How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its compact shape.

How often should I water it?

Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually every 2 to 3 weeks.

Plant guide

String of Buttons.

Crassula perforata

Pronounced KRASS-yoo-luh per-for-AY-tuh

Concertina Plant — Photo by Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

The String of Buttons is a charming succulent that looks like it is stacked on a string. It is a fantastic choice for sunny windowsills or rock gardens. You will love how its leaves spiral around the stem as it grows.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 10 to 21 days
Mature size: 30 to 45 cm tall
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late winter to spring

Care

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for shriveling leaves which indicate the plant needs a drink. Ensure it gets plenty of light to keep the stems from stretching out.

Watering: Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back leggy stems in spring to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes rootbound or the soil breaks down.
Soil: Well-draining cactus and succulent mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 5 to 30°C
Humidity: 10 to 40%
Drought tolerance: high
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant has become top heavy and tips over easily.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic to humans, though ingestion is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion or breakage of the succulent stems.
Contact allergens: There are no known significant skin irritants associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: It is not known to be a significant source of airborne allergens.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Stacked triangular leaves
Leaves spiral around stem
Pale green with reddish edges
Small woody stems

Height: 0.15 to 0.45m
Spread: 0.1 to 0.3m
Leaves: green, yellow-green, red, evergreen
Flowers: white, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm

Common problems

Mealybugs — These small white insects hide in the crevices between leaves and suck sap from the plant.
Root rot — Overwatering leads to mushy stems and decaying roots.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors if you live in a cold climate, as it cannot tolerate frost. Reduce watering significantly during the winter months when growth slows down.
In containers: It grows very well in pots, provided you use a container with drainage holes and a well draining succulent mix.

Stem cuttings

Snip a healthy stem section that is at least 3 inches long.
Let the cut end dry for 2 to 3 days until a callous forms.
Insert the calloused end into a pot filled with well draining succulent soil.
Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop.

Group plants with similar water needs together to avoid overwatering your succulents.

Grows well with

Echeveria — They share similar water and light requirements, making them perfect for shared containers.
Haworthia — These succulents thrive in the same bright, indirect light conditions.

Keep away from

Ferns — Ferns require high humidity and consistent moisture that would cause this succulent to rot.

Similar species

Crassula rupestris — It has a similar growth habit but features smaller, more rounded leaves.

Science

Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Order: Saxifragales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native habitat.

It grows in rocky, well drained soils in arid regions, allowing it to store water in its leaves to survive long dry spells.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: indoor ornamental, rock garden, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its compact shape.
How often should I water it?: Water only when the soil has dried out completely, usually every 2 to 3 weeks.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Crassula comes from the Latin word crassus, meaning thick, which refers to the fleshy leaves. The species name perforata refers to the appearance of the stem growing through the center of the leaves.

Good to know

The leaves often develop pink or red edges when exposed to bright sunlight.
It is a very popular choice for succulent arrangements because of its unique stacking habit.
The plant can grow up to 18 inches tall before it starts to trail or lean.

Is your string of buttons looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.