Crassula sarmentosa, commonly known as String of Buttons or Necklace Vine, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, this plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
The plant features trailing stems that can grow up to 60 cm long. Its small, round, and flattened leaves are a bright green color and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem, enhancing its visual appeal.
During the summer months, Crassula sarmentosa produces small clusters of white or pink flowers. These star-shaped flowers, each with five petals, emit a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees.
This succulent prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight during cooler months. For optimal growth, it requires well-draining soil mixtures, such as those designed for cacti. Watering should be done sparingly in the summer and significantly reduced during the winter dormant period.
Propagating Crassula sarmentosa is easy through stem cuttings, which root quickly in well-draining soil mixtures under proper conditions.
Overall, Crassula sarmentosa is an excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. Its low maintenance requirements and unique trailing habit make it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over walls and shelves, making it ideal for those who love plants but have limited space available.
Trailing jade has moderate resistance to disease but is more sensitive to humidity. It is more likely to develop illnesses in high-humidity conditions and is susceptible to root rot while dormant. Regarding care, Trailing jade tolerates drought but requires increased watering during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during dormancy. Trailing jade is best for growers with some experience, as it can be challenging to care for, especially during the dormant period. It is particularly suited to those who can dedicate time to its care over the winter months.
How to keep Crassula Sarmentosa.
Light
Jade trailing is derived from settings with filtered sunlight, like the lower layers of forests or stony regions that naturally offer shade. While it favors semi-sun environments, it is also capable of withstanding exposure to full sun.
Water
Trailing jade thrives in semi-arid environments and requires infrequent watering, approximately every three weeks. It's important to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. This plant grows best indoors in well-draining soil. It is sensitive to cold but highly tolerant of drought conditions.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Although Trailing jade can tolerate some heat, it mainly flourishes and grows in the cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer temperatures, shade should be provided to avoid scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should also be reduced or stopped during the hottest part of the year to prevent root rot. Trailing jade grows vigorously in winter and spring; as long as the temperature does not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For Trailing jade, it's adequate to apply light quantities of fertilizer once or twice a year during the period of growth. The application of fertilizer should be evaded in the winter and summer seasons when the plant is in a dormant state. After repotting, the use of fertilizer should be lessened and one should wait for a few months before applying fertilizer. The act of fertilizing aids in robust growth and stimulates flowering.
Pruning
To keep your trailing jade in good shape, prune any excess or dense branches in the spring and autumn using a knife or scissors. If you want to propagate the plant, cut thick stems with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the wound, and allow it to heal before planting. Make sure to slightly moisten the soil when planting the cutting.
Toxicity
This plant has been found to be mildly toxic to humans, producing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. However, these plants are featured on the ASPCA's list of extremely poisonous plants for dogs and cats. If your cat or dog is enticed to eat the plant, they may suffer jade plant poisoning symptoms.
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The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Vine, Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Crassula
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Yellow, Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Native Area
- South Africa, Zimbabwe
