Crassula perfoliata Jack in a Box

Common Name:
String of Buttons Succulent

Description:
Crassula perfoliata var. minor 'Jack in a Box' is a striking and architectural succulent known for its tightly stacked, square-shaped leaves that spiral around upright stems, creating a unique “stacked button” appearance. The foliage is a soft grey-green with distinctive red to burgundy margins, which intensify in colour under full sun and cooler temperatures. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in Melbourne’s conditions when grown in a well-drained soil mix, making it ideal for pots, rockeries, and low-maintenance gardens. It prefers a sunny to partly shaded position and requires minimal watering once established. While primarily grown for its foliage, mature plants may produce small clusters of star-shaped flowers in warmer months. Its compact, sculptural form adds a modern and textural element to any garden or indoor plant display.

Form:
Shrub - Small
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 30–60 cm
Width: 30–50 cm

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade
Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
White
Pale pink

Key Attributes:
Drought Tolerant
Perennial
Suitable for Pots
Succulent
Suitable for Rockeries
Low Maintenance

Toxicity:
Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested – may cause vomiting and lethargy.

Companion Plants:
Echeveria
Sedum
Aloe
Kalanchoe
Agave