How to take care of String of Dolphins?
Every Essential Question Answered

Introduction

The String of Dolphin is an elegant yet classy plant that will enhance the look of the room. Don’t you just love decorating your home with the best succulents? It is vital to realize that there is more to having a plant than adding to the overall aesthetics of your home. You have to learn how to take the best care of it so that it can prosper!

The String of Dolphins needs full to medium sun exposure, well-drained arid soil watered weekly in growing season and monthly otherwise. It prefers temperatures between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), while humidity between 30 and 45%. It can be fertilized once or twice a year with a light feeding solution.

The String of Dolphins 101

The String of Dolphins is a graceful succulent everyone adores. It is also known as the Dolphin plant because of the shape of its leaves. It is mesmerizing to see the plant in all its glory, making it a perfect succulent for your home.

It is a succulent species that can charm anyone because of its cuteness. The impressive plant can do wonders if placed in hanging baskets. They’re even great to add to vertical gardens as you can teach them how to grow upwards. They can be adjusted to suit your aesthetic preferences.

Identifying this plant is relatively easy, as the curly leaves have two tips on their sides. The resemblance to a dolphin’s shape is uncanny. One thing is for sure that the common name of the plant is justified given its appearance. The foliage looks unabashedly like the aquatic mammals everyone loves.

Here are a some brief details about the String of Dolphins:

• Scientific name: Senecio ‘Hippogriff’, Senecio peregrinus and Curio × peregrinus
• Common names: String of dolphins, dolphin plant, flying dolphin and the dolphin necklace.
• Named by: Grisebach
• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Senecio
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Flowering: Produce small white flowers during May and June.
• Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b to 11b

Are you wondering where you can bag this beauty for your home? I’ve bought countless succulents and know where you can go. To get the String of Dolphin Plant, you can visit this seller’s product link:

Caring for the String of Dolphins Plant

If you’re wondering how you can take care of the String of Dolphin plant, here are few details to get you started:

• Ideal soil: Requires arid soil that would be suitable for a cactus or succulent.
• Drainage Needs: Proper drainage needed. Consider placing pebbles at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage.
• Water Requirements: Water once a week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant one. Allow the top surface of the soil to dry before you water it again.
• Sunlight Requirements: Requires full to medium sunlight exposure to prosper.
• Temperature: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)
• Humidity: Average needs between 30 to 45%
• Ideal pH: 6.0 to 7.5
• Frost-Resistance: Low
• Fertilizer: Doesn’t really have significant fertilizer needs. Limit to light feeding once or twice a year!
• Pruning: Could use some pruning if stems are too leggy or to reduce yellow/dying leaves.
• Propagation: The best method to propagate the string of dolphins is stem cuttings!
• Repotting: The plant doesn’t need often repotting and can take a few years before it outgrows the pot!
• Toxicity: Toxic for both humans and animals.

1. What is the Ideal Soil for the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin is well-acquainted with arid soil which is also suitable for the succulent!

The String of Dolphins plant will do well with any succulent mix which is arid. It doesn’t have particular soil needs. It does need proper drainage so go for something gritty like a soil mix explicitly made for succulents or cacti.

One of the significant problems with the String of Dolphins is that it is susceptible to root rot. In other words, if you’re not careful with the soil and let it be too soggy, the plant will suffer. Do a favour to the succulent and ensure it doesn’t get waterlogged.

Pro-Tip

Succulents like the String of Dolphins function best in gritty soil which doesn't hold too much moisture!

Since succulents store a considerable amount of water in its leaves and stems, it has low need for soil moisture. When dealing with the String of Dolphin plant, it is vital to have soil with a gritty texture. It will help you avoid root rot and promote the growth of this plant.

If you’re looking for the ideal soil mix for your String of Dolphins, look no more. I have you covered and know the ideal one. I’ve used it with my own String of Dolphin plant and have had an excellent experience with this soil mix:

2. What are the Sunlight Requirements of the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin appreciates full sunlight exposure which promotes its growth and wellbeing!

The String of Dolphins appreciates generous quantities of indirect bright light. It will grow best if given a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight that isn’t too harsh. If exposed to direct sunlight during afternoon hours, the leaves may get sunburnt. Be mindful of the placement of this plant.

If you’re wondering how much sunlight the plant should get in a day, six hours is your best bet. The plant cherishes both warmth and light.

