🐕 Succulent Base

Crassula perforata

Also known as: String of buttons

Leaves fused in opposite pairs stack around the stem like a string of buttons, blushing pink-red in bright sun. It belongs to the Crassula genus, comes from South Africa (Cape provinces), stays around Stems 30–60 cm, and tolerates USDA 10–11; protect below -1 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Key facts

  • Genus: Crassula
  • Origin: South Africa (Cape provinces)
  • Mature size: Stems 30–60 cm
  • Hardiness: USDA 10–11; protect below -1 °C
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic

Succulent at a glance

Genus
Crassula
Origin
South Africa (Cape provinces)
Mature size
Stems 30–60 cm
Growth habit
Fast-growing stacked string of square leaves wound around the stem
Leaf colour
Grey-green with pink-red leaf edges in sun
Flower colour
Pale yellow flowers
Hardiness
USDA 10–11; protect below -1 °C
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Other names
String of buttons

About the Crassula perforata

Leaves fused in opposite pairs stack around the stem like a string of buttons, blushing pink-red in bright sun. Fast and forgiving; prune to keep it compact.

Care and cultivation

Crassulas are forgiving. Give them the sunniest spot you have, a gritty mix, and water only when the soil is bone dry. In winter cut watering back to a light sip every 3–4 weeks. Prune branch tips to force branching — the cuttings root in days and make new plants. Light: Bright light with several hours of direct sun. Water: Every 2 weeks in growth; reduce sharply in winter. Use a Standard succulent mix; tolerates slightly richer soil.

Description

Crassula perforata is a Crassula succulent from South Africa (Cape provinces). Leaves fused in opposite pairs stack around the stem like a string of buttons, blushing pink-red in bright sun. Fast and forgiving; prune to keep it compact.

Identification

Look for: Grey-green with pink-red leaf edges in sun leaves in a Stems 30–60 cm form. Also answers to String of buttons. The genus is Crassula, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'String of buttons'.

Adding a Crassula perforata to your collection? Buy from reputable nurseries that label plants with accurate botanical names, and quarantine new plants for a couple of weeks before placing them near existing succulents to avoid spreading pests like mealybugs.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water my Crassula perforata?

Every 2 weeks in growth; reduce sharply in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.

How much light does Crassula perforata need?

Bright light with several hours of direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.

Related succulents

Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Crassula perforata, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.