String of Buttons Care & Fertiliser Guide – Grow Crassula perforata in Australia

String of Buttons

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String of Buttons Care in Australia – Light, Soil & Watering Guide

How to Grow String of Buttons (Crassula perforata) for Healthy, Stacked Leaves

The String of Buttons succulent is a striking plant known for its stacked, triangular leaves edged with pink or red tones. It’s a popular choice for Australian gardeners due to its drought tolerance and unique architectural form, which looks stunning in pots, rock gardens, or as part of a succulent arrangement. In the right conditions, String of Buttons can thrive for many years and develop into tall, branching stems with bright seasonal colour.

String of Buttons Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Prefers bright light, with morning sun and afternoon shade in hotter regions. Too little light results in stretched, leggy growth.
Soil: Requires a fast-draining succulent mix enriched with coarse sand or perlite to prevent root rot.
Climate: Suited to warm, dry climates. Protect from frost by moving pots indoors during winter or covering with frost cloth.

For best display, plant in a decorative pot where its upright yet slightly trailing growth can be appreciated. Good airflow is important to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.

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Fertilising String of Buttons – What to Use & When to Feed

To keep the leaves plump and vibrant, String of Buttons benefits from a low-nitrogen, potassium-rich fertiliser during the growing season. This supports compact growth, vibrant leaf edges, and stronger stems.

Best Fertiliser for String of Buttons

Potted Plants: Apply a liquid cactus/succulent fertiliser every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer, diluted to half strength to avoid fertiliser burn.
Outdoor Beds: Use a slow-release succulent fertiliser at the start of spring, supplemented with light liquid feeds during warm months.

Seasonal Feeding Schedule in Australia

Spring (Sept–Nov): Start fertilising as new growth emerges to encourage compact stems and vibrant colour.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Continue feeding every few weeks for strong growth and colour retention.
Autumn (Mar–May): Reduce feeding to once a month as growth slows.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Pause feeding unless kept indoors in bright, warm conditions.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can cause soft, elongated growth and dull leaf colour.

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Common String of Buttons Problems & How Proper Fertilising Prevents Them

Although hardy, String of Buttons can suffer from leaf drop, colour loss, or root issues if conditions are incorrect. Balanced fertilising and correct light levels prevent most problems. 1. Fading Leaf Colour – Usually caused by low light or lack of potassium. Move to a brighter spot and feed with a succulent fertiliser high in potassium. 2. Stretched Growth – Caused by insufficient sunlight. Increase light exposure while maintaining a regular feeding schedule. 3. Root Rot – From overwatering or poorly drained soil. Always use a cactus mix and water only when the soil is dry.

String of Buttons FAQ

How to propagate String of Buttons? Use stem cuttings or individual leaves placed on dry soil until roots form.
Is String of Buttons poisonous to cats? Yes, like many Crassula species, it can be toxic if ingested, so keep away from pets.
Does String of Buttons need full sun? It prefers bright light but benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates.
How tall can String of Buttons grow? Typically 30–60cm, with taller growth if given optimal conditions.

For best results, feed String of Buttons with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (NPK 2-7-7) to promote compact growth, vibrant leaf colour, and long-term plant health.