Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
String Of Buttons Plant Care
Crassula perforata Thunb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant is easily recognizable by its stacked leaves that resemble a pagoda. Originating from South Africa, Crassula perforata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique architectural shape and ability to thrive in low water conditions. Its striking appearance makes it a standout addition to any succulent collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for String Of Buttons?
Water String Of Buttons every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the String Of Buttons Native To?
What Is the String Of Buttons?
String Of Buttons (Crassula perforata) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Crassula genus. String Of Buttons is native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. String Of Buttons is also known as Perforate Crassula, Beaded Crassula.
String Of Buttons displays a compact, branching succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. String Of Buttons produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
How Often Should You Water a String Of Buttons?
Crassula perforata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the String Of Buttons Need?
String Of Buttons thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing String Of Buttons in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the String Of Buttons Prefer?
Crassula perforata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. String Of Buttons prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a String Of Buttons?
Well-draining succulent mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for String Of Buttons to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a String Of Buttons?
Feed String Of Buttons every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a String Of Buttons?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a String Of Buttons?
String Of Buttons can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calico kitten plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the String Of Buttons Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list String Of Buttons, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the String Of Buttons?
String Of Buttons is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the String Of Buttons Need?
String Of Buttons grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. String Of Buttons is native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. In cooler regions, grow String Of Buttons as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
String Of Buttons is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Crassula genus — compare its care with other Crassula species on PlantoScan.
Crassula is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
String Of Buttons thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Crassula Species
Other Crassula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crassula perforata Thunb., family Crassulaceae (first published in Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 6: 319 (1778)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list String Of Buttons, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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