Crassula perforata (String of Buttons)

Scientific Name

Crassula perforata Thunb.

Common Names

String of Buttons, Necklace Vine

Synonyms

Crassula perfossa, Crassula conjuncta, Crassula nealeana

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula

Description

Crassula perforata is a small, shrubby and sprawling succulent up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The stem is erect, fleshy, later prostrate and woody. The leaves are opposite, gray-green edged in pink, with small, whitish or pink dots on the margin, up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long and up to 0.5 inch (13 mm) wide. The flowers are very small, star-shaped and white in color.

Photo via arreesucculentes.com

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour off any excess water after a few minutes.

These succulents are generally started by division, offsets or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then covering the dish until they sprout.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.