Crassula perforata 'String of Buttons' 7510

String of Buttons is a charming succulent from the Crassulaceae family, native to South Africa's rocky slopes and dry regions. Its scientific name, Crassula perforata, refers to the way its stacked, triangular leaves appear to be threaded along the stem like buttons on a string. This plant is beginner-friendly and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for anyone new to succulents or indoor gardening. Fun fact: the leaves can develop reddish edges when exposed to bright light or mild stress, adding a beautiful pop of colour to your space.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This succulent has an upright to trailing growth habit, with stems that stack rows of thick, fleshy leaves in a spiral pattern. Each leaf is triangular and pointed, with a soft grey-green colour that can flush pink or red along the edges in bright conditions. The leaves have a smooth, waxy texture that helps the plant retain moisture, and they grow so tightly together that the stem appears to pierce through each leaf.
FLOWER DETAILS
String of Buttons produces small, star-shaped flowers that cluster at the tips of mature stems, usually in late winter or early spring. The blooms are pale yellow to creamy white with a subtle, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators. While not the main feature of this plant, the flowers add a delicate touch to its sculptural form. Flowering happens once a year under the right conditions, and you can encourage blooms by providing bright light, cooler temperatures in winter, and slightly reduced watering during the dormant season.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, direct light for 4-6 hours daily. Tolerates partial sun but colours best in full sun
💧 Water: Water deeply when soil is completely dry, roughly every 2-3 weeks in summer and once a month in winter. Bottom watering works well to prevent rot
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers low humidity, around 30-40%. Thrives in average dry indoor air
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with perlite or coarse sand
🏺 Potting: Shallow terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when rootbound
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Grows 10-15 cm in 6 months, reaches 30-45 cm tall at maturity in 2-3 years
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Diluted succulent fertilizer once in spring and once in summer during active growth. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. May cause vomiting or gastrointestinal upset
WHERE TO PUT IT
String of Buttons loves sunny windowsills, especially south or west-facing spots where it can soak up plenty of light. It works beautifully on desks, shelves, or in small dish gardens. You can also grow it outdoors in a sunny balcony planter during warmer months. Avoid placing it in low-light rooms, bathrooms with high humidity, or anywhere far from a window, as it will stretch and lose its compact shape without adequate light.