Ruby Necklace Vine

The Ruby Necklace Vine is most happy and healthy when its soil moisture levels are kept consistently even. This means you should water regularly, but not too heavily, since too much moisture can cause the roots to rot and the plant to slowly die. Water moderately when the top inch of the soil has dried, making sure to saturate the soil throughly but allowing water to drain away from the pot.

The Ruby Necklace Vine thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight, but will accept some direct sun as well. If placed in a location with too much direct sunlight, its leaves may become scorched, so be sure to keep it in a semi-shady spot. It is also adaptable to various light levels, and as long as it is not in total darkness, the plant should be able to survive in most indoor locations.

The Ruby Necklace Vine prefers warm temperatures in the 65 to 73°F (18 - 23°C) range. It's important to keep them away from open doors and windows, and places near air drafts, as these can cause the leaves to become chilled and could even be fatal to the plant. Avoid sudden changes in temperature as these can be equally damaging to the foliage.

Ruby Necklace Vine prefers average to slightly higher than average humidity levels; hence misting the leaves regularly can be done to keep the ambient humidity close to optimal. It is best not to place the plant in a room with particularly dry air, as this could damage its foliage, though it can cope with less than high humidity levels should the need arise.

Ideal soil for the Ruby Necklace Vine should be on the acidic side with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and should contain organic matter which helps to increase its drainage capacity. Powdered sphagnum moss, compost, and perlite also help create a lightweight, drained soil mixture which promotes strong, healthy growth. Consider adding pumice or sand for extra drainage.

The Ruby Necklace Vine benefits from a regular fertilization regimen, though it should be noted that overfertilizing can burn the roots of the plant, limiting its growth. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; one high in nitrogen can also be used in spring when the plant is actively growing. The fertilizer should be diluted to half or one-fourth strength, and watered into the soil around the plant. Fertilizers should only be used if the plant is actively growing and should be discontinued during its resting period.

The Ruby Necklace Vine is unfortunately prone to a number of common pests, including mealybugs, whitefly, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs are most commonly seen, and can easily be identified by the white, cottony substance found on the plant's leaves and stems. To address the issue of mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in either rubbing alcohol or neem oil to directly remove the pests. Additionally, you could also release parasitic wasps into the household, which will naturally feed on the common pests. You can also use an insecticidal soap to treat the plant; simply dilute the soap with water and spray it on the infested foliage.

The Ruby Necklace Vine will usually need to be repotted every two years or so, as its small root structure tends to quickly fill the pot. When repotting, opt for a new, slightly larger pot, paying close attention to the size of the opening as you don't want to cause root rot due to overwatering. Make the switch in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.

The Ruby Necklace Vine does not have to be pruned, but it can benefit from a light trim every so often. This will help keep it looking neat and encourage the desired cascading shape. If you wish to do so, use sharp and sterile pruning shears or scissors. Cut away any unhealthy or dead branches, and any that do not fit the desired shape.

Mulching is an important part of caring for the Ruby Necklace Vine. Using an organic mulch such as wood chips or compost will help retain moisture and prevent moisture loss from the soil. It also helps to reduce any weeds that attempt to take over the soil the plant is planted in, providing it with the undisturbed soil it needs to grow strong and healthy.

The Ruby Necklace Vine is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings approximately 8–10 cm long and make sure to remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone then plant them into a well-draining soil and keep them lightly moist, out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should take root within 3-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into their own individual pots for growth.

For larger specimens, consider providing a means of support such as a trellis or stake to help protect the cascading branches from breaking off due to excessive weight. Alternatively, letting the vine cascade over the edge of a hanging planter or container also looks attractive and might save some space.

When the heat of the summer has passed, the Ruby Necklace Vine will naturally enter a period of rest and should be kept in a location that receives lower levels of light. Reduce watering frequency during this period as the plant needs less hydration during its resting stage. New growth should resume in late winter or early spring on cooler days.

The Ruby Necklace Vine is not toxic to pets, but due to its toxic sap it is still best to keep it out of reach of children and animals. Stems and leaves of the plant can cause skin irritation if handlers are not wearing gloves when handling cuttings.