The string of dolphin succulents are arguably one of the most attractive looking plants available. This is all due to its adorable leaves that are shaped like dolphins. Not only are they cute, but this succulent is easy to care for and makes a great starter plant for newbies.
The string of dolphin succulent care guide provides all the vital information you need to care for this stunning plant. Including the USDA hardiness zones it can grow in, watering requirements, what soil to grow the plant in, and even its toxicity level.
Other Names Of String Of Dolphin Succulent
Most plants have more than one name they go by, and the string of dolphin succulent is no exception. This fun-looking plant is known by several names, some of which you may call it.
String of dolphins is by far the most common name for this succulent, but it isn’t the only moniker that it goes by. This plant is also called flying dolphins, dolphin plant, and the dolphin necklace. It’s scientific name is Senecio peregrinus and it’s native to Argentina and Bolivia.
Frost Tolerance And USDA Hardiness Zones Of String Of Dolphin Succulent
As with most other succulents, the string of dolphins cannot handle low temperatures and will need mild weather.
String of dolphin succulents thrive in areas where the temperature is consistently warm. They cannot tolerate frost and are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11b. For most gardeners, this means the succulent will have to be grown indoors as a houseplant.
How Many Hours Of Sunlight Does String Of Dolphin Succulent Need?
The amount of sunlight a plant needs varies from one species to the next. Let’s take a look at how many hours of sunlight the string of dolphin succulent needs.
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String of dolphin succulents need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage of this plant, so make sure to keep it out of direct light. Instead, aim for 6 hours of indirect light to protect the leaves from damage.
String Of Dolphin Succulent Needs Direct Or Indirect Sunlight?
Growing the string of dolphin succulent is the wrong type of light and can quickly cause problems for the plant. That is why it is important to know which one is best for this species.
The string of dolphin succulents needs indirect sunlight since direct light can burn and scorch its foliage. With that said, however, direct morning sunlight will also work for this succulent, since the sun’s rays are not as hot or harsh during the morning hours.
Is String Of Dolphin Succulent An Indoor Plant, Outdoor Plant Or Both?
Not all plants can thrive in all environments, and you should consider whether or not your succulent can survive in your climate before bringing them outside.
String of dolphin succulents are both an indoor and outdoor plant if you live in the right region. This succulent isn’t frost or cold tolerant, and it needs warm temperatures throughout the entire year. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b, you can grow this plant outside.
What Are The Indoor Lighting Requirements?
Trying to provide the right type of lighting for plants that grow indoors can be a bit difficult, especially if you’re not sure what its ideal lighting conditions are.
The string of dolphin succulent needs indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours every day. When growing the plant indoors, a south-facing window is typically the ideal location. East-facing windows will also work well for this plant as long as the light is filtered.
What Are The Outdoor Lighting Requirements?
The outdoor lighting requirements for the string of dolphin succulent is similar to its indoor lighting needs, but with a few exception.
When grown outdoors, the string of dolphins succulent need indirect or dappled light. It will also do well when planted in an area that gets direct morning sun. Never plant this succulent in an area with direct mid-day sunlight as this will damage the plant’s foliage.
What Soil Requirements Does String Of Dolphin Succulent Need?
Soil is vital for any plant, and trying to grow the string of dolphin succulents in inadequate potting medium can quickly harm the overall health of the plant.
String of dolphins need soil that drains well and is arid. Succulent or cactus potting soils work well for this plant, or you can create your own by combining 2 parts potting soil, 1 part sand, and 1 part perlite. Furthermore, aim for the soil pH level to fall between 6.6 and 7.5.
How Much Water Does String Of Dolphin Succulent Need?
String of dolphins can quickly become unhealthy due to improper watering. That is why it is vital to know how much water this plant needs.
Like other succulents, the string of dolphins are not thirsty plants and don’t require an abundance of water. In general, they will need about 1 to 2 inches of water every week or two weeks to keep it healthy and hydrated.
The best way to determine whether or not the string of dolphin succulent needs watered is by inserting your finger two inches into the soil. If it feels moist, the plant doesn’t require watering at that time. Wait a few days and repeat the process. Only water the plant when the soil feels dry.
Is My String Of Dolphin Succulent Overwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Too much water is not a good thing for the string of dolphin succulent. Not only will it interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, but it can also result in an irreversible fungal disease that can kill the plant.
