Gardeners, are you looking for a truly unique hanging plant for your Crassula plant collection?  Look no further than the Crassula perforata, also known as the String of buttons or necklace vine! It gets its common name from its distinctive button-like leaves and trailing growth habit.  

The string of buttons is a succulent with square or triangle-shaped fleshy leaves that create a spiral shape around the plant's stem long enough to give it a stacked appearance resembling a string of buttons or beads. The gray-green leaves can take on a pink hue when exposed to sufficient light. Its unique appearance and fast-growing habit make it a real eye-catcher in any collection. 

The crassula perforata is a compact plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall and 3 feet wide. Its fleshy stems are upright at first and then become pendants over time, making them ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of shelves or containers.

In late spring to early summer, the Crassula perforata string of buttons produces small, star-shaped pale pink, white, or pale-yellow flowers. These delicate blooms add a touch of charm to the already stunning Crassula plants. 

To propagate Crassula perforata can be easily achieved by leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Remember, the Crassula perforata is a species of succulent plant, while the Crassula perforata variegata - Variegated string of buttons is a variety of the stacked Crassula perforata species with variegated leaves.  According to ASPCA, this string of buttons is safe for both humans and pets. 

 Watering Requirements

To water your Crassula perforata, simply give it a good drink when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to water thoroughly, allowing the water to soak through the soil and drain out of the bottom of the container. After watering, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. 

This lovely string of buttons prefers a watering routine that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. During the summer months or when this Crassula perforata is in a dormant phase, you can reduce the frequency of watering. This succulent plant is quite drought-tolerant, so it's better to underwater than to overwater. 

Remember, each Crassula plant's watering needs may vary depending on factors like humidity, temperature, and the size of the pot.  Always keep an eye on the soil's moisture level and make necessary adjustments to your watering schedule. 

Light Requirements 

The Crassula perforata thrives in bright full sunlight to light shade for at least 4-6 hours to maintain its compact foliage. If growing indoors, the string of buttons prefers a spot near a window where it can receive plenty of bright light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. 

If you notice that your Crassula perforata is stretching or leaning toward the light, it may be an indication that it needs more light. On the other hand, if the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, it could be a sign of too much direct sunlight. 

Finding the right balance of light for your Crassula perforata is key to its overall health and growth. So, keep an eye on its response to the light and adjust its placement accordingly. 

 Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Crassula perforata thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of almost 5.6 - 6.5. A good choice is a succulent soil mix, which provides the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. Moisture can be a real killer, leading to root and stem rot in no time flat. But fear not my fellow green thumbs!  

Planet Desert has got your back with our specialized succulent potting mix that includes 5 natural substrates with organic mycorrhizae – perfect for promoting healthy roots and happy Crassula plants.  You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. 

When it comes to fertilizing, Crassula perforata doesn't require frequent feeding. During the active growing season in spring, you can use a balanced natural fertilizer NPK. Apply the fertilizer once a year and avoid overfertilization as it can cause the death of the whole string of buttons succulent. However, it's important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

The crassula perforata string of buttons is generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. The string of buttons, on the other hand, cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in its environment. It prefers temperatures between 60-75°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. 

In terms of humidity, Crassula perforata is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. These Crassula succulents can thrive in average indoor humidity, but it's important to avoid excessively dry air, especially during the winter months when indoor heating can cause low humidity. If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can increase humidity by using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to provide some moisture.

Be sure to add Crassula perforata - a string of buttons - to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden, with this stunning-looking plant.