The “bunny string of dolphins” plant (Senecio peregrinus) is a captivating succulent known for its distinctive and charming appearance. Its unique foliage resembles miniature dolphins leaping from waves, making it a popular addition to any plant collection. This plant grows in long, trailing vines, well-suited for hanging baskets or elevated displays where its cascading form can be appreciated.
Understanding Your Bunny String of Dolphins
The Senecio peregrinus, often called String of Dolphins, Dolphin Plant, or Flying Dolphins, is a hybrid succulent vine. Its unique leaves are fleshy, notched crescents that distinctly resemble the shape of a dolphin. These vibrant green leaves, sometimes with a bluish tint, grow along trailing stems up to 3 feet long. This plant is a cross between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant or Hot Dog Cactus). As a succulent, it stores water in its plump leaves, tolerating periods of drought.
Essential Care for Thriving Dolphins
Caring for your String of Dolphins involves a balanced approach to its environmental needs, ensuring it receives adequate light, proper watering, and suitable soil conditions.
Light Requirements
The String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect light. While it enjoys a bright environment, direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its leaves, causing them to yellow or develop brown patches. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth, with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves, potentially losing the distinctive dolphin shape. An east-facing window, providing gentle morning light, is often ideal. A south-facing window with filtered light also works well. If natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light.
Watering Techniques
The “soak and dry” method is most effective: allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. Overwatering often leads to root rot, causing leaves to become squishy, yellow, or transparent. Shriveled leaves indicate underwatering; a good soak can revive them. During the active growing season from spring to early fall, water about once a week. In winter, during dormancy, reduce watering to about once a month.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining, porous soil is essential for the String of Dolphins. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is suitable. You can also create your own by combining two parts potting soil with one part pumice, perlite, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Good drainage prevents water accumulation around the roots, which can lead to root rot. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
The String of Dolphins thrives in average room temperatures, ideally 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It tolerates brief periods as low as 40°F (4°C) but is not frost-tolerant and requires protection from extreme cold. Avoid placing the plant near direct heat sources or cold drafts, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress it. While it tolerates typical indoor humidity, it benefits from moderate to high humidity. Good air circulation also prevents moisture buildup.
Fertilizing Your Plant
The String of Dolphins does not require frequent fertilization. Over-fertilizing can cause leaves to lose their distinctive dolphin shape. However, a light feeding during the growing season (spring and summer) promotes healthier growth and encourages blooming. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, applying it about once a month during this period. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant enters dormancy.
Propagating New Dolphin Pods
Propagating the String of Dolphins is straightforward, primarily using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem at least 3 to 5 inches long. Cut the stem just below a leaf node with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Remove leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting to expose the stem. Allow the cut end to callus for about two days in a dry, room-temperature location before planting. This callusing prevents rot. Once callused, place the cutting in well-draining succulent soil or root it in water. If planting in soil, insert the bare stem into the mix and water sparingly until roots develop. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring only the stem is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be transferred to soil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with String of Dolphins are often remedied with proper adjustments to care. Shriveled leaves often indicate underwatering. A thorough watering helps them regain plumpness. Yellowing or mushy leaves, especially with a soft stem, typically signal overwatering and potential root rot. In such cases, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries completely between waterings. Lack of growth or etiolation (long, sparse stems) suggests insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight or supplementing with a grow light encourages bushier growth. Common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale can affect the plant. Regular inspection and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol-dipped cotton swabs manage these pests.