The String of Dolphins plant, botanically known as Senecio peregrinus (or Curio x peregrinus), is a popular succulent cherished for its distinctive leaves that resemble miniature leaping dolphins. This unique plant typically exhibits a beautiful trailing growth habit, making it a favored choice for hanging baskets or elevated displays where its tendrils can elegantly cascade downwards. While its natural inclination is to trail, some growers observe their String of Dolphins growing upwards, a phenomenon that often indicates specific environmental or care issues. This article explores the reasons behind this unusual upward growth and provides guidance on how to encourage its natural, graceful trailing form.
Understanding String of Dolphins Growth
The String of Dolphins is a hybrid succulent, a cross between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant). Its succulent nature means its dolphin-shaped leaves store water, contributing to its drought tolerance. In its natural environment, the plant’s stems would typically spread and trail along the ground or cascade over rocks.
When cultivated indoors or in hanging arrangements, the plant’s tendrils are expected to lengthen and drape downwards, showcasing its unique foliage. A healthy String of Dolphins will develop plump, vibrant green leaves spaced relatively close together along its stems, forming a dense and flowing display. This characteristic trailing habit makes it an attractive addition to plant collections.
Why Your String of Dolphins is Growing Upwards
Several factors can cause a String of Dolphins to deviate from its natural trailing habit and grow upwards. One primary reason is insufficient light, a condition known as etiolation. When the plant does not receive enough bright, indirect sunlight, it will stretch its stems and leaves in an attempt to reach a light source, resulting in elongated, sparse, or “leggy” growth with widely spaced leaves. The dolphin shapes may also appear less pronounced and flatter as the plant prioritizes vertical growth over compact foliage.
Another common cause is the plant becoming root-bound in its container. When the root system has completely filled the pot, the plant’s overall growth can become stunted or irregular. This lack of space can sometimes manifest as stems growing upwards in an attempt to find new territory or resources, rather than trailing freely. Although String of Dolphins can tolerate being slightly root-bound, extreme conditions can impede normal development.
Physical obstructions or a natural seeking of support can also lead to upward growth. If the plant’s trailing stems encounter a wall, shelf, or another plant, they might begin to climb or lean upwards along the obstacle. The plant may instinctively try to anchor itself or grow towards an open space, rather than hanging freely. While rare, a genetic variation could also lead to a more upright growth tendency, though environmental factors are far more common explanations.
How to Correct Upward Growth
Correcting upward growth primarily involves addressing the environmental conditions that caused it. Optimizing light exposure is often the first and most impactful step. Move your String of Dolphins to a location that receives ample bright, indirect light, such as near a south-facing window where it can get several hours of filtered sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, particularly during winter months, supplementing with a T-5 fluorescent or LED grow light can provide the necessary intensity to encourage compact growth.
If your plant is root-bound, repotting it into a slightly larger container can alleviate the issue. Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. When repotting, carefully remove the plant, gently loosen any thick or tangled roots, and trim about an inch from the root ball if very dense. Place the plant in the new pot with fresh, well-draining succulent soil, ensuring the tendrils are positioned to hang downwards.
Strategic pruning can help reshape the plant and encourage bushier, trailing growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to trim back any leggy or upward-growing stems just above a leaf node. This action stimulates new growth from the node, promoting a fuller appearance at the base of the plant. The pruned stem sections can also be propagated by placing them back into the same pot or in a separate one, further increasing the plant’s density.
Ensure the plant has sufficient space to trail without obstruction. Gently guide any upward-growing stems downwards, allowing them to hang freely. Regularly rotating the plant can also help ensure all sides receive adequate light, preventing uneven or stretched growth towards a single light source.
Ongoing Care for Trailing String of Dolphins
Maintaining consistent, bright indirect light is paramount to preventing future upward growth and preserving the String of Dolphins’ natural trailing habit. Proper watering techniques are also important for the plant’s health and form. As a succulent, the String of Dolphins is drought-tolerant and stores water in its leaves. Water thoroughly when the soil has completely dried out, typically every one to two weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to remain dry for longer periods, to prevent root rot.
The use of appropriate soil and drainage is fundamental for preventing issues. Plant your String of Dolphins in a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, which often includes components like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Always use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and compromise plant health.
Occasional fertilization during the active growing season can support robust growth. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and potentially alter the iconic dolphin leaf shape. Regularly observing your plant for early signs of stretching or unusual growth patterns allows for timely adjustments, ensuring your String of Dolphins remains a lush, trailing spectacle.