The String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a popular succulent cherished for its distinctive foliage, which strikingly resembles tiny leaping dolphins. While generally low-maintenance, seeing its vibrant green tendrils decline can be disheartening. This guide explores common problems and provides practical solutions to help your plant thrive.
Watering Imbalances
Proper watering is paramount for String of Dolphins, as these succulents store water in their leaves. Both overwatering and underwatering lead to significant stress and decline.
Overwatering
Overwatering is a frequent cause of decline. Symptoms often include mushy, yellowing leaves, soft or translucent stems, and a foul odor from the soil, indicating root rot. Saturated soil suffocates roots, leading to decay and compromising the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
To remedy, cease watering immediately and allow the soil to dry completely. If root rot is suspected, carefully remove the plant, inspect roots, and trim away any brown, mushy sections. Repot into fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus mix, ensuring adequate drainage holes. Terracotta pots are often recommended as they help absorb excess moisture.
Underwatering
Underwatering can also harm your String of Dolphins. Signs include shriveled, flat, or crispy leaves, and dry, brittle stems. The dolphin-shaped leaves may lose their plumpness and appear deflated. Prolonged periods without water lead to dehydration and stress.
To address, thoroughly water the plant until water drains from the bottom. Bottom-watering, where the pot sits in a tray of water, can also be effective to ensure the soil is fully saturated. Establish a consistent watering schedule: water only when the soil has completely dried out, typically every two to three weeks depending on environmental conditions.
Light-Related Issues
Light exposure plays a significant role in the vitality of your String of Dolphins. Providing the correct amount of light is essential for its growth and characteristic “dolphin” shape. Imbalances in light can lead to various symptoms of distress.
Too Much Light
Excessive direct sunlight can be detrimental. Symptoms include bleached or faded leaves, a reddish or purplish discoloration, and scorched spots. Leaves can easily get sunburned, leading to stunted growth and stress.
Move it to a location that receives bright, indirect light. A south-facing window with sheer curtains is often ideal indoors. Outdoors, place the plant in a shaded spot with filtered sunlight.
Not Enough Light
Insufficient light causes problems. The plant may exhibit etiolation, or “legginess,” where stems stretch out with widely spaced, pale green leaves. The distinctive dolphin shape may also flatten out, resembling “stingrays.”
Relocate your plant to a brighter spot, such as a south-facing window receiving at least six hours of morning sunlight. If natural light is limited, supplementing with a grow light can provide the necessary intensity for healthy, compact growth. Regular rotation can also ensure even light exposure.
Pests and Environmental Stress
Other environmental factors and biological threats can impact the health of your String of Dolphins, including pest infestations.
Pest Infestations
String of Dolphins can host common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Signs include sticky residue on leaves, fine webbing, visible insects, or distorted new growth. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, weakening it.
Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread. For minor infestations, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to manually remove pests. For more severe cases, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage. Improving air circulation can also help deter pests.
Temperature Extremes and Humidity
Temperature fluctuations and extremes stress the String of Dolphins. While it tolerates temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) in winter, its ideal range is 65-80°F (18-27°C) during its growing season. Exposure to temperatures below 30°F (-1°C) causes frost damage, and excessive heat leads to wilting and leaf drop.
Keep the plant away from direct heat sources or cold drafts, which cause sudden temperature swings. String of Dolphins appreciates moderate humidity (40-60%); in very dry environments, occasional misting or a water tray can increase humidity.
Potting Mix and Container Issues
The right potting environment is crucial for succulents. An inappropriate potting mix or container leads to moisture problems and hinders root health. Dense mixes retain too much water, causing root rot, and pots without drainage holes accumulate water, harming roots.
Always use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, which typically contains perlite, pumice, or coarse sand for aeration and drainage. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Terracotta pots are often preferred for their breathability. Repotting every few years into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil can refresh the growing medium and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.