Ruby Necklace Plant Seeds:
Guide to Storing, Sowing and Germination

Introduction

The Ruby Necklace plant, also known as Othonna capensis or String of Rubies, is a stunning succulent native to South Africa. Its unique trailing foliage, which resembles a string of rubies, makes it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. If you’re lucky enough to have a Ruby Necklace plant and want to propagate it, this article will guide you through the process of storing, sowing, and germinating its seeds.

Storing Ruby Necklace Plant Seeds

Before you can begin sowing and germinating Ruby Necklace plant seeds, you need to ensure that you have viable seeds. The best way to obtain these seeds is by allowing your plant to produce flowers and subsequently develop seed pods. Here are the steps to store the seeds once you have them:

1. Harvesting Seeds: Wait for the flowers on your Ruby Necklace plant to fade and dry out naturally. This usually takes several weeks. Once the flowers have dried, they will turn into seed pods. Gently remove the seed pods from the plant using clean and sharp scissors.

2. Drying Seeds: Place the seed pods in a paper bag or envelope and store them in a cool, dry place for at least two weeks. This allows the seeds to fully mature and ensures their viability.

3. Extracting Seeds: After the drying period, gently open the seed pods and collect the small, black seeds inside. Be careful not to damage or crush the seeds during this process.

4. Storage: Transfer the collected seeds into a clean and dry container. A small glass jar with an airtight lid works well for this purpose. Label the container with the date of collection and the plant’s name to avoid confusion.

It’s important to note that Ruby Necklace plant seeds have a relatively short shelf life and can lose their viability quickly. To ensure the highest chances of successful germination, it’s best to sow the seeds as soon as possible.

Sowing Ruby Necklace Plant Seeds

Once you have stored your Ruby Necklace plant seeds properly, it’s time to move on to the sowing process. Here are the steps to sow the seeds and give them the best start:

1. Preparation: Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for succulents. You can also create your own mix by combining equal parts perlite, peat moss, and coarse sand.

2. Moistening the Soil: Before sowing the seeds, water the potting mix lightly to moisten it. The soil should be evenly damp but not waterlogged.

3. Sowing Seeds: Sprinkle the Ruby Necklace plant seeds evenly over the surface of the moistened potting mix. Avoid overcrowding by spacing the seeds at least half an inch apart.

4. Covering and Labeling: Gently press the seeds into the potting mix using your fingertips. Then, cover them with a thin layer of fine-grade sand or vermiculite. This helps retain moisture around the seeds and provides stability.

5. Labeling: Place a label or marker in the tray or pots to identify them as Ruby Necklace plant seeds. This will prevent confusion if you’re sowing multiple types of seeds.

6. Misting: Lightly mist the surface of the potting mix with water from a spray bottle. This ensures that the seeds make good contact with the moist soil.

7. Covering and Placement: Cover the seed tray or pots with a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect that helps retain moisture and warmth. Place them in a warm location with indirect sunlight.

8. Monitoring and Watering: Check on the seeds regularly to ensure that the potting mix remains evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to rot and fungal diseases.

Germination of Ruby Necklace Plant Seeds

After sowing the Ruby Necklace plant seeds, it’s time to patiently wait for germination to occur. Here are some important points to consider during this stage:

1. Germination Time: Ruby Necklace plant seeds typically take around two to four weeks to germinate. However, some seeds may sprout earlier, while others may take longer. Be patient and maintain the ideal conditions for germination.

2. Ideal Temperature: To encourage germination, maintain a constant temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Using a seedling heat mat can help achieve and maintain this temperature.

3. Light Requirements: While indirect sunlight is beneficial during the germination process, avoid exposing the newly sprouted seedlings to direct sunlight. This can cause sunburn and damage their delicate foliage.

4. Transplanting Seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container with well-draining soil. Handle them gently to avoid damaging the fragile roots.

5. Care and Maintenance: After transplanting, continue caring for your Ruby Necklace plant seedlings as you would for mature plants. Provide them with bright but indirect sunlight, regular watering (allow the soil to dry out between waterings), and occasional fertilization with a diluted succulent fertilizer.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully store, sow, and germinate Ruby Necklace plant seeds, expanding your collection and enjoying the beauty of these unique succulents in your garden or home. Remember to be patient and attentive throughout the process, as nurturing these tiny seeds into thriving plants brings immense joy and satisfaction.