How to Grow and Care for String of Dolphins

String of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant that produces trailing stems with leaves shaped like leaping dolphins. It is a hybrid of string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and candle plant (Senecio articulatus), and it is easy to grow indoors or outdoors as long as it gets enough light and water. In this article, New York Garden will introduce you to the basic care and propagation of string of dolphins, as well as some tips to make your plant thrive.

Overview

The String of Dolphins is a hybrid plant that is a cross between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant). It inherits its characteristic dolphin-shaped leaves from the String of Pearls and its trailing habit from the Candle Plant [1]. This succulent is native to South Africa and thrives in warm and dry conditions.

Flower Color	White
Soil Type	Well-draining, cactus/succulent soil
Plant Type	Succulent
Common Name	Dolphin succulent string, dolphin plant, soaring dolphins, dolphin necklace
Bloom Time	Spring
Native Area	Southwest Africa
Botanical Name	Peregrinus Senecio
Sun Exposure	Full to partial sun
USDA hardiness zone	9b to 11b
Soil pH	6.6-7.5
Mature Size	6 inches tall

How to Care for String of Dolphins

String of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant with leaves that resemble leaping dolphins. It is a hybrid of string of pearls and candle plant, and it is easy to care for as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for string of dolphins:

Light

String of dolphins needs bright, indirect light [2] for at least six hours a day. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. You can place it near a south-facing or east-facing window, or use artificial grow lights if needed.

Soil

String of dolphins prefers well-draining soil that is porous and sandy. You can use a cactus or succulent mix, or make your own by adding perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to regular potting soil. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Water

String of dolphins is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering. You should water it only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until the excess water drains out of the pot, and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Do not overwater or underwater, as both can cause the leaves to shrivel and drop.

Temperature and Humidity

String of dolphins can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers warm and dry conditions. The ideal temperature is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it can cause frost damage. String of dolphins does not need high humidity, and it can cope with dry air. However, you can mist it occasionally to remove dust and pests from the leaves.

Fertilizer

String of dolphins does not need much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots.

Potting and Repotting String of Dolphins

String of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant with leaves that resemble leaping dolphins. It is a hybrid of string of pearls and candle plant, and it is very popular among houseplant enthusiasts. To keep your string of dolphins healthy and happy, you need to provide it with the right potting mix, container, and repotting schedule.

The best potting mix for string of dolphins is a well-draining one that contains perlite, coarse sand, or pumice. You can also use a commercial cactus or succulent mix and add some extra drainage material. Avoid using regular potting soil or peat moss, as they can retain too much moisture and cause root rot.

The best container for string of dolphins is a shallow pot with drainage holes. A shallow pot will prevent the soil from staying wet for too long, and drainage holes will allow excess water to escape. You can also use a hanging basket or a planter with a saucer to display your string of dolphins. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant, and avoid overpotting.

The best time to repot your string of dolphins is in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. You should repot your string of dolphins every year or two, or when you notice that the roots are crowded or the soil is compacted. To repot your string of dolphins, gently remove the plant from its current pot and shake off any loose soil. Inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease and trim off any dead or rotten ones. Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix and make a hole in the center. Place the plant in the hole and gently press the soil around it. Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain. Place the plant in a bright spot and avoid direct sunlight for a few days.

Propagating String of Dolphins

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant with leaves that resemble leaping dolphins. It is a hybrid of String of Pearls and Candle Plant, and it can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. Here are some steps to propagate String of Dolphins by stem cuttings:

Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and cut it off with a sharp knife or scissors. Leave about an inch of stem below the lowest leaf.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving at least two or three leaves at the top. You can use the removed leaves to propagate more plants by laying them on moist soil.
Let the stem cutting dry for a few days until a callus forms over the cut end. This will prevent rotting and infection.
Prepare a pot with well-draining succulent soil and make a hole in the center. Insert the stem cutting [3] into the hole and gently press the soil around it.
Water the cutting lightly and place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure as it can scorch the leaves.
Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. You can mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
After a few weeks, you should see new roots and leaves emerging from the stem cutting. You can transplant it to a larger pot or hang it in a basket to enjoy its trailing growth.

Common Pests/Diseases String of Dolphins

The string of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a popular succulent plant that resembles a pod of leaping dolphins. It is a hybrid of Senecio rowleyanus and Senecio articulatus, and it has fleshy, curved leaves that grow on long, trailing stems. The string of dolphins is easy to care for, as it requires bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. However, like any plant, it can suffer from some common pests and diseases that can affect its health and appearance.

Some of the most common pests that attack the string of dolphins are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of the leaves. They can also spread diseases and viruses to the plant. To prevent and treat these pests, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any infested parts with a clean pair of scissors. You can also spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil, rubbing alcohol, or insecticidal soap to kill the pests and deter them from coming back.
Some of the most common diseases that affect the string of dolphins are root rot, stem rot, and fungal infections. These are caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or contaminated soil or tools. They can cause the roots and stems to become soft, mushy, and brown, and the leaves to fall off. They can also spread to other plants and cause them to die. To prevent and treat these diseases, it is essential to water the plant only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, and to use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. You can also sterilize your tools before and after using them on the plant, and cut off any diseased parts with a clean pair of scissors. You can also apply a fungicide or a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide to the affected areas to stop the infection from spreading.

FAQs

The string of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a succulent plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South Africa and Namibia, and it is popular among houseplant enthusiasts for its unique dolphin-shaped leaves. The string of dolphins can grow up to 15 cm tall and produce small white or pink flowers that have a cinnamon-like fragrance. Here are some frequently asked questions about how to care for this plant.

How much light does the string of dolphins need?

The string of dolphins prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their shape. A south-facing or east-facing window is ideal for this plant.

How often should I water the string of dolphins?

The string of dolphins is a drought-tolerant plant that can store water in its leaves. It does not need frequent watering, and overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. The best way to water this plant is to use the soak and dry method, which means you should water the plant thoroughly until the water drains out of the pot, and then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Depending on the season and the climate, this can be once every two to four weeks.

How do I propagate the string of dolphins?

The string of dolphins can be easily propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem with at least three leaves and let it dry for a few days. Then, insert the cut end into moist, well-draining soil and keep it in a warm and bright place. To propagate by leaf cuttings, remove a healthy leaf from the stem and let it dry for a few days. Then, lay the leaf on top of moist, well-draining soil and press it lightly. Keep it in a warm and bright place and mist it occasionally. Both methods should produce roots and new plants within a few weeks.

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