String of buttons (Crassula perforata)

Also known as: Pagoda plant

String of Buttons, scientifically known as Crassula perforata, is a succulent that originates from South Africa. This plant is also referred to by names such as Baby's Necklace, Necklace Vine, Stacked Crassula, and Pagoda Plant.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of String of buttons

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green Cream

Images of String of buttons

Quickly Identify String of buttons

Tiered pagoda-like growth up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall.

Short, broad, ovate leaves clustered at tips with reddish margins.

Vertical secondary branches and inconspicuous pale yellow spring blossoms.

Thrives in well-drained soils, prefers full to partial sunlight.

Hardy to temperatures as low as 20-25°F (-6 to -4°C).

Scientific Classification of String of buttons

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Stonecrop

Genus

Crassula

Species

String of buttons

Planting and Growing of String of buttons

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water String of buttons?

The Crassula perforata requires consistent but moderate watering. Water the plant until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the plant sit in water; ensure proper drainage. Typically, around 100 ml should suffice per session.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered String of buttons? ›

What should I do if my String of buttons is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered String of buttons? ›

How to save an overwatered String of buttons? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for String of buttons?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Crassula perforata thrives in full or partial sunlight, preferring bright, indirect light. Receiving ideal light encourages vibrant leaf color and optimal growth, resulting in a healthy and decorative plant.

What type of sunlight is best? ›

How can you ensure it receives the ideal sunlight? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for String of buttons?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Crassula perforata thrives best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. This range closely mimics its native environment, promoting optimal metabolic and growth processes. Providing consistent warmth within this range encourages lush foliage and flowering while minimizing the risk of temperature-induced stress.

What Soil is Best for String of buttons?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Crassula perforata thrives in well-draining soils. This requirement is crucial to prevent root rot, which can occur if the roots sit in water for too long. Well-draining soil allows excess water to quickly escape, keeping the roots healthy and aerated. This plant prefers a substrate that is not overly rich in nutrients. Excess nutrients can lead to weak, leggy growth as the plant stretches in search of more light. Using a nutrient-light substrate helps maintain its compact and robust form. The soil mixture should incorporate a grainy texture with materials like perlite or coarse sand. This helps increase aeration and ensures the plant's roots have plenty of space. The grainy texture also mimics the natural habitat of the plant, promoting overall health. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize String of buttons?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Crassula perforata, use a balanced all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Typically, a solution mixed at half the recommended concentration on the packaging will suffice for this succulent's needs.

How to Prune String of buttons?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by inspecting the Crassula perforata for any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves. Carefully remove them using your clean pruners to prevent the spread of any potential infections and improve the plant's appearance. Trim overgrown stems to maintain a compact shape, giving attention to creating a symmetrical appearance. This not only enhances the visual aspect of your plant but can also improve air circulation around it.

How to Propagate String of buttons plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer,Late summer

Choose a healthy stem from the Crassula perforata plant that is free of pests and disease. It should be at least 3-4 inches long with several leaves. A clean cut just below a leaf node will give the best chances for successful propagation.

Allow the cutting to dry for a few days in a warm, dry place. This lets the cut ends callus over, which helps to prevent rot when placed in soil. A callused cutting is more likely to root successfully.

Once the cutting is callused, place it in a well-draining soil mix. You can either lay it flat or insert it into the soil, ensuring good contact with the soil mixture. Water lightly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

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How to Repot String of buttons plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2 to 3 years

Crassula perforata, or the String of Buttons, should be repotted when you notice its roots outgrowing the pot or water not draining as efficiently. Early spring or summer is the best time to do this, as the plant is actively growing and can recover faster from the slight trauma of repotting.

Select a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter to accommodate new growth. Ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes, as Crassula needs well-aerated soil to prevent root rot. A terracotta pot is ideal as it allows excess moisture to evaporate more easily, ensuring the roots remain healthy.

Use a well-draining cactus mix for Crassula perforata. This type of soil prevents water from pooling around the roots, reducing the risk of waterlogging and root rot, and mimics the plant’s natural arid environment.

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Toxicity of String of buttons

Is String of buttons toxic to cat?

The String of Buttons plant carries a minor toxicity risk for cats. Ingesting excessive amounts of any portion of this plant may lead to poisoning in cats. Following consumption, affected felines might show signs of physical unease that could indicate distress or health issues. If you have any reason to believe your cat has ingested this plant and is experiencing poisoning, it is crucial to quickly seek medical attention from a veterinary clinic to safeguard their health.

Is String of buttons toxic to dog?

The String of Buttons plant is recognized to possess a low level of toxicity for dogs. Canines may experience poisoning from String of Buttons if they ingest the plant in substantial amounts. Every part of the String of Buttons is considered toxic, which implies that consuming any section of the plant could potentially result in poisoning. Symptoms of such poisoning can include gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting or diarrhea, and, in certain situations, more serious reactions may arise dependent on the quantity ingested and the individual dog's sensitivity. It is essential for dog owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and restrict access to String of Buttons, particularly if their dogs have a tendency to chew on plants. Should there be a suspicion that a dog has ingested String of Buttons and experienced poisoning, seeking immediate care at a veterinary clinic is crucial.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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