Jade Necklace

Jade Necklace (Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana) is a compact succulent that stacks fat, angular leaves into necklace-like columns. It grows about 20cm tall and 30cm wide, smaller and greyer than its relative the string of buttons, and its geometric stems look sculpted rather than grown. It is a neat choice for pots, terrariums and rockeries.

Why you'll love it

• Stacked, geometric leaves. Fat angular leaves pile up into columns that read like strings of beads, which gives the plant a strong shape in a small space.
• Small and tidy. At 20cm by 30cm it suits a bowl, a shelf, a windowsill or a pocket among rocks.
• A softer grey tone. The leaves are smaller and greyer than those of the related string of buttons, which suits muted, modern plantings.
• Tough and waterwise. Hardy and drought tolerant once established, it forgives a missed watering.
• Indoors or out. It grows well in pots in a bright room or a sunny spot in the garden.

Where it works best

Pots and shelf displays. A shallow glazed or terracotta pot of succulent mix shows off the columns. Choose a pot with drainage holes.

Terrariums and dish gardens. Its small size and slow, tidy growth suit open glass bowls and mixed succulent dishes.

Rockeries and xeriscape pockets. Plant 25cm apart between stones in a sunny, free-draining bed and let the columns fill in gradually.

Growing Jade Necklace in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun for the best colour and a compact shape. In low light the stems grow taller and looser. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens. Frost can damage succulent leaves, so in frosty districts grow it in a pot and keep it under cover over winter.

Soil. Free-draining soil. A succulent and cactus mix works in pots, and coarse sand or gravel dug into garden beds gives the drainage it needs.

Water and feed. Water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water only when the soil has dried. Keep it in a sunny position for at least part of the day.

Pruning. None is needed. If a column stretches in poor light, move the plant somewhere brighter and trim the stem back to a compact length.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jade Necklace as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always on hand. A sold out tube means the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. A young plant arrives small, and the stacked columns lengthen slowly as it matures.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Jade plants and crassulas
• Browse our succulents
• House and indoor plants
• Crassula care in our ripple jade guide

Common questions

What is the difference between Jade Necklace and string of buttons?

Both stack angular leaves into columns. Jade Necklace is the smaller, greyer plant, while string of buttons, sold in our range as Jade Buttons, is larger and greener.

Why are the stems stretching?

Low light. Stems grow taller and looser when they do not get enough sun, so move the pot to your brightest spot.

Can it live outside all year?

In a frost free garden with sharp drainage, yes. It is hardy and drought tolerant once established, but frost can damage succulent leaves, so grow it in a pot where winters are cold.