String of Buttons, Necklace Vine, Pagoda Plant
Crassula Perforata
Crassula Perforata is a very attractive shrubby succulent plant, that grows to a height of about 45 cm tall. It is a sprawling succulent plant with stems and leaves stacked on each other. It has short triangle-shaped leaves, gray-green in color, with rosy pink to reddish pink (if given enough sunlight) edges. These leaves grow opposite to each other and spiral around the stem.
Because of these spiral leaves, it is called the String of Buttons.
At the top of these beautiful leaves clusters of small star-shaped, pale yellow flowers appears in spring. After the flowering most gardeners cut the dead, dried stems because they look unattractive.
Details about Crassula Perforata "String of Buttons, Necklace Vine, Pagoda Plant"
How to Care for Crassula Perforata "String of Buttons"
"String of Buttons" is an easy to care for and fast-growing succulent plant. So it is perfect for both beginner growers and pros alike.
It actively grows in Spring. So do care a little extra in these seasons. You should also fertilize if possible. It is dormant in Summer Months. So only water is enough to keep it alive. It also grows slowly in the Winter months.
Soil Need for Crassula Perforata Plant
The plant naturally grows in Africa in rocky fields and on cliffs where the porous soil gives them well drainage. So you'll also need the same type of well drainage soil for it to grow well.
I've written an in-depth guide on preparing your perfect DIY succulent soil for containers.
I've also written a comparison post for the premixed best succulents and cacti soil in the market. In case you want to get one quickly.
Watering String of Buttons Plant
"String of Buttons" requires typical succulent watering needs. It is best to water once the soil is totally dry. Otherwise, its roots may rot in wet soil.
It is a summer dormant plant and does not require much water in this season, except in excessively dry conditions.
Fertilizing Crassula Perforata
In the active growing season, i.e. in the Spring, fertilize it mildly with a succulent fertilizer for a month. As it grows slowly in the winter months and is dormant in the Summer months, so holds off on fertilizing in those months.
Known Diseases
If you overwater your succulents, they may suffer from fungal disease, and Crassula Perforata is no different. So try to never overwater.
In overwatering situations, the leaves will fall more easily than a normal plant.
Known Bugs
The Crassula Perforata may suffer from Mealybugs, Vine Weevil, and aphids. Mealybugs show up as tiny white insects that have a cotton-like look to them. You can remove them using insecticidal soap or a mixture of liquid dish soap and water.
Vine Weevils are flightless black beetles, which damage the plant most in the daytime. If you see C-shaped holes wilted or yellow leaves, these are the signs of Vine Weevils. To prevent Vine Weevils use Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth or grits at the base of the plant.
Aphids are tiny pests in different colors. You will find them on the underside of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or orange guard spray to prevent them.
Is it Poisonous?
The Crassula Perforata is considered non-poisonous. But some reports show that it is toxic to humans and pets. So better be careful.
Where should you plant it?
If you live in a colder environment, where the temperature can go below 20 °F (-6.7 °C), You should plant it in a container. Because it is not cold hardy and you'll be able to bring it inside in winter.
It grows well in a brighter area where it gets about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. But avoid exposure to direct sunlight for a long time because the sun will burn its leaves.
How to Propagate Crassula Perforata String of Buttons
The 'String of Buttons' can be propagated by offsets, leaf, and stem cuttings. Propagation by leaf cuttings should be avoided by beginners because it is difficult. While propagation by stem cuttings and offsets is easier.
Propagate by Offsets
Crassula perforata produces small offsets around its base. Simply separate the offset from the main plant with a clean sharp knife and plant them in well-draining succulents and cacti soil.
Remember to give water when the soil is completely dry. I have mentioned that at the last in how often to water succulents and cacti guide.
Propagate by stem cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a stem from the main plant. Allow the removed stem to callous over for some days. Then place the stem in well-draining soil.
Again, remember to water when the soil is dry. You can check the guide at the last on how to water succulents and cacti.
Propagate by Leaf cuttings
When cutting a leaf for propagation, try to gently cut it as a whole. I.e. no part of the leaf should be left on the stem. This will increase your chances of successful propagation.
After collecting leaves, callous over for a day or two. Then place the leaves on well-draining cactus soil.
Where to Buy?
The plant might be available in your local nurseries, and you can easily get it from:
Pairs Well With
- Graptoveria "Candle Blue"
Video of Crassula Perforata (String of buttons) Plant
A video worth watching by Summer Rayne Oakes about Crassula Perforata.
Image Credit: Flickr
Facts & Features
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18 inches Tall
Grows up to 18" (45 cm) tall
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Dormant in Summer
In the dormant season, plants usually require very little care.
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Grows in Spring
Need attention in the active growing season.
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Indoors Lit Area
Better to keep it near a window where it gets enough sunlight. OR, keep it outdoors.
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Non Toxic
It's safe for humans and pets.
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Normal Watering
Use regular succulent watering methods. Learn how to water succulents easily.
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Not Cold Hardy
Protect from very low temperatures.
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Partially Shady Sunlight
You can keep it in full sun but protect it during the afternoon.
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Propagation by offsets and cutting
Propagation by offsets is faster, but with cuttings, you can get many plants.
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Zone 9a
In this zone, the temperature can drop up to 20° F ( -6.7° C )
