Pagoda Plant Crassula perforta

The string of buttons is a sprawling shrubby succulent native to the South Cape Provinces to KwaZulu-Natal. This species is found growing in rocky crevices or around boulders in its native habitat. This fast-growing plant has stems and leaves that appear stacked upon each other. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Initially, the plant is erect, but eventually, they hang downward and are ideal for hanging baskets.  It is a member of the stonecrop or orpine family (Crassulaceae). The specific epithet, perforata means "pierced or penetrated." This references the perforated appearance of the leaves.

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade but needs protection in hot climates from the midday sun. The foliage has its best color in full sun. The soil should consist of loam and sand and needs to be well-drained. Use a cactus mix when growing in containers. Water this plant well and then do not re-water until the soil is dry. This is known as the soak and dry method. The leaves of this plant actually store water. The plant is dry soils and drought tolerant. It is winter hardy in zones 9 to 12. It is not frost tolerant and needs to be brought indoors before temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  It may be propagated by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. 

The stems of the string of buttons are initially fleshy, erect, slender and grayish-brown, but become woody and prostrate later. The leaves are thick, fleshy, triangular-shaped, grayish-green with reddish edges. They appear opposite of each other and are spiralled around the stem which makes they appear stacked. The small flowers bloom in the spring and appear in rounded clusters with pale yellow petals and have a tubular corolla and brown to red sepals.

The string of buttons grows well indoors and can be used for containers or hanging baskets. In warmer climates, it can be used as a border, ground cover, or in rock gardens. Keep this plant out of reach of children or pets due to toxicity if ingested. Wear protective gloves when handling this plant due to the risk of skin irritation from the sap.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, vine weevils and aphids. Overwatering is detrimental to this plant and can cause root rot and fungal diseases. Sunburn of the leaves can occur from too much direct sunlight. The leaves will shrivel if they do not have adequate water. If ingested, the string of buttons is toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans. The sap can cause contact dermatitis.