Easy Succulent Toxic to pets

String of Buttons

Crassula perforata

A unique stacking succulent with triangular leaves threaded onto a slender stem.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 10 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

30–50 %
Temperature

10–27 °C

How to care for your String of Buttons

Everything you need to keep your String of Buttons healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Crassula perforata, commonly known as String of Buttons, is a distinctive succulent prized for its geometric beauty. Its triangular, pale green leaves grow in opposite pairs, appearing to be strung together on a stem, resembling a stack of buttons. The leaves often develop attractive reddish margins when exposed to sufficient sunlight. This easy-to-grow plant works wonderfully in hanging baskets, as a spiller in arrangements, or as a standalone potted specimen, adding architectural interest to any collection.

Watering your String of Buttons

Every 10 days

Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry.

How to know it needs water

Leaves feel less firm
Pot feels light

How much light a String of Buttons needs

Full sun

Full sun to bright indirect light for best color.

Direct sun tolerated: 4 to 8 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West, North-east, North-west

Humidity and misting

30–50 %

Low (30-50%) Misting is unnecessary and can lead to fungal issues on the foliage.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 60 days

Fertilize during the active growing season (spring/summer) at half strength.

Recommended feed: Balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer. · 2-7-7

Repotting your String of Buttons

Every 18 months

Prune leggy stems, repot in fresh, well-draining succulent mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: Cactus and succulent mix
Mix in: perlite, pumice, coarse sand

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Plant becoming leggy and top-heavy

Pruning your String of Buttons

To maintain shape, encourage bushiness, or propagate. Cut stems just above a leaf node; propagate cuttings easily.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 16 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 8 in the growing season.

15 J
12 F
9 M
8 A
8 M
8 J
8 J
8 A
9 S
10 O
13 N
16 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets, causing vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Keep out of reach.

Good to know

Its leaves grow symmetrically around the stem, resembling buttons on a string.
Can develop reddish margins with ample sunlight.

Frequently asked questions about the String of Buttons

How do you care for a String of Buttons?

Water it every 10 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 30–50 %. Ideal temperature: 10–27 °C. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry.

How often should you water a String of Buttons?

Every 10 days Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. How to know it needs water : Leaves feel less firm ; Pot feels light.

How much light does a String of Buttons need?

Full sun Full sun to bright indirect light for best color. 4 to 8 h a day

Is the String of Buttons toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Mildly toxic to pets, causing vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Keep out of reach. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my String of Buttons leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a String of Buttons?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Prune leggy stems, repot in fresh, well-draining succulent mix.