Crassula perforata (String of Buttons): Growing and Care Guide

Crassula perforata, or String of Buttons, is a fascinating succulent plant native to South Africa. It is known for its unique appearance, with small, rounded leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern along thin, delicate stems. This Crassula is easygoing and makes an excellent addition to any succulent collection.

In this article, we will learn more about the String of Buttons and how to care for it properly. One of the great things about Crassula perforata, or String of Buttons, is that it is very drought-tolerant and doesn’t require a lot of water, making it a great choice for those new to succulent care or who have busy schedules.

About Crassula perforata 

Crassula perforata has square or triangle-shaped leaves that spiral around the stem and can take on a pink hue when exposed to sunlight. The best part about this succulent is that it enjoys dry conditions and does not need much water to grow rapidly.

The String of Button plants are known for their small, round leaves arranged in a spiral pattern along the length of the stem. As the plant grows, the stems will elongate and will hang down from the container, creating a cascading effect.

In addition to being grown in hanging baskets, String of Buttons plants can also be grown in pots or other containers on a windowsill or tabletop. They can also be grown in the ground as a groundcover plant in areas with well-draining soil.

Botanical Name	Crassula perforata
Common Name	String of Buttons
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	South Africa
Maintenance	Low
Height	1-2 feet
Width	2-3 feet
Light	Bright, Indirect Light
Bloom season	Spring
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy
Tolerant	Drought
Toxicity	Toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-12

String of Buttons Care

Overall, String of Buttons is incredibly easy to care for and is suitable for beginners. With a little bit of basic care, this plant can thrive and add a touch of interest to any space.

Light

Bright, indirect light is the ideal lighting situation for String of Buttons. This type of light is bright and provides the succulent with the energy it needs to photosynthesize and grow, but it is not intense enough to cause sunburn or other damage to the plant. In general, a location near a south- or east-facing window is a good choice.

Soil

String of Buttons prefers well-draining soil that will not hold onto excess moisture. A cactus or succulent soil mix is a good choice, as these mixes are specifically designed to provide the right balance of moisture and drainage for these types of plants.

Water

You must let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This means that you should not wait to water the plant on a set schedule but rather check if the soil has completely dried out before watering. 

Use your finger to dig into the soil to check the soil’s moisture level. If it comes up wet, wait a couple more days before checking again. 

Temperature

Crassula perforata is a succulent plant that has adapted to thrive in warm, dry conditions. However, it can function in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for the String of buttons plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to avoid exposing String of Buttons to very cold temperatures, as this can cause the plant to go into dormancy and may even cause it to die. If you live in a cooler climate, it is best to keep your plant indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Humidity

In general, String of Buttons does not require high humidity levels and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. This plant can survive in environments with as little as 20% relative humidity, but it will thrive in environments with relative humidity levels between 30% and 50%.

Fertilizer

Crassula perforata, like most succulent plants, has relatively low fertilizer requirements. In fact, over-fertilization can be harmful to the plant and can cause it to become susceptible to pests and diseases. In general, it is best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at a dilute concentration. This should be applied once every month during the growing season (spring or summer).

Pruning

To prune a Crassula perforata, use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or gardening shears. Begin by removing any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or branches. This will help to improve the plant’s overall appearance and will also help to prevent the spread of disease. 

It is generally best to prune your plant in the spring or early summer when the Crassula is actively growing. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter, as it can be more susceptible to damage at this time. 

Potting and Repotting String of Buttons

When potting your String of Buttons for the first time, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from pooling in the soil. A pot bigger than the root ball of the plant will give it room to grow, but be sure not to use a pot that is too big, as this can lead to overwatering.

As your String of Buttons grows, it may eventually outgrow its current pot. In this case, it is time to repot the Crassula into a larger container. This is best done around the spring when the plant is actively growing.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Water the plant a day or two before repotting to make removing it from its current pot easier.
2. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot. Gently loosen the plant’s roots with your fingers and remove any old soil from the root ball.
3. Place the Crassula in the new pot, and fill in around the roots with more soil. Tamp down the soil gently to remove any air pockets.
4. Water the plant well and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
5. Monitor the plant for the first few weeks after repotting, and adjust watering as needed.

Propagating Crassula perforata by offsets (Step-by-Step)

To propagate a String of Buttons plant, you can use offsets or small plantlets that form on the base of the main plant. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. First, carefully inspect the base of the plant for offsets or small plantlets. 
2. Using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors, carefully cut the offset away from the main plant. Make sure to make the cut as close to the base of the offset as possible without damaging the main plant.
3. Gently separate the roots from the soil using your fingers. 
4. Plant the offset in a small pot filled with well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix.
5. Place the pot somewhere warm, and water it sparingly until the offset establishes itself and begins to grow. 
6. Once the offset has established itself and is growing well, you can gradually increase the amount of water you give it.

Propagating Crassula perforata by stem cuttings (Step-by-Step)

Another method for propagating Crassula perforata, is to use stem cuttings. 

1. First, choose a healthy stem with several leaves on it. Using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors, carefully make the stem cutting just below a leaf node.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the stem cutting.
3. Dip the base of the stem cutting in rooting hormone, which will encourage the development of roots.
4. Plant the stem cutting in a small container filled with well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix. 
5. Place the pot somewhere warm and sunny, and water it sparingly until the stem cutting establishes itself and begins to grow. 
6. Once the stem cutting has established itself and is growing well, you can gradually increase the amount of water you give it. 

Blooms

The flowers of Crassula perforata are small and yellow or white, and they typically bloom in the spring. The flowers are typically borne in clusters.

Toxicity

Crassula perforata is toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. It is always best to keep houseplants out of reach of pets, as they may be tempted to chew on them or ingest them, which could lead to digestive upset.

NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

Common Pests

Mealybugs 

Mealybugs are small, white pests that feed on the sap of plants, which can cause damage to the plant and can lead to stunted growth.

To treat them, you can use a commercial insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. These products are designed to kill pests on contact and can effectively control mealybugs. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. 

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, usually pear-shaped. They can cause damage to the plant and can lead to stunted growth. To treat them, you can use a commercial insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Vine weevils

Vine weevils are beetles that can be harmful to Crassula perforata. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to become misshapen and damaged. In severe cases, a vine weevil infestation can even kill the plant.

Common Problems

FAQ