The Best Way to Care for String of Dolphins Succulent.
The String of Dolphins, also known as Senecio peregrinus or Dolphin Plant, is an adorable trailing succulent sporting leaves shaped like dolphins with side flippers jumping out of the water. The String of Dolphins is a hybrid of two succulents: the String of Pearls, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, and the Candle Plant, sometimes referred to as Senecio articulates. The plump leaves hold water that the plant uses up during drought. Dolphin Plant is a low-maintenance succulent that will last as long as the minimum growth requirements are available. The long tendrils hanging down from the plant adorned with iconic dolphin-shaped leaves add much glamor to your garden, indoors or outdoors.
This string succulent is a native of Southwest Africa and the Amazon. It grows in conditions that are not harsh or extreme regarding climatic conditions and temperature. The leaves, shaped like a dolphin, have a semi-translucent line down the middle of the leaf, allowing the plant to take in sunlight for photosynthesis. From time to time, cream or white color flowers bloom that smell like cinnamon (some say vanilla). The mature flowers fade and turn into seed heads with a cotton ball appearance.
Dolphin Plant Cultivation and History.
This trailing succulent is easy to grow and is an excellent addition to your indoor plant collection. It also grows outdoors when the temperatures are not too harsh either way. The plant will not tolerate frosty weather and loves the warmth of sunshine. Too much bright direct sunlight is not suitable for this delicate trailing succulent. It thrives in a place with shady sunlight for most of the day. However, an indoor plant will need daylight, which can be achieved by placing it on a windowsill similar place where the sun reaches it for a few hours.
They are ideal as hanging plants. They are sometimes grown in vertical gardens or as trailing vines trained to grow upwards on a trellis or moss pole. The plant is versatile as it can create many great looks according to what shape and style you want to grow it.
How to Propagate a String of Dolphins.
Propagation of Dolphin Plant is very simple and easy to do. The best way to do this is to cut off some hanging tendrils or strings from a healthy plant and place them in new pots. The best time to do this is the start of spring when you are ready to repot plants; also, an ideal way to use the cuttings when older plants are trimmed.
The cuttings with at least three nodes are the best for propagation. After drying out, the cuttings are ready to be planted. These can now be placed in water or soil to start rooting. When the stem cuttings are placed in water, the leaves must not touch the water. After a week or two in the water, roots become visible. Then, it is time to transfer the cuttings to pots packed with succulent potting mix. Alternatively, the dried-out cuttings can be placed in a soil mix to start rooting. The soil should be moist till the roots are developed. This will take a week or two; they can be transferred to bigger pots. Finally, the new plants are placed close together to form a fuller plant.
How to Grow and care for a String of Dolphins.
The moist soil will ensure that the Dolphin Plant survives most problems. The plant is watered only when the soil has dried out completely. This will stop the roots from rotting. The stem cuttings of a String of Dolphins are placed close together in the pot, which should not be too big. This is important for the look of the succulent as it grows. This plant’s desired look is fullness with healthy and beautiful plump jade green leaves. During winter, the plant will be dormant. During this time, watering may be required, or the soil may have to be watered monthly if the plant shows signs of distress.
A string of Dolphin’s houseplants’ Ideal Environment.
A string of Dolphin houseplants is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest and parts of Africa. This plant has a long and slender stem with leaves on the top; it has an average height of 1.5 meters and can grow up to 2 meters tall.
The string of Dolphin’s houseplant prefers moist soil and indirect sunlight, so it is not recommended for people who live in dry or hot climates. The string of dolphin houseplant also needs to be watered more often than most succulents, but it does not require a lot of water.
Pruning and Maintenance.
Pruning is a significant part of the plant’s maintenance. The succulent should be pruned at least once a year at the start of the spring growing season. The long tendrils of older plants are cut with a sharp knife and set aside for a few days to form scabs on the cuts. Then they are placed in a soil mix that drains well. These are kept in partial shade for about two weeks and then slowly introduced to brighter sunlight.
Maintenance of the primary plants includes cleaning out dead leaves and debris from the plant base and repotting if needed. This way, you will have multiple plants of this lovely hanging trailing succulent.
Dolphin Plant Light Requirement.
The String of Dolphin succulent is easily sunburned if exposed to scorching direct sunlight. While the plant requires sunlight, it should be kept away from too much of it. A partially shaded place is ideal for the dolphin plant. Anywhere there is indirect and filtered sunlight will do for this trailing succulent.
When the Senecio peregrinus succulent is grown indoors, the plant should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Grow lights will be of help during the winter.
Soil Requirements.
Like all succulents, the Dolphin Plant has to be planted in well-draining soil. A commercially available succulent potting mix or cactus potting mix will be helpful at this stage. Alternatively, you can make potting mix by combining one-part potting soil with one-part pumice or perlite with one-part sand. This ensures the plant is placed in soil that drains well.
