String of Buttons
Triangular leaves stacked in pairs up the stem like beads on a string, with pink-tinged edges in strong light. A small, quirky succulent that trails with age and asks for sun and neglect.
String of buttons is a jade plant relative that grows in stacked, geometric columns and eventually leans and trails. It is small, odd-looking in a good way, and about as easy as succulents get.
Strong sun brings out a pink or red edge on each leaf. In a dim spot it stays green and stretches.
Light
Direct sun for several hours a day keeps it tight and coloured. A south or west sill. It tolerates bright indirect light with looser growth.
Water
Let the soil dry completely, then water well. Every twelve days in summer, monthly in winter. It stores water in every leaf and forgives long gaps.
Soil and potting
A gritty succulent mix in a small terracotta pot. Repot every couple of years, an inch up.
Feeding
A quarter-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in summer, or none.
Propagation
Stem cuttings. Cut a few inches, let it dry for two or three days, and push it into dry mix. It roots in a few weeks. Old, leggy stems can be cut back hard and the tops re-rooted.
In a hot, dry home
A natural fit. Full sun, dry air and heat are all fine and bring out the pink edges. Water a little more in high summer, only when dry.
Problems and fixes
Stems stretching and leaves spacing out
Likely cause: Not enough sun
Fix: Move into direct light and re-root the tops as compact plants.
Soft, mushy stems
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry fully. Re-root healthy tops.
Leaves shrivelling
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Water thoroughly. They plump up within days.
String of Buttons questions
Is string of buttons safe for cats and dogs?
Crassulas are mildly toxic to pets and can cause vomiting if chewed. Keep it out of reach.
How often should I water string of buttons?
Every twelve days in summer and about monthly in winter, when the soil is completely dry.
Why is my string of buttons growing tall and leggy?
Not enough sun. Move it to a sunny window and cut the stretched stems back; the tops re-root easily.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Jade Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
String of Pearls
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
