About String of Buttons
A distinctive succulent with pairs of triangular, gray-green leaves that stack alternately along the stem, appearing as if threaded together like buttons on a string. The leaf edges often blush rosy-pink in bright light, and the stacking pattern creates a spiraling geometric effect. Stems can trail or sprawl up to 30-45 cm, making it excellent for trailing arrangements and succulent wall gardens. String of Buttons belongs to the Crassulaceae family and originates from South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape); found in rocky coastal and montane habitats..
String of Buttons is a popular and affordable succulent in the Philippines, available at most plant shops, Dangwa, and online sellers. Its geometric stacking pattern makes it a favorite for succulent arrangements and terrariums (open-top only). In Philippine conditions, the main concern is water getting trapped between the tightly stacked leaf pairs during rain — this leads to rot from the inside out. Always grow under a rain shelter and water at the soil level, never from above. A moderately gritty mix (60% mineral) in small pots works well. It is relatively forgiving of humidity compared to some succulents.
Also known as: Necklace Vine, Stacked Crassula.
Popular Varieties
- Crassula perforata (standard) — gray-green with pink edges
- Crassula perforata 'Variegata' — cream-yellow variegation on leaf margins
- Crassula perforata 'Giant Form' — larger leaf pairs with more prominent stacking
- Crassula rupestris — closely related 'Baby's Necklace' with rounder leaf pairs
How to Plant String of Buttons in the Philippines
String of Buttons can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. The recommended method is stem cuttings — very easy and fast.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut a 7-10 cm stem segment with several leaf pairs.
- Step 2: Remove the bottom 2-3 leaf pairs to expose stem nodes.
- Step 3: Let the cutting callous for 2-3 days.
- Step 4: Insert the cut end into slightly moist cactus mix.
- Step 5: Keep in bright indirect light. Roots form in 1-2 weeks.
- Step 6: New stacking growth appears quickly once rooted.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to bright indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun). More sun intensifies the pink leaf-edge coloring.. Position your string of buttons where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water every 7-10 days in dry season using soak-and-dry method. In rainy season, reduce to minimal watering or none if under rain shelter. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 24-35°C (handles Philippine heat well). Moderate humidity tolerance. Better than some succulents in Philippine humidity but still benefits from good air circulation. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing string of buttons outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Dilute balanced fertilizer at quarter strength once a month during growing season.
Pruning
Trim back sprawling stems to encourage bushier growth. Use cuttings for propagation.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Bottom leaves turning mushy and black
Cause: Overwatering or water trapped between stacked leaf pairs during rain
Solution: Remove rotted leaves. Improve drainage and keep under rain cover. Reduce watering frequency.
Stems stretching with wide gaps between leaf pairs
Cause: Insufficient light — etiolation
Solution: Move to brighter spot. Cut the leggy stems and replant the healthier tips as new cuttings.
Leaf edges not turning pink
Cause: Not enough direct sun stress or too much nitrogen fertilizer
Solution: Provide more direct morning sun and reduce or eliminate fertilizer. The pink edges are a sign of healthy light stress.
Powdery white fungus between leaves
Cause: Moisture trapped between the tightly stacked leaf pairs in humid conditions
Solution: Improve air circulation. Remove affected sections. Spray with diluted neem oil. Avoid overhead watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for String of Buttons in the Philippines?
String of Buttons needs full sun to bright indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun). more sun intensifies the pink leaf-edge coloring.. Water every 7-10 days in dry season using soak-and-dry method. in rainy season, reduce to minimal watering or none if under rain shelter.. Feed with dilute balanced fertilizer at quarter strength once a month during growing season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 24-35°C (handles Philippine heat well) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate String of Buttons?
The recommended method is stem cuttings — very easy and fast. Cut a 7-10 cm stem segment with several leaf pairs. Remove the bottom 2-3 leaf pairs to expose stem nodes.
Is String of Buttons toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can String of Buttons grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, String of Buttons grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing String of Buttons?
Common issues include: Bottom leaves turning mushy and black (caused by overwatering or water trapped between stacked leaf pairs during rain — remove rotted leaves. improve drainage and keep under rain cover. reduce watering frequency); Stems stretching with wide gaps between leaf pairs (caused by insufficient light — etiolation — move to brighter spot. cut the leggy stems and replant the healthier tips as new cuttings); Leaf edges not turning pink (caused by not enough direct sun stress or too much nitrogen fertilizer — provide more direct morning sun and reduce or eliminate fertilizer. the pink edges are a sign of healthy light stress).
Growing string of buttons in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!