Crassula Perforata (String of Buttons Succulent)

Crassula Perforata

Crassula perforata, also known as the String of buttons succulent, crassula string of buttons, or just the button succulent, is one of the most popular succulents because it’s easy to grow and care for.

It grows quickly, has thick, strong leaves that resemble buttons, and you can propagate it by separating its string of buttons stems, which makes this plant an excellent choice for beginners in the world of succulents.

The string of buttons succulent will give any succulent collector a unique plant to add to their collection. This string of buttons succulent is easy to care for and fun to grow, making it the perfect choice if you are looking to add something unusual to your indoor garden.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about caring for Crassula perforata, including propagation instructions and tips on major requirements.

Origin and distribution

Crassula perforata is a small, succulent plant native to South Africa. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes over 1,400 species of succulents. The plant gets its common name from its button-like leaves that are arranged in a string-like fashion.

In cultivation, it has become popular as an ornamental houseplant due to its tolerance for neglect and lower light conditions. In addition, it has been used as a ground cover or planted in pots and other containers. These plants have also been grown as hedges, although they grow slowly.

Mature plants range in height from 3 inches to 24 inches tall with a spread of 2 feet wide. Plants feature a tight rosette of semi-spherical leaves along their stems and get their green coloration from chlorophyll production during daylight hours.

The Crassula genus contains about 40 species with many variations occurring within each species due to crossbreeding for horticultural purposes, making identification difficult without examining the flowers.

Crassula perforata propagation

Crassula Perforata

Crassula string of buttons is a succulent that can be propagated by taking stem cuttings. To take a stem cutting, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut a piece of the stem that includes at least two leaves. Allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before potting it in well-draining soil.

Water the cutting sparingly, as too much water can cause rot. The crassula string of buttons will eventually form its own roots and begin to grow. Transplant the small plant into a larger container after it outgrows its current container. Do not allow this succulent to sit in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot.

Remember: It likes bright light! Be sure it’s placed where it will receive plenty of sun during the day. If you’d like your crassula perforata to produce flowers then limit watering from June through September so that only 1/4 inch or less of rain per week is applied during these months.

In order to prevent fungal disease and leaf spots, spray plants with diluted fungicide weekly during this time. You should also fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer solution using a low nitrogen ratio such as 5-10-5.

Since this succulent does not tolerate cold temperatures, protect it from frost during winter by placing it indoors or on a sheltered porch near a warm wall. The stems are brittle and may break if handled roughly; avoid handling when possible.

Crassula perforata care information

Crassula Perforata

Crassula perforata is a beautiful succulent that is easy to care for. It can be propagated easily from stem or leaf cuttings and will thrive in bright light or partial shade. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilizes sparingly. This succulent is perfect for those who are new to succulents, as it is very forgiving.

Light requirement

Crassula perforata requires bright light to partial sun. If the plant does not receive enough light, it will become etiolated and stretch out looking for light. The leaves will also become pale and lose their color.

Crassula perforata prefers at least four hours of direct sunlight per day but can tolerate less if necessary. They are frost sensitive and should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil/potting mix

Crassula perforata prefers a well-draining soil or potting mix. A standard cactus mix or succulent mix will work well. If you’re using a potting mix made for other plants, be sure to add extra perlite or sand to help with drainage. Crassula perforata is a drought-tolerant plant, so don’t worry about watering it too often.

When choosing soil, try using cactus potting mix because it has all the right ingredients for this type of plant!

Watering

Water your crassula perforata when the soil is dry to the touch. These succulents are drought tolerant, so you don’t need to worry about watering them too often. When you do water them, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water them thoroughly.

Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If you notice that your plant is starting to wilt, that means it’s time to water it.

Fertilizer

When it comes to fertilizer, less is more for crassula perforata. This succulent is sensitive to root rot, so it’s important to err on the side of caution when applying fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer every few months should be sufficient. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer, and never apply fertilizer to a dry plant.

Temperature

The Crassula Perforata is a succulent that does best in warm temperatures. It can tolerate some colds, but not for extended periods of time. If the temperature gets too cold, the leaves will start to drop off.

The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot or too cold will cause damage to the plant. Keep it out of direct sunlight as well because it could cause burning or sunburn on its leaves and stems.

Humidity

Crassula perforata is a drought-tolerant succulent that does best in bright, indirect sunlight. The soil should be well-draining, and the plant should be allowed to dry out completely between watering.

In higher humidity, this plant is susceptible to root rot, so be sure to provide adequate drainage. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider growing crassula perforata in a terrarium or greenhouse.

The ideal humidity range is 50% – 70%. Too much or too little humidity can cause leaves to turn brown and fall off.

If you want to increase the humidity around your plant, mist it with a spray bottle or place it near a humidifier.

Pruning

Crassula Perforata

If you’re happy with the overall shape of your Crassula perforata, then all you’ll need to do is give it a light pruning. Simply snip off any dead or dying leaves and stems at the base.

You can also remove any leggy growth that’s spoiling the plant’s tidy appearance. As with most succulents, it’s best to use a sharp knife or pair of scissors when pruning Crassula perforata.

When cutting back thick branches, be sure to cut them flush against the parent stem. Just make sure you’ve removed enough foliage so there are no gaps in coverage on the stem below!

Remember: as long as there are leaves on your Crassula perforata, it will still be able to photosynthesize even if it appears bare.

When to repot

The best time to repot your crassula perforata is in the spring, after the last frost. You’ll know it’s time to repot when the succulent starts to look crowded in its pot, or when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes.

Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that’s only slightly larger than the one your succulent is currently in. Place the plant so that it sits at the same level as before; then gently fill around the base with dirt, being careful not to damage any of the leaves.

Add a small amount of water but don’t saturate your soil. Once you’ve watered your succulent, place it back outside for about a week before bringing it back inside so that all those new roots can start getting used to their new home!

Dormancy/Winter rest

The string of buttons succulents is best known for their beautiful rosettes of fleshy, green leaves. But did you know that these plants actually go dormant in the winter? During this time, the leaves will fall off and the plant will appear to be dead. However, with a little patience, you’ll see new growth emerge come springtime!

Keep your string of buttons succulent alive by giving it bright light but no direct sun. Allow it to dry out between waterings, but don’t let it completely dry out before watering again.

The string of buttons succulents needs well-draining soil and plenty of air circulation. They prefer temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

The string of buttons succulents can tolerate low humidity levels better than other types of succulents because they form such dense rosettes. You can overwinter them outdoors if they’re not too close to freezing weather.

Crassula perforata flower & fragrance

The Crassula Perforata, or String of Buttons succulent, is a beautiful plant that produces small white flowers. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is similar to jasmine.

Growth rate

The string of buttons succulent has a moderate growth rate. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to six inches per year. However, in less-than-ideal conditions, its growth rate will be slower. When grown indoors, the string of buttons succulent will likely only grow a few inches per year.

Toxicity

The Crassula perforata, or String of Buttons succulent, is a beautiful plant that is unfortunately toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which are poisonous if consumed.

Symptoms of ingesting the Crassula perforata include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. If you suspect your animal has ingested this plant, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

USDA hardiness zones

Crassula perforata thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. It is easy to grow and does not require much care. The string of buttons succulents is perfect for container gardens because they do not need a lot of water. They are also low-maintenance houseplants, so you don’t have to worry about watering them every day.

Pests and diseases

Crassula perforata is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. If you see any pests on your plant, try to remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the infestation is severe, you may need to treat your plant with an insecticide.

Crassula perforata is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure to provide good drainage for your plant and don’t let it sit in water. You should also avoid watering this succulent too often as over-watering will cause the roots to rot.

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