Watering.
Watering a String of Dolphins trailing succulents does not have to be tricky. Once or twice a month, the plant can be given a good soaking of water till water seeps out of the drainage holes. After the soil has dried completely, the plant will be ready to receive its next watering. If the plant shows signs of leaf-flattening or drooping, it can be a sign of needing water. Indoor plants require less water; during the winter, the dormant period of succulent watering can be limited to once a month. Watering needs will also depend on your specific area’s climatic conditions.
The plant needs water if the leaves are deflated and look dull in color. More than usual dry leaves also indicate a lack of water. On the other hand, if the plant displays squishy leaves, yellow in color and transparent, the chance is that the plant has been overwatered.
Temperature and Humidity.
Senecio peregrinus thrive in cooler climates and can withstand slightly lower temperatures, around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summertime, this could be increased to 72 degrees Fahrenheit comfortably. However, the plant cannot withstand harsh cold or hard frost. If the surroundings get too cold, the plant should be moved to a safer area.
Fertilizers and feeding.
Although fertilizer is strictly not needed for the survival of the Dolphin Plant, it can be beneficial if added at the beginning of the growing season and again when they bloom. An excess of feeding will lead to the leaves losing their dolphin shape.
Managing Pests and Diseases.
Senecio peregrinus faces threats from mealy bugs and spider mites. Webs and white cottony growth denote the presence of these bugs. Cleaning the affected areas with water and rubbing alcohol will solve these problems. However, if the insects persist, using an insecticidal soap is recommended.
Brown leaves show problems caused by overwatering or underwatering. If the leaves lose their iconic dolphin shape and seem to flatten out, it may signify overwatering. Too little water leads to the leaves looking shriveled. A good soak of water will restore the plant. Watering problems are the main reason for the String of Dolphins dying out.
Best Uses.
A string of Dolphins is a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor plant collection. The most popular display of the plant is in hanging baskets allowing the trailing to hang down with the jade dolphins adding color and animation to any space.
Conclusion.
The Dolphin Plant is a much-loved trailing succulent. The plant is sometimes displayed with other plants for better effect. However, even a single plant has charm and is a joy to behold. With a little care, the plant will thrive; repotting and propagation will ensure the plant lives forever.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Does String of Dolphins need sun or shade?
It needs both sun and slight shade. This succulent does not do well in bright direct sunlight and should be placed in partial shade.
What is String of Dolphins good for?
This plant is used to add beauty to any space it occupies. It is good as a hanging plant or trained to grow along a vertical trellis.
How do you take care of a String of Dolphins plant?
This plant is easy to care for and maintain. It needs soil that drains well and partial sunlight. Checking the plant for insects and diseases will ensure happy and healthy growth.
Is a String of Dolphins an indoor or outdoor plant?
Dolphin Plant grows equally well both indoors and outdoors. If indoors, the plant has to be placed in a position that receives sufficient sunlight at least 6 hours a day. If outdoors, the plant should be planted in partial sunlight.
Why is my String of Dolphins turning purple?
Stress can cause plants to change color, but sudden temperature changes, excessive light, or lack of feeding and water can also cause them to change color. In addition, succulents change color to purple or red due to pigments known as anthocyanin and carotenoids.
How to get a fuller growth of the String of Dolphins plant?
This succulent looks good when it is full; to achieve this, the planted stem cuttings must be placed close to each other. Inserting both ends of a stem cutting will make the plant look fuller. In addition, fertilizer and proper growth conditions will ensure a healthy and fuller plant.
Why is my String of Dolphins growing upwards?
This is a sign of the plant chasing sunlight. If the plant is leaning to one side, toward a window, or elongating upwards, it is not getting sufficient sunlight. Placing it in indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours daily will ensure better even growth.
Can you propagate Sting of Dolphins from leaves?
Yes, leaf cuttings can be used to propagate the String of Dolphins plant. The leaves have to be from a mature plant and healthy.
Do String of Dolphins like being root bound?
Dolphin Plant can survive being rootbound and do not need regular repotting. This will also encourage the plant to bloom.
What is the best temperature for a String of Dolphins plant?
The String of Dolphins is a succulent that requires warm weather throughout the year. This is true for both indoors and outdoors. It will not tolerate frost or cold weather, and being able to move your plant so that it stays warm is a plus point.
Is the String of Dolphins toxic?
The plant can be toxic to cats and dogs, and even children. Thus, it should be placed out of reach of children and pets. Unfortunately, it can be mildly toxic to adults as well.
Is humidity good for a String of Dolphins plant?
The average household humidity levels are ideal for Senecio Peregrinus grown indoors. Although they prefer cooler temperatures, higher humidity levels are unsuitable for the plant.
