From a distance, Crassula Perforata a unique succulent appears like green, spiral pasta noodles. Crassula Perforata, [KRASS-oo-la per-for-AY-tuh], is a hardy plant and a real conversation starter.
The plant belongs to the large Crassula family of plants and comes to us from South Africa.
Due to the distinct green foliage that grows from the flowing stems, the Crassula Perforata also goes by a couple of fitting common names:
- String of buttons succulent
- Necklace Vine plant
- Pagoda plant
The necklace plant is suited for indoor growth, as it doesn’t require a lot of light and can tolerate drought.
It’s an excellent plant for adding more character to any room, but there are a few plant care tips to follow, these are shared below.
String Of Buttons Crassula Perforata Care
Size and Growth
The necklace plant may grow a few inches each year. In the wild, the long stems may reach up to 30′ feet in length.
When grown indoors or in a container, they may only reach four to six feet.
Crassula Perforata has a strong root system, it is fast-growing, with sturdy stems spreading outward, producing thick, square-shaped foliage.
The succulent foliage has a distinct appearance. When viewed from a distance, they look like small spirals.
Some people describe them as beads or buttons, which is why it’s called the necklace plant or the string of buttons.
Flowering and Fragrance
The string of buttons does produce flowers. However, they are small and have no scent.
The flowers are typically only a quarter of an inch in size. These small, star-shaped pink or pale yellow flowers bloom in the spring.
Keep in mind that this plant doesn’t always flower. If spring comes and goes without flowers, it doesn’t mean that the plant is dying.
Light and Temperature
The String of Buttons Crassula is recommended for USDA hardiness zone 9 to 11. It doesn’t tolerate freezing temperatures or extreme humidity.
Outside of the American Southwest, it should be grown indoors.
Temperatures in the 60s and 70s are recommended throughout the year.
If possible, give Crassula perforata indirect sunlight (partial sun) throughout the day. Plants look better when given light shade instead of full sun.
When placed indoors, any window other than a south-facing window with direct sunlight should work fine.
In an outdoor setting, ensure that the plant gets at least four hours of solid, bright sunlight.
Watering and Feeding
Like most succulents, the necklace plant can retain water. It doesn’t require frequent watering.
In fact, it’s a good idea to let the plant dry out between watering.
If necessary, add liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season. The fertilizer should be diluted to one-third strength.
Soil and Transplanting
The necklace plant requires soil with good drainage. Standard potting soil with added sand should offer the right conditions.
Transplanting is needed if the plant outgrows its current container. Repotting is also recommended every three years, to get rid of the old soil.
If transplanting the Perforata String of Buttons is necessary it should get moved in the early spring, just before the active growing season starts.
Maintenance and Grooming
To manage the growth of the Crassula perforata plant, trim it back. The easy-to-grow plant can be trimmed any time of the year if the stems start to get too long.
Related: Growing The Succulent Crassula Baby Necklace
Propagating Necklace Plant
Propagation is possible using side-shoots, leaf cuttings, or stem cuttings. Take the cuttings from one of the stems, removing a piece that is about four inches long and contains several succulent leaves.
Allow the cuttings to dry for two to three days. Plant the cuttings in the same soil used for the mother plant. It should offer good drainage. Adding a little sand to the regular potting mix is recommended.
The new plants should be placed in a bright spot. Within one to two months, the cuttings should take root and be strong enough to transplant to individual containers.
Ensure that the young plants remain hydrated, but not overwatered.
String of Buttons Pests or Diseases
While the thick succulent foliage of the Buttons Crassula perforata plant should make an attractive habitat for insects and pests, the plant is rarely attacked.
It’s a hardy plant with no major threats, other than overwatering. If the plant is overwatered, root rot may develop.
Rot typically starts at the base and works its way through the stems. This problem is more common in cooler regions or during the winter when it doesn’t get as much sunlight.
To reduce the risk of rot, allow the String of Buttons to dry between waterings. If rot is detected, cut it away and scale back the frequency of watering.
Suggested Crassula Perforata Uses
The distinct appearance of the crassula perforata makes it a great houseplant. It can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to spill over a window box or individual pot.
For optimal growth move the necklace vine outdoors in the partial sun during the warmer months and indoors during the winter.
In warmer regions, plant string of buttons outdoors in a garden bed or rock gardens where it can provide a unique ground cover.