. Collect the seeds using a sterile blade or gently rubbing the flower head when it starts to dry out. Sow the seeds thinly on top of moist and well-draining soil mix, and slightly cover them with the same soil. Cover the tray with a clear plastic bag or lid, and keep it in a warm and bright spot. After about two weeks, when the seeds have germinated, remove the cover and place the tray under bright, indirect light. Water the seedlings sparingly and only when the soil is slightly dry.
Disease Management for Othonna cylindrica auct.
Plants like Othonna cylindrica auct. are vulnerable to diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Here are a few of the most common diseases that affect this plant species and ways to manage them:
Root Rot:
Root rot is a common problem with Othonna cylindrica auct., which causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting and ultimately death. You can manage root rot by planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a powdery film on the plant's leaves and stems, leading to yellowing and distortions. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide according to the directions, prune damaged stems and leaves, and promote air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management for Othonna cylindrica auct.
Pests can also harm Othonna cylindrica auct. and make them unhealthy. Here are a few of the most common pests that affect this plant species and ways to manage them:
Aphids:
Aphids are small pests that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. You can manage aphid infestation by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap, using a strong stream of water to wash the aphids off the plant, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs that feed on aphids.
Spider Mites:
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's moisture, leading to yellowing and distortion of leaves and lack of growth. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, and increase humidity around the plant by misting it regularly.
