Scientific Name
Crassula perforata Thunb.
Common Name(s)
Necklace Vine, Pagoda Plant, Stacked Crassula, String of Buttons
Synonym(s)
Crassula anthurus, Crassula conjuncta, Crassula connata, Crassula coronata, Crassula nealeana, Crassula patersoniae, Crassula perfilata, Crassula perfossa
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal).
Description
Crassula perforata is a popular spreading somewhat scrambling succulent shrub with grey-brown stems and grey-green leaves with reddish margins. It grows up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Stems are fleshy and upright at first but become woody and prostrate over time. Leaves are thick, fleshy, opposite, and variable in size and shape. They are triangular, up to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and more or less fused to the opposite leaf of the pair. Flowers are small, star-shaped, white to pale yellow, and appear in elongated thyrses in spring.
Etymology
The specific epithet "perforata (per-for-AY-tuh)" is the feminine form of "perforatus," meaning "pierced" or "penetrated," and refers to the perforated appearance of the leaves. It is the perfect passive participle of the Latin verb "perforo."
How to Grow and Care for Crassula perforata
Light: C. perforata prefers full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plant. Therefore, a place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Indoors, place your plants in a window where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH but requires very porous soil with excellent drainage. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for use with succulents or mix your own.
Hardiness: Like most Crassulas, this succulent will tolerate some amount of short-term freezing, but extremes of cold or heat will cause it to lose leaves and die. C. perforata can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: Avoid overwatering by using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: C. perforata does not need much feeding but will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the period of active growth. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: This succulent is generally started by leaves or stem cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds and offsets. The easiest way is to propagate C. perforata from a single leaf, while using stem cuttings is the fastest way to get a decent-sized plant. These processes are most successful if done at the beginning of the plant's active growth period. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer. Propagating by dividing offsets is very easy because the parent plant has already done most of the work for you.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula perforata
C. perforata is nontoxic to people and pets.
Subspecies and Cultivars of Crassula perforata
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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