How Often Do You Water Red Ruby Plant?

Red ruby plant, scientifically known as the Othonna Capensis, is a popular succulent plant that is commonly grown as a houseplant in many households. This plant is loved for its strikingly beautiful foliage that features cylindrical leaves that appear in shades of red and green. The red ruby plant is relatively easy to care for and maintain, but one of the most critical factors to take into account is how often you water it. In this article, we explore the factors that influence watering of the red ruby plant and how often you should water it.

Factors Influencing Watering of Red Ruby Plant

Several factors come into play when determining how often you should water your red ruby plant. These factors include:

The environment in which the plant is growing: If the plant is growing in a warm, dry environment, it will need more water than if it were growing in a cooler, humid environment.

The size of the plant: A larger plant will need more water than a small plant.

The type of soil: Soil that retains water well will require less frequent watering compared to soil that drains water rapidly.

The container size: A larger pot will prevent the soil from drying out too fast, and the plant will require less frequent watering.

The time of year: The red ruby plant requires less water during the colder months of the year when its growth rate is slower.

How Often Should You Water Red Ruby Plant?

The frequency of watering your red ruby plant depends on several factors, as mentioned above. However, to keep your plant healthy and thriving, you should water it mainly during the growing season, which is from spring to autumn. During this period, you should water the plant once a week, depending on the environment you are growing it in.

Succulent plants like the red ruby plant require well-draining soil to prevent root rot, which can be caused by overwatering. Therefore, it's essential to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Before watering, insert your finger into the soil to check if it's dry to a depth of about one inch. If it's dry, water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy. You can also use a moisture meter to gauge when the soil is dry enough for watering.

During the winter months, you should reduce the frequency of watering of the red ruby plant because the plant is dormant and its growth rate is slow. Water the plant every two to three weeks, depending on the environment you are growing it in. Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering.

Signs of Overwatering Red Ruby Plant

Overwatering your red ruby plant can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Signs of overwatering to look out for include:

Yellowing or wilting of the leaves

Soggy soil

A foul smell coming from the soil

The presence of mold or fungi on the foliage or soil

Slow growth or no growth of the plant

To avoid overwatering your red ruby plant, ensure that the soil is well-draining, reduce the frequency of watering, and avoid watering the plant if the soil is still moist.

Conclusion

The red ruby plant, like other succulent plants, requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering to thrive. You should water your plant once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the dormant season to prevent root rot. Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering to avoid overwatering. With proper watering, your red ruby plant will grow and thrive, adding beauty to your home or garden.