Crassula perfoliata
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Crassula perfoliata

Red treasure · Propeller Plant

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
199
Observations
706

Description

Source: leafsnap

Crassula perfoliata, commonly known as the String of Buttons or Necklace Vine, is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Native to South Africa, it thrives in rocky areas and cliff sides. The plant features thick, fleshy leaves arranged in opposite pairs along a stem that can reach up to 60 cm in length. The leaves are triangular with pointed tips and are uniquely fused at their bases, forming a circular shape around the stem. During the summer months, the String of Buttons produces small white or pink flowers on long stalks that rise above the foliage. This plant is notably easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and thriving in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Crassula perfoliata has garnered popularity as an indoor houseplant due to its distinctive appearance and low maintenance needs. It can be grown in hanging baskets or trained along trellises for added visual appeal. Beyond its ornamental value, Crassula perfoliata possesses medicinal properties traditionally utilized by indigenous people to treat various ailments, including stomach problems, skin conditions, and headaches. Overall, this succulent plant makes an excellent addition for any indoor garden enthusiast looking for something unique yet easy to care for!

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Crassula perfoliata is well-suited for arid conditions, requiring watering only every three weeks due to its drought tolerance. The plant is adapted to retain water, so it benefits from a deep soak when it is watered. Being an evergreen, Crassula perfoliata keeps its foliage throughout the year, making it ideal for indoor settings with stable humidity levels.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Native to dry regions, Crassula conjuncta grows best in full sun; its natural habitat features intense sunlight and very little shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Crassula conjuncta can tolerate some heat, but it mainly flourishes and grows during the cooler seasons and goes dormant in summer. In very hot summer conditions, give it shade to prevent scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to avoid root rot. It shows vigorous growth in winter and spring. Provided the temperature does not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity dry (<40%)

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

Humidity: dry (<40%)
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Crassula conjuncta only needs light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for recently repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

When repotting Crassula conjuncta, pick a pot just a bit larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently take the plant out of its old pot, dust off any excess soil, and place it back in at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep it in a brightly lit spot.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning

To keep your Crassula perfoliata well-shaped, prune any excess or overly dense branches during the spring and autumn. Use a knife or scissors for the trimming, and apply sulfur powder to the cuts to promote healing. If you want to propagate the plant, cut stems with 5-6 leaves, treat the cuts with sulfur powder, and slightly moisten the soil before planting the stems.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Crassula
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
46 cm
Mature Spread
34 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Pale Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (6)

Common Names (2)

en Red treasure
en Propeller Plant