Othonna capensis (Senecio, String of Rubies, Purple Flush)
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ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
We love the playful colour and trailing habit of Othonna capensis, better known as String of Rubies, Ruby Necklace, or Little Pickles. This unusual succulent has slender, bead-like leaves held on vibrant red-purple stems that spill beautifully from shelves, planters, or hanging baskets. A rewarding and low-maintenance plant, it’s both eye-catching and easy to grow — perfect for anyone looking to add something a little different to their collection.
Buying it as a gift? We’ll include a free handwritten card — just add your message at checkout. We’ll wrap it with care and leave out the paperwork or price tags, creating a lovely surprise for the recipient.
Native habitat and growth pattern
String of Rubies is native to the Cape Province of South Africa, where it trails across dry, rocky landscapes and thrives in full sun. It belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), and like its relatives — String of Pearls and String of Bananas — it grows long, delicate vines that make it perfect for hanging displays. Indoors, it keeps its compact, trailing habit while showing off a striking mix of green, ruby, and purple tones.
Size
W12cm nursery pot. Supplied in a plastic nursery pot.
Styling tips
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Stunning in a hanging basket where its ruby stems can cascade
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Adds colour contrast to collections of green foliage plants
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Beautiful on shelves, sideboards, or windowsills with plenty of light
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Great for modern interiors needing a pop of vibrant texture
String of Rubies care guide
Light requirements:
Thrives in bright light and enjoys direct sun, which helps bring out its vivid ruby and purple tones.
Watering:
Follow a “drench and drought” routine. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of soil are dry, then allow to dry completely before watering again. Avoid overwatering.
Feeding:
Feed once a month in spring and summer. We recommend our vegan, organic Original Plant Food, made from natural seaweed, for healthy growth.
Humidity:
Prefers dry air and doesn’t need extra humidity — ideal for UK homes.
Pet safety:
Toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and small children.
Propagation:
Very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply place cuttings in soil or water until they root.
Why choose this plant?
The String of Rubies is one of the most unique trailing succulents you can grow. Its bead-like leaves and deep red stems give it a distinctive look that sets it apart from more common trailing plants, making it a real talking point in your home. Compact and easy-going, it thrives in sunny spots, and its trailing habit creates a striking waterfall effect when grown in hanging pots.
It’s also a brilliant plant for beginners or busy plant parents — drought-tolerant and forgiving, it doesn’t need constant attention to stay looking great. Unlike many tropical plants, it loves direct sun, making it versatile for bright windowsills and conservatories. And when it blooms, its cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers are a beautiful bonus.
As a gift, the String of Rubies is a thoughtful choice for plant lovers looking for something unusual. Its vibrant colour and low-maintenance nature make it a perfect surprise for birthdays, housewarmings, or just to brighten someone’s day.
FAQs
Does String of Rubies need direct sunlight?
Yes — it thrives in direct sun, which enhances its ruby and purple colouring.
How long can the vines grow indoors?
They can easily reach up to 60cm–90cm long in the right conditions.
Why are my String of Rubies leaves shrivelling?
This is usually a sign of underwatering. Give it a good soak, then allow to dry before watering again.
Will String of Rubies flower indoors?
Yes, when happy it produces small yellow, daisy-like flowers on the tips of its stems.
Can it grow outside in summer?
Yes, it can be placed outside in a sunny, sheltered spot during warm weather. Bring it back indoors before temperatures drop.
Explore more
Looking for more colourful or low-maintenance plants? Browse our Easy Care Houseplants or explore our Tropical Indoor Plants. For care tips, dormancy advice and more, check out our indoor plant blog.
Happy Houseplants delivers live houseplants across the UK with fast, carbon-neutral tracked service.
At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
We post to most of the UK, but we’re unable to deliver to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands because of higher shipping costs.
When we list a plant’s height, it always includes the grow pot, stem, foliage and living root system — not just what you see above the soil. Because every plant is unique, yours may arrive a little smaller or larger than the size listed.
Happy Houseplants is the UK’s leading online plant shop for rare and unusual houseplants. At Happy Houseplants, we’re more than just a shop. We’re a family-run business, proud RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winners, and home to the UK’s number one houseplant blog. Plant lovers across the country trust us for beautiful, healthy plants and expert care.
We specialise in everything from easy-care houseplants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors. Every order is hand-packed by our small team in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered through DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and consistently praised for the quality of our plants, the care we take with packaging, and our friendly, knowledgeable service. When you choose Happy Houseplants, you’re choosing sustainability, knowledge and a genuine passion for plants.
Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
Whether you’re just starting out or building a collection, you’ll always find support and inspiration from us.
Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
