The String of Dolphins plant is a naturally occurring hybrid of the String of Pearls and the Candle Plant .1 This unique succulent has taken the plant world by storm with its adorable dolphin-shaped leaves that leap playfully from trailing vines.
Native to dry regions of southwestern Africa, the String of Dolphins is a charming addition to any home or garden. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or even as a sprawling groundcover in tropical climates.
If you want to grow your own, here’s what you need to know about its care requirements, propagation methods, and the many ways this delightful succulent can bring joy to your space.
A Succulent Like No Other
The String of Dolphins, scientifically known as Senecio × peregrinus or Curio × peregrinus, is a hybrid succulent that’s as unique as it is eye-catching. Its curved leaves with tiny “fins” resemble a pod of playful dolphins leaping through the air.
This plant is a cross between the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) and the Candle Plant (Senecio articulatus), resulting in its distinctive appearance. It’s no wonder this plant has become a social media sensation!
Easy to Grow, Hard to Resist
Don’t let its exotic appearance fool you – the String of Dolphins is surprisingly low-maintenance. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering when the soil is completely dry. This succulent stores water in its plump leaves, making it drought-tolerant. It’s the perfect plant for busy plant parents or those new to the succulent game.
The ideal temperature range for the String of Dolphins is between 50-55°F during winter and around 72°F in summer. It prefers well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. With just a bit of care, this succulent will reward you with its whimsical charm.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Not only is the String of Dolphins a conversation starter, but it also has some hidden benefits. Like many succulents, it helps purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Studies have also shown that caring for plants can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus. Plus, watching those little dolphins “swim” as the plant grows is a soothing sight.
Propagating Your Own Pod
Ready to grow your own pod of String of Dolphins? Follow these simple steps for successful propagation:
- Gather supplies: You’ll need a healthy String of Dolphins plant, clean scissors or pruning shears, a small pot with drainage holes, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, and optional rooting hormone.
- Take cuttings: Using clean scissors, cut a stem with at least 2-3 nodes (the small bumps where leaves emerge). Each node has the potential to grow roots. The ideal cutting length is around 3-4 inches.
- Remove lower leaves: Gently remove the leaves from the bottom 1-2 nodes of the cutting. This prevents the leaves from sitting in water or soil and rotting.
- Let cuttings callous: Place the cuttings on a paper towel and allow the cut ends to dry and callous over for 1-2 days. This helps prevent rot when planting.
- Prepare potting mix: Fill a small pot with well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Dampen the soil with water until it is evenly moist but not soggy.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional): Dip the calloused end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage faster root growth. This step is optional but can improve success rates.
- Plant cuttings: Use a pencil or your finger to create a small hole in the potting mix. Gently insert the cutting, ensuring the nodes are covered by the mix. If planting multiple cuttings, space them 1-2 inches apart.
- Provide proper care: Place the pot in a bright, warm location with indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Expect new growth within a month as the cuttings establish roots.
- Transplant (if needed): Once the cuttings have grown a few inches and have a robust root system, you can transplant them to a larger pot or combine multiple rooted cuttings to create a fuller plant.
With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have your own thriving pod of String of Dolphins to enjoy or share with fellow plant enthusiasts!
Common Problems & Pests
While the String of Dolphins is generally easy to care for, it can occasionally face some issues:
- Overwatering: Soggy soil can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings and the pot has proper drainage.
- Underwatering: If the leaves start to shrivel or look flat, the plant likely needs more water. Give it a good soak and adjust your watering schedule.
- Pests: Mealybugs and spider mites can sometimes infest the plant. Remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.
- Sunburn: Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Provide bright but indirect light to prevent damage.
By keeping an eye out for these issues and addressing them promptly, you can keep your String of Dolphins healthy and thriving.
So what are you waiting for? Join the thousands of plant lovers who have fallen for the String of Dolphins’ charms. Whether you display it in a hanging basket or let it trail from a shelf, this delightful succulent is sure to make a splash in your home. With its easy care requirements and adorable appearance, it’s the perfect plant to lift your spirits and enliven your space.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.