The string of dolphins plants is a mesmerising, trailing succulent plant that has captured the hearts of many plant enthusiasts.It has gained popularity as a beloved houseplant due to its striking resemblance to leaping dolphins. Its unique dolphin-shaped leaves make it a standout in any indoor or outdoor setting. With its powdery blue green leaves and long trailing stems, this plant is perfect for hanging baskets ,containers and even ground cover.This plant is a hybrid of senecio rowleyanys and senecio pendulus and is native to South Africa. While commonly grown indoors as a decorative addition to homes, a string of dolphins can also thrive outdoors in warmer climates. It can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and heights of 6 inches.
String of Dolphins Care
The string of dolphins belonging to the Asteraceae family is a low-maintenance plant that brings a touch of whimsy to any space with its unique, dolphin-shaped leaves. This plant thrives on neglect and requires minimal care to flourish. With their trailing vines and distinctive foliage, a string of dolphins can be an eye-catching addition to any indoor or outdoor garden without demanding constant attention.
One key benefit of the String of Dolphins plant is its drought tolerance, making it perfect for busy individuals or forgetful gardeners who may not always remember to water their plants regularly. These plants are adaptable to various light conditions and can thrive in both bright sunlit areas as well as shadier spots, making them versatile options for different environments.
1:LIGHT
They require bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and lose their vibrant colors. On the other hand, insufficient light can result in leggy growth and pale foliage. It is recommended to place your string of dolphins in a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
For indoor plants, placing them near a south or west-facing window that provides ample natural light is ideal. If natural light is limited, supplement the plant with artificial grow lights specifically designed for indoor succulents. Remember to rotate the plant occasionally to ensure all parts receive equal amounts of light exposure. By providing the right amount of light for your string of dolphin plants, you can promote healthy growth and maintain its striking appearance.
2:SOIL
This unique and whimsical plant thrives in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid heavy clay soils that can retain too much water, as this can lead to root rot. Opt for a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents to provide optimal growing conditions.
Proper soil composition is crucial for the health and growth of your string of dolphin plants. Consider adding perlite or sand to your potting mix to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant’s overall well-being. Remember, this plant is sensitive to overwatering, so choosing the right soil mix is essential for its success.
3:WATER
This is a succulent plant that has adapted to store water in their leaves,stems, and roots,making them highly drought-tolerant. This means it can survive with infrequent watering, but it still requires some water to thrive.The watering needs of dolphins plant vary depending on the season, temperature, and humidity.During the spring and summer months when its actively growing, water your dolphins plant sparingly.Always check the moisture level before watering again. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to touch,usually every 7-10 days during the summer months. During fall or winter months, reduce watering every 4-6 weeks,as the plant is dormant and requires less moisture. When watering, use room temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rooting.
4:TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity levels is crucial for the thriving growth of String of Dolphins plants. These unique succulents thrive in moderate temperatures ranging from 65-80°F (18-27°C). Ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations are key to preventing stress on the plant.
Regarding humidity, String of Dolphins plants prefer low to moderate humidity levels. Excessive moisture in the air can lead to issues such as root rot and fungal infections. Thus, it’s essential to provide adequate airflow around the plant to promote healthy growth.
5:FERTILIZING
After repotting, it’s best to refrain from fertilizing during the first year when the soil is fresh. This allows the plant to adjust and establish its roots in its new environment without being overwhelmed by additional nutrients.
Furthermore, it’s important to give your plants break during the winter months. Since this time is typically characterized by slower growth and lower light levels, the plant doesn’t require as much fertilizer as it would during its active growing season.
Opting for fertilizers with a higher phosphorus or potassium content relative to nitrogen is crucial for the vigorous growth and health of this quirky succulent. By avoiding NPK ratios where nitrogen dominates, you can prevent the risk of excessive foliage growth at the cost of flowering and overall plant development.
6:POTTING AND REPOTTING
This plant actually can tolerate being root-bound for extended periods. Unlike many other houseplants that require frequent repotting to thrive, the string of dolphins plant can happily remain in its pot for longer durations without detriment to its health. This interesting characteristic makes caring for the string of dolphin plants a low-maintenance endeavour.
However, every few years, you should repot the string of dolphin plants for their better growth. When repotting a string of dolphins, be sure to choose a well-draining potting mix suitable for succulents. This will help prevent overwatering and root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant’s health. Gently loosen the roots during repotting to encourage new growth and ensure proper absorption of water and nutrients.
Opt for a terra cotta pot for these beautiful succulents. These pots are known for their porous nature, allowing excess water to evaporate efficiently and preventing the risk of overwatering. In contrast, plastic pots tend to retain moisture and limit airflow, which can be detrimental to the overall health of your plant.
7:HOW TO PROPAGATE STRING OF DOLPHINS
The propagating string of dolphins is relatively easy and can be done through stem cuttings and division. Here is a step by step guide to propagate via stem cuttings in water and soil.
Water Propagation
Step 1: Cut a healthy stem section(3-5 inches long) from the mother plant.
Step 2: Remove lower leaves,leaving on a few at the top.
Step 3: Place the cutting in a jar glass or vase filled with water. Keep the water level topped up and change it every 1-2 weeks.
Step 4: Roots should develop within 2-4 weeks. Once roots are visible, transfer the cutting to a pot filled with well-draining soil.
Soil propagation
Step 1: Cut a healthy stem section (3-5 inches long) from the mother plant.
Step 2: Allow the cut end to dry out 1-2 days to form a callus. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil,burying it up to the first leaf node.
Step 3: Water sparingly until roots develop (2-4 weeks).Once established, increase watering to once a week.
Propagation Through Division
The propagating string of dolphins through division is a great way to multiple this beautiful plant. Here is a step by step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Select a healthy, mature plant with multiple stems and a robust root system. This will ensure that each division has enough roots and stems to grow into a new plant.
Step 2: Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before division to make the soil easier to work with. This will help reduce stress on the plant and make the division process smoother.
Step 3: Gently remove the plant from its pot,taking care not to damage the roots or stems.If the plant is stuck, you can gently rock the pot back and forth to loosen it.
Step 4: Identify the natural divisions between stems and gently separate them,making sure each section has a good amount of roots and stems. You can use a sharp, sterile tool to make clean cuts between the stems if needed.
Step 5: Plant each division in a new pot filled with well-draining soil, making sure the soil level is the same as it was previously.Water well to settle the soil. Roots should develop within a few weeks.
8:COMMOM PETS AND DISEASES
Like any other plant, it can also be susceptible to certain pets if not properly cared for. One common issue that may affect the string of dolphin plants is root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent this disease, it is important to ensure that the plant’s soil dries out between waterings and to avoid letting excess water accumulate in the pot.
Another potential problem for a string of dolphin plants is the mealybugs infestation. These tiny white insects can quickly multiply and feed on the plant’s sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To combat mealybugs, regular inspection of the plant and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help keep these pests at bay.