Crassula Perforata is a plant that is naturally found in South Africa. Many people get them for their gardens or as indoor plants. Online, most guides say that this plant is relatively easy to care for and keep alive.
However, you may find that you are struggling and that your Crassula Perforata plant is dying. To save your Crassula Perforata plant from dying, you must provide four to six hours of direct sunlight, well-draining soil, only water when the soil is completely dry, and ensure temperatures remain above 32°F (0°C).
It doesn’t need a lot of watering, you usually don’t have to worry about it getting too much sunlight or heat, and it is relatively resistant to most diseases and pests.
The first step to understanding the needs of this plant is to understand what it is exactly and the general window it likes. If you are growing it outside, you may also benefit from knowing its ideal hardiness zones as well.
Is Crassula a Succulent?
Crassulas are considered succulents. The common name for a Crassula is Jade. Crassula Perforata in particular is known as the String of Buttons or the Necklace Vine. It is a type of Jade succulent that is native to parts of South Africa, primarily around the Cape Provinces.
These are more of a stacked variety of Jade, though it is shrub-like as well. Dozens of leaves grow on one stem, alternating sides of the stem. They are compact, filling up every little space. Most of the time, these succulents are light green but can have pink edges that add a unique burst of color.
Crassula Perforata Care
Crassula Perforata has a care guide similar to most other succulents since they share much in common.
Soil
For one, Crassula Perforata doesn’t like to be in a wet area. It prefers to live in well-drained soil that stays dry most of the time. They are drought tolerant and would prefer to be a little dry than too wet.
Sunlight
They also like to have a lot of sun. They can handle anything from light shade to full sun. If you want unique coloring on the leaves, going for more sun is better. If you live in a very hot area, then giving them a little shade during the midday sun might be best to avoid them getting too warm.
Temperature
They do best in the USDA hardiness zones between nine and twelve. So if you live outside of these regions, you may want to keep your plant indoors to prevent them from getting too cold or too hot. They can handle pretty cold temperatures, but once it gets below freezing at 32°F (0°C), they can become damaged.
While many people prefer to keep them indoors as a houseplant, they can stay outside in warmer climates as well.
Pests
They are deer resistant so they have a limited amount of pests to annoy them outside, and can keep deer away from other plants in your garden. They also don’t have many diseases that can affect them, though bugs are still possible.
However, if you have pets, you will want to be careful. Crassula Perforata is toxic to animals like cats, dogs, horses, and even people.
Why Is My Crassula Perforata Dying?
The most common reason for a Crassula Perforata to be dying is root rot. This is when the plant is overwatered. Since Jade plants and other succulents aren’t used to sitting in water, their roots can’t handle it.
Root rot specifically is due to a fungus in the soil affecting the roots of the plant. When the soil stays moist, the fungus starts to grow, and will eventually kill off the roots and migrate up to the rest of the plant.
Once root rot begins, it can quickly take over a plant and can be quite infectious, so it is best to make sure that your plant is isolated from any others. Then, you will want to start the process of removing root rot. The best option is to repot it with completely new soil and a new pot.
How to Remove Root Rot
To start, remove the plant from its pot and get rid of as much dirt from the roots as you can. When that is done, look at the roots, and all of the plant. The parts of your Crassula Perforata that are infected cannot heal and will spread the infection to the other parts of the plant.
You’ll have to cut off any infected roots and stems. Make sure to use sterilized cutting tools and sterilize them after use to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy plants and roots.
Then, it is a good idea to spray the plant with a fungicide. You can use a natural one like neem oil, or a store-bought chemical one, depending on your preferences. You may also want to spray the new pot.
Repot the plant like normal, using brand-new soil. While the soil can be the same type you used initially, you don’t want to reuse the soil in the original pot as it contains the fungus.
Then, be patient and take extra good care of your plant so that it can heal.
How Do You Revive Crassula?
While root rot is the most common reason for your Crassula plant to die, it isn’t the only reason, and it often has an underlying cause. To revive your Crassula and prevent any problems in the future, you will want to make sure that your plant is in the correct environment.
How Often Should You Water Crassula Perforata?
Since the String of Button plant is a succulent, it doesn’t need much water. Usually, soaking the plants once every one or two weeks is enough. However, if you want to be sure it is time to water them, check the soil.
The soil needs to be completely dry at least 2 inches (5 cm) into the soil. Succulents can’t handle extra water but are very drought tolerant, so if you are unsure if the soil is dry enough, it is better to wait a few days before watering.
Too much water is also what leads to root rot. When the soil stays moist, it allows the fungi to propagate and grow, and it can make your plant weaker and more susceptible to the fungus, so watering too much can be a problem for your plant in a variety of ways.
Should I Mist My Crassula?
Most plants enjoy a light misting throughout the week, but that isn’t true of Crassulas. Crassulas of all kinds prefer to have dry leaves and stems, and they don’t like having much water anyway. So you shouldn’t mist these plants.
They don’t need much care on their leaves and stems other than light dusting if they live indoors. Too much water on their leaves can lead to mildew, rot, and diseases.
Do Crassula Perforata Need Sunlight?
Crassula Perforata prefers to have a lot of sunlight. They need a minimum of four to six hours of sunlight a day. If outdoors, they would like to have full sun unless they live in a very hot environment, and then they could do with light shade around the middle of the day.
The light is what allows your String of Button plant to get a lot of its pink coloring, so if you notice that it isn’t getting the rose-pink edges you see in pictures, it is a good bet that your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight.
Where Should We Keep Crassula Plants in the House?
Since Crassula Perforata likes to have a lot of sunlight, they do best in windows that face south. This allows them to make the most of being indoors and still get the sunlight they need. Since they can handle full and direct sunlight, you can put them straight on the windowsill without any problems.
How Long Do Crassula Plants Live?
Most Jade plants are long-lasting. They can survive anywhere between fifty and seventy years. The Crassula Perforata plant can also live this long when given the right care, though being indoors can sometimes shorten the lifespan a little.
Jade plants can stay with you for a lifetime if taken care of right. While you can easily propagate them, you can also keep the original around for a lifetime rather easily.
Summary
Crassula Perforata, or the String of Buttons Jade plant, is an attractive plant that can be stunning when taken care of right. However, if you find yourself struggling to take care of succulents of any kind, you may also find yourself struggling with this plant.
Like many other succulents, it needs very little water and a lot of sun. If you overwater, you can easily find yourself with a plant that gets root rot and starts to die off. Do not mist your plant and allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry out completely between waterings. Ensure your Crassula Perforata has four to six hours of direct sunlight per day.
These care requirements will ensure your plant lives and brightens your home or garden for decades to come!