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String of Buttons Care – (Crassula perforata)

Crassula perforata, also known as String of Buttons, is one of the most curious succulent plants in the world. Did you know that the stem perforates the leaves and that is where it gets its name? Learn all about String of Buttons care in this article.

Characteristics of Crassula perforata Succulent

String of buttons is a succulent plant native to South Africa. In its natural habitat, it usually grows through and over other shrubs.

It is a succulent plant with a truly curious appearance. The leaves grow stacked around the stem in such a way that the stem pierces them (hence the name, perforata).

In fact, because of this perforation, the leaves can be rotated, but you should not do it, because you break the union of the leaf with the stem and it ends up rotting.

The leaves are light green although they develop reddish colors at the ends to protect themselves from the sun. They are also covered with a light whitish coating.

crassula perforata potted

String of Buttons Flower

String of Buttons blooms in summer and spring giving it an even more attractive appearance.

These star-shaped flowers are white with hints of yellow and pink, and give off a very pleasant, light scent.

string of buttons flower

String of Buttons Care

String of buttons is a succulent plant that is easy to care for.

To begin with, it requires a well-drained substrate. A special substrate for succulents with gravel is perfect.

It is a hardy plant accustomed to dry and hot weather; it can even withstand short periods of freezing temperatures.

What is really important is that during the winter it is in a dry environment because otherwise, it rots easily.

For your Crassula perforata to grow healthy for a long time, keep the following in mind:

Watering String of Buttons

It is very important for the care of String of Buttons not to water it too much. Light watering without puddling. The substrate should always dry completely before watering again. Very little watering in winter.

Humidity

It is very important for the care of the String of Buttons to take into account the humidity. Excessive humidity causes the plant to rot, especially in cold seasons.

String of Buttons Sunlight

It requires a lot of light, at least 6/8 hours a day.

string of buttons potted

How to Propagate Crassula perforata

You already know how to take care of String of Buttons, now we will explain how to propagate it easily. String of buttons is easily propagated through a stem cutting.

To reproduce String of buttons at home, you can take a stem cutting using sharp scissors and cutting flush.

It is advisable to wait for the cutting to dry for a few days to form a callus at the cutting site. This will prevent it from absorbing too much water and rotting.

Prepare the substrate with good drainage and once the cutting is dry, place it so that the callus remains on the substrate without burying it. The easiest way is to rest it on one side of the pot or use some gravel to support it.

Once planted, water lightly and wait until the substrate is completely dry before watering again.

crassula perforata care

String of Buttons Toxic

Dogs and cats that have eaten the leaves of a String of Buttons succulent may suffer from diarrhea, depression, vomiting, and lack of balance.

About Henry Morgan

Henry Morgan is an agronomist horticulture founder of The Garden Style Company and The Garden Style Website. He previously worked for Mondelēz International as an Agronomist Engineer specializing in agricultural products management in highly populated areas. In 2000, Henry started working with farmer-producers in agricultural businesses selling wholesale fresh produce and retail plants in Van Buren, Arkansas. Nowadays, Henry lives in California, where he offers expert consulting services for organic vegetable gardening. As a science writer working with his wife, Julia, Henry shares his passion for gardening and farming, trying to reach and teach as many folks as possible.

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