Pro-Tip

When indoors, the String of Dolphins will be at its healthiest when placed by a windowsill.

If you want to raise the String of Dolphins as a houseplant, place it in a good spot.

If, for some reason, you are unable to place it in a place with good exposure to light, don’t worry. You can always use a grow light for your indoor plants.

3. What is the Humidity Requirement of the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin has about average needs for humidity, so it won't really bother you at all!

The String of Dolphin has no special humidity needs. Generally, it will work well indoors as, on average, likes exposure to humidity between 30% and 45%.

4. How Should I Water the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin needs to be watered every week during its growth period, but don't do this when its dormant!

The String of Dolphin prefers to be watered on almost a weekly basis in the growing season. However, before you get any liquid to pour into the pot, check the topsoil. When the dormant period of the plant begins, reduce watering to once a month

Handling succulents and managing their water needs is a breeze. After all, they store water in their leaves, stems and flowers. The String of Dolphin is no different. Don’t be too generous with the water, and you’ll be good to go.

Warning

Be mindful of how often you water the succulent in your possession unless you want disaster to strike.

One of the worst things you can do with the String of Dolphin is overwatering. It is susceptible to root rot! At times the plant can also suffer due to mushy stems. Ask yourself, what could be worst than that?

I understand that it is tempting to overwater the plant. However, it would help if you understood that you do more harm to it, which is entirely avoidable.

5. How to Fertilize the String of Dolphins Plant?

This plant has a surprisingly low need for fertilizer, so only limit yourself to an annual or biannual feeding!

Your succulent doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer to prosper. Only fertilize it with a weak feeding solution once or twice a year. The plant is used to poor soil conditions and is sensitive to excessive nutrients.

6. How to Prune the String of Dolphins Plant?

Pruning the String of Dolphins is not a complicated task at all!

With this succulent, pruning is a simple job. All you have to do is take a clean and hygienic pair of scissors and trim off any problematic parts. Leggy stems, yellow leaves or decaying parts of the plant are safe to remove. You will promote better growth and enhanced health through pruning.

Once you prune the String of Dolphin, please keep them in a sheltered spot. You have to water them well as they will try to heal themselves and desperately need it.

7. How to Repot the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin doesn't really need to be repotted often!

The plant is a slow-grower and won’t need to be repotted until the second or third year of its life. When you need to repot it, try to remove the plant from the pot by digging on the side. Check the root and if it is brown, remove the soil. Next, you can place it in its new pot and cover it with potting soil.

Warning

When you're repotting the String of Dolphin plant, don't forget to check the parts for infection.

If you're repotting the String of Dolphin, you have a great opportunity to check the plant for any issues. If you sense that the plant has any damaged part, feel free to remove them. In this way, you protect the rest of the plant from the infection!

Things You Should Know About the String of Dolphins Plant

If you’re raising a String of Dolphin plant at your home, there are a few things you must know.

1. How to Propagate the String of Dolphins Plant?

Propagation of the String of Dolphin usually occurs through stem cuttings!

To propagate the String of Dolphin plant with stem cuttings, use a scissor. Acquire cuttings with two to three nodes along with the system. Then place the stem on top of the soil and keep the soil somewhat damp until roots form. Use a clean pair of scissors while you attempt this task.

2. How Toxic is the String of Dolphins Plant?

The String of Dolphin is a toxic succulent that you shouldn't place carelessly around the home!

The succulent is toxic to animals and humans. If ingested, there may be a display of specific symptoms like dizziness, diarrhoea and vomiting. Keep it at a safe distance from pets.

Warning

Rush to the veterinarian if your pet shows any odd symptoms!

The String of Dolphins is truly a gorgeous plant, but it can be a threat to your pet. If you suspect it has been ingested, monitor the animal. If there is any drooling, diarrhoea or nausea, visit the veterinarian. The health of your pet is a sensitive area that you can never compromise on.

Conclusion

The String of Dolphin, also known as the Dolphin plant, needs full sunlight exposure, well-drained soil, which is watered weekly when growing and monthly otherwise. It appreciates temperature between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) and humidity between 30% and 40%. Light fertilization once or twice a year is enough!

If you’re new to all of this and feel overwhelmed, I think you should read more about the topic. I recommend this post that will tell you how to choose a perfect pot for your succulent!

Posted in: Gardening Tips String of Dolphins Watering Tips Fertilizer Tips Propagation Tips Trailing Succulents