If you love dolphins, you’ll undoubtedly love its succulent plant counterpart, the String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus). Yes, you heard that right! It’s a perennial ornamental plant that has a trailing habit. The most attractive feature is its leaves, which look like tiny dolphins trying to jump out of the pot.
The String of Dolphins thrives best in an indoor environment, and it looks enticing once the vines start trailing down from the pot. The plant brings a tropical mood to any home or office space.
Let’s look at some interesting facts about this unique succulent species.
| Scientific Name | Senecio peregrinus |
| Common Name | Dolphin necklace, Flying dolphins, String of Dolphins, Dolphin plant |
| Origin | South America |
| Plant Type | Trailing succulent |
| Life Cycle | Between 3 and 5 years |
| Growth Rate | Can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length in their first 9 months of growth |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b |
| Humidity Levels | 40-50% humidity |
| Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, cactus/succulent soil, 6.6-7.5 pH |
| Propagation Methods | Stem cuttings in water or soil |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals if eaten |
| Mature Size | 6 inches tall |
| Bloom Time | Spring to early summer months |
Growing String of Dolphins
To grow a String of Dolphins properly, you must understand that it has a semi-succulent property. It can tolerate drought because of its fleshy leaves. The String of Dolphins doesn’t need plenty of water. It isn’t hard to care for and maintain, but it needs to be in a proper environment to thrive.
You’ll have to repot the String of Dolphins to a new container if purchased from a garden store. Keep the roots as intact as possible to lessen the transplant shock. Make sure to moisten the soil after the transplant.
Basic Care Requirements of String of Dolphins
Light Condition
The String of Dolphins is suited for an indoor setting because it doesn’t like direct exposure to bright light. Strong light intensities outdoors could scorch the foliage and fade its color.
What is best is a bright location but with an indirect light present. It could be a sunny windowsill that’s south-facing. Give it six hours of bright sunlight daily to favor its growth.
Watering Needs
The dolphin-shaped leaves of this plant are plump due to the moisture retained there. Their water storage mechanism allows them to survive drought, a characteristic common for succulent plants.
That being said, it’s evident that this plant won’t require frequent watering. You have to wait for the soil to dry before watering. It will take about one to two weeks for that to happen. Once dry, give the String of Dolphins a deep soak. This watering method is known as the soak and dry.
Tip: Always drain excess water after watering to prevent the soil from getting soggy, which in turn prevents the occurrence of root rot.
Temperature and Humidity Requirement
The best temperature range for growing a String of Dolphins is between 70°F and 80°F (21°C – 27°C). This plant loves a warm environment. However, it can also tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 40°F(4°C) during winter. Temperatures lower than this can freeze the fleshy leaves of String of Dolphins.
An average humidity level is acceptable, but it will best thrive in humidity lower than 50%. The drier the environment, the better it is for the health of the String of Dolphins. There’s no need to do misting.
Soil Mix
The soil mix for String of Dolphins should be well-draining and light. You can use the succulent potting mix available in most garden centers. But if you want to mix your own, combine potting soil, pumice/perlite, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio.
Always check the drainage of the soil mix to ensure that excess water will flow without trouble. Otherwise, it would cause problems like root rot in your Strings of Dolphins.
Potting and Repotting Tips
You can use any type of pot for your String of Dolphins. But we usually recommend terracotta pots because they’re porous and will absorb excess moisture. However, it can be heavier in weight than plastic pots. Make sure to use a sturdy string when hanging.
Repotting will be necessary every three years unless your plant is suffering from root rot. It’s better to keep your String of Dolphins pot-bound for a few years because it has a shallow root system.
Pruning Techniques
There’s no need to conduct regular pruning since String of Dolphins has slow but steady growth. But to keep it tidy and healthy, you’d have to cut the yellowing, diseased, or overly leggy portions.
To prevent infection on the cuts, use sharp and sanitized shears when pruning. Remember to make clean incisions as well.
How to Propagate String of Dolphins
Using vine cuttings is the easiest way to multiply your String of Dolphins. This type of propagation method is asexual. The first thing to do is choose a healthy and mature vine. Cut it off at least five inches, then remove the leaves at the base of the cutting.
Plant the cutting in a moist potting mix. Once potted, place it in a bag to conserve humidity. Let the pot sit in a partially shaded area. Moisten the soil once a week. One indication that the propagation is successful is when new leaves emerge.
String of Dolphins Flowers
Although String of Dolphins is known for its leaves, they also produce dainty flowers that usually come in clusters. They also have an interesting scent that is similar to that of cinnamon.
Blooming time occurs in Spring up to early Summer seasons. If you keep the String of Dolphins indoors, it will most likely not produce flowers. Even if they do, these flowers are hard to notice and rarely get attention.
Common Problems with String of Dolphins
The String of Dolphins is susceptible to certain fungal diseases and pests, especially when exposed to unfavorable growing conditions.
Root Rot
Root rot disease happens as a result of excess moisture in the soil. Aside from the lack of oxygen supply, too much moisture makes a favorable condition for pathogens to proliferate and attack the root system of the String of Dolphins.
Botrytis
Excess moisture, poor air circulation, and high humidity can lead to the development of botrytis or grey mold. These pathogens create yellow leaf lesions that can spread to other parts.
Southern Blight
This disease creates a water-soaked appearance on the leaves and stems of your String of Dolphins. They can quickly spread to nearby areas. Sclerotium rolfsii fungus that resides in the soil causes Southern blight. Hence, it’s important to use sterilized soil to prevent its occurrence.
Pests
Beware of some pests like spider mites and mealybugs. These tiny organisms nestle on the undersides of the leaves, suck the sap and leave lesions. Although they’re not that harmful when few, they could bring severe damage when they grow abundant.
It’s best to deal with them at the onset of their infestation. Wipe them out with cotton swabs soaked in alcohol. You may also spray them with pressurized water or diluted neem oil and insecticidal soap. Just be consistent, and they’ll be gone in time.
FAQs
The shriveling of leaves can be due to a lack of moisture. Although String of Dolphins is drought tolerant, too much lack of water can lead to wilting of the leaves.
It can handle at most six hours of full sun every day. This light condition is favorable to the growth of a String of Dolphins.
Yes. The string of Dolphins is toxic to pets and humans. So, make sure to handle it with extra care.
