How to Grow and Care for String of Dolphins

The String of Dolphins, or Senecio peregrinus, is a succulent popular for its unique foliage. The plant features trailing stems with leaves that resemble a pod of leaping dolphins. Its cascading growth habit is well-suited for hanging baskets or for draping over the edges of shelves and pots.

String of Dolphins Care

Light

Proper lighting helps maintain the distinctive shape of the plant’s leaves. A String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day, making an east-facing window an ideal location.

Too much direct sunlight can be damaging. Intense afternoon sun, especially from a south- or west-facing window, can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown. If direct sunlight is unavoidable, filter it with a sheer curtain.

Soil

The right soil composition is important for preventing root rot. A String of Dolphins requires a potting medium that offers excellent drainage, such as commercial cactus or succulent mixes. These mixes contain ingredients like sand, perlite, or pumice to create air pockets and allow water to flow through easily.

Standard potting soil is not recommended as it retains too much moisture, which can suffocate the roots and lead to decay. Always opt for a gritty, well-aerating soil mix.

Water

The most effective watering technique is the “soak and dry” method. This involves thoroughly watering the plant until water drains from the pot, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can check the soil’s moisture by inserting your finger an inch or two deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water.

Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to root rot, while underwatering can cause dehydration. During the winter months, the plant’s growth slows, so you should reduce the frequency of watering. Allow the soil to stay dry for longer periods between waterings.

Temperature and Humidity

This succulent prefers average household temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is well-suited to indoor living and does not require high humidity, as the typical low-humidity environment of a home is adequate.

Protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations by keeping it away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating units. The String of Dolphins is not frost-tolerant and must be brought inside before the first frost.

Fertilizer

The String of Dolphins is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During its active growing season in spring and summer, you can provide a balanced succulent fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Fertilize no more than once a month during the growing period. In the fall and winter, cease fertilizing to allow the plant to enter its dormant period.

Propagating String of Dolphins

New plants can be grown from stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem that is at least four to six inches long and take a cutting using clean, sharp scissors.

Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus over a few days. To do this, lay the cutting on a paper towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This step helps prevent the cutting from rotting when planted.

Once callused, prepare a pot with a well-draining succulent mix. Lay the stem cutting flat on top of the soil, ensuring the callused end and a few leaf nodes make contact with the surface. You can also gently press the stem into the soil. Mist the soil lightly every few days to encourage rooting.

Common Problems With String of Dolphins

A common issue is the flattening of leaves, causing them to lose their dolphin shape. This results from insufficient light. To resolve this, move your plant to a location where it receives more bright, indirect sunlight, and new growth should develop the correct shape.

Shriveled or deflated leaves are a primary indicator of underwatering. The leaves appear puckered and thin because the plant is dehydrated. Following the “soak and dry” watering method consistently will resolve this and restore the leaves to a plump, healthy state.

Yellowing leaves and mushy stems near the base indicate overwatering and potential root rot. This happens when the soil stays wet for too long. You may need to repot the plant in fresh, dry soil after trimming away any decayed roots. Pests can also be an issue, with mealybugs being a common culprit. These small, white, cottony insects can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.