The Senecio peregrinus, widely recognized as String of Dolphins, is a captivating succulent. Its unique, curved leaves strikingly resemble tiny jumping dolphins. Its trailing growth habit makes it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters, where its distinctive foliage can cascade gracefully. It adds aesthetic appeal to any indoor garden and is considered a relatively easy-care plant, suitable for various skill levels.
String of Dolphins Care
Proper lighting is crucial for String of Dolphins. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily when grown indoors. Placing the plant near a south or west-facing window, possibly with a sheer curtain to diffuse intense rays, provides suitable conditions. Direct, harsh sunlight can lead to scorched or yellowing leaves, while insufficient light may cause leggy, stretched growth and loss of vibrant green color. Grow lights can supplement natural light, especially during winter, ensuring consistent illumination.
Watering practices are key to preventing common issues. The “soak and dry” method is recommended, meaning the soil should dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to mushy, yellow, or transparent leaves and root rot.
Conversely, underwatering may cause the dolphin-shaped leaves to shrivel or appear dull and deflated. During the active growing season (spring to early fall), watering once per week or every 2-3 weeks is often sufficient, reducing to once a month during winter dormancy. Always ensure water drains thoroughly from the pot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Appropriate soil and drainage are vital for String of Dolphins. A well-draining soil mix, like a commercially available succulent or cactus blend, prevents waterlogging. If mixing your own, a combination of two parts potting soil with one part perlite or pumice and one part sand provides necessary aeration and drainage. Pots must have drainage holes; terracotta pots are often preferred as their porous nature helps absorb excess moisture from the soil.
String of Dolphins generally prefers average room temperatures, ideally ranging between 60-80°F (15-27°C), with 72°F being optimal. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) during winter, but are not frost-tolerant and need protection from freezing. Avoiding extreme cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents is beneficial. Moderate humidity (40-60%) is generally suitable, and good airflow prevents fungal issues.
Fertilizing is a minimal requirement for String of Dolphins. Over-fertilizing can paradoxically cause the distinct dolphin shape of the leaves to be lost. Feed them sparingly, perhaps once or twice a year, in early spring or during blooming. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer), and refrain from fertilizing during the plant’s dormancy in fall and winter.
Propagating String of Dolphins
Propagating String of Dolphins is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, sturdy stem from the mother plant, at least 3 to 6 inches long. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut just below a leaf node, where new roots emerge. Remove any leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting to expose the stem.
After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for one to two days. This prevents rot when introduced to soil or water. Once callused, plant the cutting directly into a well-draining succulent potting mix.
Insert the calloused end into the soil and keep it lightly moist until roots develop (typically two to three weeks). Place the newly planted cutting in bright, indirect light, gradually introducing it to more sunlight. Alternatively, root stem cuttings in water by placing the prepared cutting in a glass, changing the water every few days, until roots are a couple of inches long before transplanting to soil.
Common String of Dolphins Problems
Shriveling or wrinkled leaves typically indicate underwatering. If the leaves appear dull, deflated, or dry, the plant needs a thorough watering. Ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again; a deep soak restores turgidity.
Conversely, mushy, yellow, or transparent leaves often signal overwatering and potential root rot. This occurs when roots remain in excessively wet soil. To address this, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, confirm adequate drainage holes, and consider repotting into fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is severe.
Leggy growth (long, sparse stems with fewer leaves) usually signals insufficient light. The plant stretches to find more light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with ample indirect light resolves this. Pruning back leggy stems encourages bushier, more compact growth.
String of Dolphins can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially undersides of leaves and stems, aids early detection. Small infestations can be managed by wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil for widespread issues.