Baby Necklace

Water the Baby Necklace when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season of spring and summer, you should water around once a week or whenever the soil looks dry. During its dormant period in winter, water less often, only when the soil feels dry. Make sure to check the soil drainage—if the soil stays sopping wet for too long, it can cause root rot and kill off the plant.

Baby Necklace likes bright, indirect sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is usually best. Ensure the plant is not placed in direct sunlight, which is too intense and can cause the leaves to scorch. When the days are shorter in winter, and the light is weaker, reduce the amount of light to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Baby Necklace can even tolerate low-light conditions, however, it will be less likely to produce flowering shoots.

The Baby Necklace prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). It can also tolerate brief drops below 60°F (16°C). Outside, it can endure temperatures as low as 33°F (0.6°C). It can stay outdoors in warm temperatures, but should be kept inside during cold and frost.

Baby Necklace can do well in most humidity levels, but prefers some humidity in dry indoor conditions. Consider misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray, where water can evaporate and increase the humidity levels around the plant.

Baby Necklace prefers a light well-draining soil. A cactus potting mix or succulent potting mix should provide the necessary conditions. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5-7. The soil should also provide some aeration to ensure the plant doesn’t become waterlogged.

All succulents, including Baby Necklace, benefit from occasional fertilization as it helps to promote strong growth. Water-soluble fertilizers are best as they can be absorbed quickly and easily by the plant, and should be applied every 2 weeks during the growing season. Choose a low-nitrogen fertilizer that is specially formulated for cacti and succulents.

Baby Necklaces are relatively disease resistant, but can potentially be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and scales. These can be identified by their white cottony masses, and these should be removed from the plant. To do so, dab affected areas with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Control aphids and mealybugs by hosing down the plant with water or spraying it with insecticidal soap. Thrips can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, other insects, and beneficial fungi.

Baby Necklace only needs to be repotted every 2-3 years, or if it completely outgrows its pot. When you repot, make sure to do so carefully as its stems are quite delicate. Repot in the spring, into a pot 1-2 inches larger than the previous one, with a potting soil rich in organic matter. After that, make sure to apply water-soluble fertilizer twice a month.

This plant is low-maintenance and requires very little pruning. If it has become too large or leggy, you can trim off the excess growth. When pruning, use sharp scissors so you don’t damage the leaves. Make sure to keep the end leaves so the stem has to regenerate.

Mulching is not typically needed for Crassula perforata, but you can opt for a layer of pebbles, gravel, or other bark on top of the soil to help it retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

The Baby Necklace can be propagated by cuttings or leaf cuttings. Choose a well-established stem with several leaves on it. Cut the stem 3-5 inches from the base of the plant. Carefully take off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and insert it into a light, well-draining substrate. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light and provide slight moisture. Roots should form within a few weeks.

The Baby Necklace is prone to becoming leggy without proper light and support. Consider attaching a moss pole so it has something to cling onto as it grows taller.

During the winter months, the Baby Necklace should spend some time dormant and be allowed to rest. You can reduce the watering frequency and gradually reduce light levels until the stems become dormant. The plant will not require any fertilizer during this period.

Baby Necklace are not toxic to pets.