Crassula perforata
| Light | Bright light to a little direct sun; colours up with more light |
|---|---|
| Water | When the soil has dried out; lean, dry rest in the hottest and coldest months |
| Soil | Fast-draining, gritty succulent mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings (very easy); also offsets and side shoots |
| Toxicity | Not well documented; the genus Crassula includes species toxic to cats and dogs (notably jade plant, C. ovata), so best kept out of reach of pets |
Crassula perforata is an easy-going South African succulent whose small triangular leaves are stacked in opposing pairs that spiral up the stem, giving each shoot the look of buttons threaded on a string — hence its popular name string of buttons. It is a fast, forgiving grower that trails or sprawls as it lengthens, making it a favourite for hanging pots, dish gardens and the edges of mixed Crassula arrangements.
Description
Crassula perforata produces slender stems clothed in pairs of stalkless, roughly triangular leaves. Each pair is set at right angles to the one below, and because the leaf bases wrap the stem, the shoot appears to be strung through the middle — the specific epithet perforata ("perforated") refers to this pierced-button impression. Leaves are grey-green to blue-green, often edged in pink or red, and the whole plant blushes warmer under bright light and cooler temperatures.
Young stems grow upright, but as they extend they lean, sprawl and eventually trail, branching freely from the base and along their length. Small, pale yellowish or cream, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters in spring, though the plant is grown far more for its geometric foliage than its modest blooms.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa, where it grows in rocky, well-drained places — on outcrops, ledges and slopes, often tucked among stones or scrambling through low shrubs that give it a little shade and support. This background explains its garden needs: sharp drainage, plenty of light, and tolerance of lean soils and dry spells.
Cultivation
Crassula perforata is one of the more beginner-friendly succulents. Grow it in a gritty, free-draining mix in a pot with drainage, and give it bright light — a few hours of gentle direct sun brings out the best leaf colour and keeps the stacks tight. In too little light the stems stretch, the spacing between leaf pairs opens up, and the plant loses its neat "buttoned" look; see Etiolation if this happens.
Water thoroughly once the soil has dried, then let it dry again — the plant stores water in its leaves and dislikes staying wet. Ease off during the hottest part of summer, when it may rest, and keep it drier and cool through winter. Like most soft Crassula species it is frost-tender, so bring it in or protect it where temperatures drop below freezing. Trailing stems can be trimmed to keep the plant bushy, and the trimmings root easily. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Propagation could hardly be simpler. Stem cuttings of almost any length root quickly: take a piece, let the cut end callus for a day or two, then lay or insert it in a gritty mix and water lightly once it begins to root. The plant also produces offsets and side shoots that can be separated (see Propagation — offsets). Seed is possible but rarely necessary given how readily it grows from cuttings.
Common problems
- Etiolation — the most common complaint; in low light the stems stretch and the leaf pairs space out, losing the tight, stacked form. More light restores compact growth on new shoots.
- Rot — from overwatering or a soggy mix; stems go soft, translucent and mushy at the base. Keep the mix sharp and let it dry between waterings.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff nestled between leaf pairs and at stem joints) and occasionally aphids on flower stalks. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Crassula — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Repotting