The String of Buttons (Crassula perforata) is a quirky, fast-growing succulent native to South Africa. Its stacked, triangular leaves spiral around upright stems, giving it a geometric, almost architectural look. With pale green foliage edged in pink or red and a sprawling habit, it’s a favorite for succulent arrangements, hanging pots, and bright indoor displays.
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Light Needs for Strong, Colorful Growth
This plant thrives in bright light and partial sun.
Outdoors, it does well in morning sun and light afternoon shade.
Indoors, place it near a south- or east-facing window to maintain compact, colorful growth.
Too little light can lead to stretching and fading of leaf edges.
How to Water Without Overdoing It
Like most succulents, String of Buttons prefers to dry out completely between waterings.
During spring and summer, water deeply when the soil is dry.
In fall and winter, cut back to once every 3–4 weeks or less, depending on your climate.
Always avoid letting it sit in wet soil or water-logged pots.
The Right Soil for Healthy Roots
Use a cactus or succulent mix with excellent drainage.
You can also mix regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite in equal parts.
Terracotta pots with drainage holes are ideal for allowing moisture to evaporate quickly.
Best Fertilizer to Use
Feed once a month during the growing season using a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Choose a low-nitrogen formula like 2-7-7 like this one to encourage strong stems and color without leggy growth.
Skip feeding entirely in winter.
Pruning Tips for Shape and Propagation
Prune back leggy stems to keep the plant full and upright.
Trim just above a leaf node, and new growth will sprout from below the cut.
You can also remove older stems to make space for newer, more vibrant ones.
Always let cuttings callous before placing them back in soil or using them for propagation.
Consider using cuttings to grow new plants as outlined in our article How to Propagate String of Buttons (Crassula perforata): A Guide to Spreading the Spiral.
Best Spot in Your Home
String of Buttons does best in bright indoor spaces such as sunny kitchen windows, home offices, or plant shelves with plenty of indirect sun.
It also works beautifully in hanging baskets near a bright window where it can drape gently.
Avoid low-light rooms or spaces with high humidity.
Outdoor Growing Tips
In USDA zones 9–11, String of Buttons can grow outside year-round.
Use containers with drainage or plant in rocky beds or succulent gardens.
Protect it from frost—cold temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) can damage or kill the plant.
Bring indoors before the first frost in colder climates.
Common Issues and Fixes
Stretching (etiolation) – Caused by low light.
Move to a brighter location to restore compact growth.
Shriveled leaves – A sign of underwatering.
Increase watering slightly during hot months.
Mushy or dropping leaves – Usually due to overwatering or poor drainage.
Let the soil dry completely and improve airflow.
Leaf drop at the base – Normal for older stems, but can also indicate stress from overwatering or too little light.
Popular Varieties of String of Buttons
Crassula perforata has a few well-loved variations that offer subtle shifts in color, form, and growth habit:
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Crassula perforata var. perforata – The classic String of Buttons, with pale green stacked leaves and pink-tinged edges.
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Crassula perforata ‘Variegata’ – A stunning variegated version with creamy yellow margins and soft pink blush under bright light.
Crassula perforata × Crassula rupestris hybrid -
Crassula perforata ‘Giant Form’ – Larger, thicker leaves and a more upright growth habit, ideal for striking centerpieces.
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Crassula perforata × Crassula rupestris – A hybrid often labeled as “Baby’s Necklace” or “Necklace Vine,” with more rounded leaves in tighter spirals.
Each of these follows the same care routine, and all are equally easy to propagate and grow.
Final Thoughts
Crassula perforata, or String of Buttons, is an eye-catching succulent that’s easy to care for and rewarding to grow.
With just the right mix of light, dry soil, and occasional pruning, this quirky plant will happily spiral its way into any indoor or outdoor collection.
Whether you’re placing it in a container garden or letting it spill from a sunny shelf, this one never fails to charm.