The Dolphin plant is a succulent hybrid of the Candle Plant and String of Pearls plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It draws its name from its leaves that resemble dolphins jumping into the air at sea. They are characterized by arching leaves and striking green foliage.
It’s relatively easy to care for string of dolphin plants as they are a succulent.
What is the Origin of String of Dolphins Plants?
This rare plant traces its nativity to South West Africa, where it thrives in the subtropical climate.
What Does The String of Dolphins Plants Symbolize?
They symbolize the endless love between two people. Spouses commonly gift each other the String of dolphin’s plant as a household gift.
Does the String of Dolphins Plant Have Any Other Names?
Known as Senecio peregrinus in the scientific community, it also goes under the name dolphin necklace, dancing dolphin plant, or flying dolphins.
Different Types of String of Dolphins Plants
- Dancing dolphin
- Flower dolphin
Main Uses of String of Dolphins plants
The String of dolphins plants cascade downward nicely and decorate high shelves and make vertical gardens. Their dolphin-shaped leaves are aesthetically appealing and serve as great ornamental pieces that you should include in your home décor.
How to Prune String of Dolphins Plants
Dolphin plants are low maintenance plants and do not require regular pruning. However, you can cut out the yellowing leaves and snip some leggy roots. Use a sterilized pair of scissors to cut and remove plant debris carefully. You can incorporate pruned waste into your soil mixture to add nutrients.
Best Soil for String of Dolphins Plants
As with most Succulents, the dolphin plant requires light, porous, well draining soil with a neutral pH. Composite soil mixtures generally support the plant’s growth. Its ideal soil is the cactus mixture with pumice.
How Much Light Do String of Dolphins Plants Need?
Dolphin plants require filtered sunlight with sufficient intensity. Full to partial sunlight enhances the growth of the String of Dolphins. String of dolphins plants grown outside should be limited to sunlight exposure during summer to prevent wilting. Finicky leaves are a sign of insufficient light, and you should place them near an open window with medium indirect light or use artificial grow lights.
How Often to Water String of Dolphin Succulent
The string of dolphins plant requires infrequent watering as they are tolerant to drought. Only water them when the soil begins to dry or every two weeks. During the winter season, the plant’s metabolism lowers, and thus, you only need to water the Dolphin plant monthly. Overwatering causes root rot which is detrimental to the Dolphin plant’s growth. Shriveled leaves are a sign of inadequate water. 1 to 2 inches of water is sufficient for the dolphin necklace.
Ideal Temperature Conditions for String of Dolphins Plants
Succulent plants are content with a wide range of temperatures. The Dolphin plant, however, prefers cooler temperatures. The ideal temperature for the flying dolphins is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. String of dolphins are not tolerant to frost but can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit during winter.
Humidity Conditions for String of Dolphins Plants
String of dolphins plants grow well in average humidity. You can use a humidifier during extreme seasons to maintain the humidity at 50%.
Best Fertilizer for String of Dolphins Plants
Dolphin plants do not require regular application of fertilizer like the String of pearls. You, however, can fertilize during summer and spring to give it a growth boost. Organic fertilizers like worm compost boost its growth and encourage blooming. Dilute fertilizer with water more than the recommended strength and spray your mixture into the soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to loss of the distinctive dolphin shape.
How to Propagate String of Dolphins Plants
The most effective way of propagation is vine cutting. Pick a sturdy, healthy vine and cut below a leaf using scissors. Remove the bottom leaves and allow the cuttings to be callous over. Stick the cuttings in moist soil in a well-drained pot. Place the pot in partial shade and introduce the propagated dolphin plant incrementally to higher light intensities.
Growth Rate of String of Dolphins Plants
Under optimum conditions, the String of Dolphins Plants can grow up to 50 centimetres in a year. It can grow up to 6 inches tall when mature. Adequate light and fertilizing during the spring season promote its growth.
What Pests Affect String of Dolphins Plants?
Mealybugs affect all succulent plants, and the dolphin plant is no exception. Mealybugs appear as white cottony growth on the underside of the leaves. Wipe them with a solution of isopropyl alcohol dabbed in cotton. For a shinier and healthier appearance, use neem oil to wipe the surfaces.
Ideal Pot Size for String of Dolphins Plants
The ideal pot size is 15 cm to accommodate the trailing leaves.
Repotting Tips For String of Dolphins Plants
The string of dolphins plant can tolerate being bound to a pot. Succulent root-bound plants bloom more than potted plants. However, as the dolphin plant grows, it may deplete nutrients in the soil, necessitating repotting. Use a well-drained pot such as terra cotta pots. Repot your String of dolphins whenever it becomes too large for the pot. Take care not to break the roots while repotting.
What Is The Cost for String of Dolphins Plants?
A standard size pot price ranges from €22 to €50.
FAQ
Is String of Dolphins Plant Edible?
They are not edible; they contain alkaloids which may cause stomach upsets.
Is String of Dolphins Plants Toxic To Cats and Dogs?
Yes. The alkaloids contained in the String of dolphins plants may cause neuromuscular blocks in cats and dogs. However, they are mildly toxic if the ingested amount is negligible. It may irritate your skin and redden it. It is imperative to keep your furry friends at a safe distance from dolphin plants.
Is The String of Dolphins Plant Poisonous?
Unfortunately Yes. However, they are mildly poisonous. Ingesting its sap may cause diarrhea. Keep toddlers far from your gardens containing String of Dolphins plants.
Do String of Dolphins Plants Prefer To Grow Indoors or Outside?
String of dolphins prefers to grow indoors as houseplants due to a controlled temperature. They are not frost tolerant and may require intervention if grown outside during the winter season.
What Causes Yellowing of Leaves In String of Dolphins Plants?
Overwatering causes root rot that signifies its onset by yellowing frondescence. Place your plants in pots with drainage holes or terracotta pots to suck the excess moisture.
