What is a String of Buttons?
String of Buttons (Crassula perforata) is a South African succulent prized for its architectural silhouette: pairs of triangular, blue-green leaves stack tightly along each stem as if threaded onto a skewer. In strong light the leaf margins flush pink or red, adding a warm accent to the cool foliage. Plants start upright and become gently trailing with age, making them equally at home in a pot on a bright shelf or cascading over the lip of a planter.
It belongs to the genus Crassula — the same family as jade plants — and shares their reputation for toughness. If you can give it a sunny window and resist overwatering, it demands very little else.
How much light does a String of Buttons need?
Bright indirect light is the baseline; a few hours of direct morning or late-afternoon sun is even better. In that extra light the leaf margins develop the distinctive pink-red blush that collectors prize. In a south- or east-facing window it tends to be happiest.
Avoid harsh midday sun through glass, which can scorch the succulent leaves. More importantly, avoid dim conditions — Crassula perforata etiolates (stretches) faster than many succulents when light is insufficient, and the neat stacked form will collapse into a leggy tangle.
How often should you water a String of Buttons?
Follow the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom, then do not water again until the soil is completely dry — typically every 2–3 weeks in warm bright conditions, longer in winter or low light.
Overwatering is by far the most common cause of failure. Soggy soil rots the stem base quickly and the damage is often invisible until a stem collapses. When in doubt, wait another week. Wrinkled or shriveled leaves are the plant’s signal that it actually is thirsty.
How do you propagate a String of Buttons?
Propagation is straightforward. Snap or cut a stem segment of 3–5 nodes, let the cut end callus over on a dry surface for a day or two, then set it on top of (or barely into) dry succulent soil. Roots form within a few weeks. You can also remove individual leaves and lay them on dry soil, though stem cuttings root more reliably and faster.
How do you keep a String of Buttons compact?
The key is maximum light. In a bright window the plant stays dense and the internode spacing stays tight. In low light the internodes stretch and the stacked appearance disappears — once etiolated, a section will not compact back. Prune leggy stems and use the cuttings to propagate new, compact plants. Rotating the pot a quarter-turn each week helps ensure even growth on all sides.
Is a String of Buttons safe for pets?
Crassula perforata is generally considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA does not list this specific species, but Crassula species are known to contain compounds that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset — nausea, drooling, or vomiting — if chewed. It is wise to keep it out of reach of curious pets. If ingestion is suspected, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.