String of Buttons Care: Fixing the Stretching

Overview

The String of Buttons (Crassula perforata) is a wildly unique, architectural succulent native to the rocky slopes of South Africa. It is famous for its bizarre growth habit: it produces thick, fleshy, triangular leaves that grow tightly stacked in pairs directly on top of each other. Because the stem runs directly through the center of the paired leaves, it looks exactly like a string of green buttons threaded onto a wire.

When exposed to direct sunlight, the edges of the leaves blush a beautiful, vibrant pink or red. It is non-toxic to pets to pets, making it a highly sought-after plant for sunny windowsills. However, like all desert succulents, it requires strict watering discipline and massive amounts of light. If you treat it like a low-light houseplant, it will ruin its perfectly stacked appearance within weeks.

The Stretching Problem (Etiolation)

The entire appeal of the String of Buttons is its tightly stacked, compact appearance. If the plant does not receive enough direct sunlight, it will undergo a process called etiolation. The plant will panic, assuming it is trapped in the shade, and will rapidly stretch its stem upward to find the sun.

This stretching leaves massive, ugly, bare gaps between the leaves. Once a succulent stretches, it will never shrink back down. To fix an etiolated plant, you must use sterile scissors to cut the stretched top off entirely. Move the base of the plant to a south-facing window with direct sun, and it will push out tight, compact new growth. (You can also plant the cut top into dry soil to grow a second plant!)

Light Requirements: Sun Stressing

To keep the leaves tightly stacked, the String of Buttons must be placed in the brightest window you have. A south or west-facing window is mandatory. It thrives when receiving several hours of blazing, direct sunlight every day.

Furthermore, direct sunlight is required to maintain the beautiful red or pink borders on the leaves. This coloration is an active defense mechanism called "sun stressing" (the plant produces anthocyanins to act as a natural sunscreen). If the plant is kept in a dim room, it will completely lose the red borders and turn solid pale green.

Watering: The Squish Test

The stacked, fleshy leaves are essentially massive water storage tanks designed to survive months of drought in the African desert. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill this plant.

You must allow the potting soil to dry out 100% completely—all the way to the bottom of the pot—before watering. Never water on a schedule. Instead, gently squeeze the lowest, oldest leaves. If they feel rock-hard, the plant has plenty of water. If they feel slightly soft, pliable, or look wrinkled, it is time to water. When you do, soak the pot thoroughly until water flows out the drainage holes, then leave it completely alone until the soil is bone dry again.

Soil and Potting

Standard indoor potting soil will hold water like a sponge, suffocating the roots and causing the plant to turn yellow, mushy, and rot. You must use an extremely fast-draining cactus and succulent mix. Combine cactus soil with at least 50% perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to ensure that excess water drains away instantly. Always plant it in a pot with a drainage hole.

Toxicity

The String of Buttons is completely non-toxic and pet-safe. It is an excellent, worry-free addition to homes with curious cats or dogs, though its crunchy texture might invite unwanted nibbles.