The article owner is Plants To Trees dot Com and this article was first published on November 7, 2022.
Overwatering the string of dolphin succulents will cause its foliage to become yellow and shrivel. These dolphin-shaped leaves can also start to feel mushy and the overall appearance of the plant will look unhealthy. Eventually, rot will set in and the plant will die.
Once rot starts to form, there is little that can be done to save the plant. You can remove the plant from its pot, discard all the soil from the pot and around the roots, and then repot the succulent in a sterilized pot and clean soil. There is no guarantee that this will save the plant, but it is worth a shot if you don’t want to start over with a new plant.
Is My String Of Dolphin Succulent Underwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Even though underwatering the string of dolphin succulent is not nearly as dire as overwatering, you should still try to avoid it. Underwatering can cause undo stress on the plant, which will stunt its growth and even make it more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
When the dolphin-shaped foliage of the string of dolphin succulents starts to look puckered, you know its underwatered. The plant will also have little to no growth and the overall health of the succulent will decline. The soil will also start to pull away from the pot the plant is growing in.
How Much Fertilizer Does String Of Dolphin Succulent Need? What Kind?
Did you know that even your houseplants need to be fertilized every once in a while? This includes succulents such as the string of dolphin.
String of dolphin succulents don’t need an abundance of feeding, but fertilizing them once every 6 weeks can help encourage strong, healthy growth. Use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and apply from the spring to the fall. Never fertilize the plant in the winter when it is dormant.
To help prevent overfertilizing the plant, never apply more fertilizer than what is recommended on the bottle. Additionally, follow all application directions and warnings.
String Of Dolphin Succulent Diseases To Be Aware Of
String of dolphin succulents are not prone to too many diseases, but the ones that can attack this plant are serious and should be avoided at all costs.
The most common diseases that affect the string of dolphin succulents are root rot, southern blight, and botrytis. All of these diseases are linked to fungal issues, which typically occur due to overwatering or incorrect watering, as well as poor soil drainage.
Making sure the plant isn’t sitting in soggy soil goes a long way to preventing this diseases. Additionally, avoid wetting the foliage when watering as this can lead to fungal and bacterial issues. Instead, water at the base of the plant and not from above.
Are There Different Types Of String Of Dolphin Succulent?
Not all plants are available in different cultivars and some come in just one type. Let’s take a look at the string of dolphin succulent and whether or not it has different varieties available.
There aren’t any different types of string of dolphin succulents, but there is a similar looking hybrid of this plant called Curio ‘Trident Blue’. The Trident Blue succulent features spear-shaped foliage that looks slightly similar to the string of dolphins.
The key differences between the two are the color and the shape of the foliage. They both, however, have the same care requirements.
How To Propagate String Of Dolphin Succulent
If you want to increase the amount of string of dolphin succulents you have, propagation may be right up your alley.
The string of dolphin succulent is propagated fairly easily via the stem cutting method. Simply cut a piece of stem that has at least 2 leaf nodes and then root in either water or soil. Cuttings should only be taken during the plants’ active growing season, and only take them from healthy plants.
When taking cuttings, use a pair of sharp pruning shears. You can also dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone to help speed up the rooting process. If you decide to root the cutting in water, the water will need changed once every week or so, or when it starts to become cloudy. Once the cutting has developed roots that are 3 to 4 inches long, transplant the young plant into soil.
No matter how you decide to root the cutting, it will need to be placed in a warm area where it is out of direct sunlight but can still receive indirect light. Keep caring for the cutting as you normally would.
Is String Of Dolphin Succulent Toxic To Humans?
While most adults don’t ever plan on taking a bite out of their houseplants, you can’t say the same thing about small children, especially when you consider all the things they try to put in their mouths. That is why it is important to check whether or not a plant is toxic to humans before bringing it indoors.
String of dolphin succulents are toxic to humans, and no part of the plant should ever be consumed. It can cause various gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, if ingested. Thankfully, these symptoms typically subside within 24 to 48 hours.
Even though the symptoms are generally not life threatening, you should still seek medical attention if the string of dolphin succulent is ingested. It’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to the health of your child.
Is String Of Dolphin Succulent Toxic To Dogs?
Some houseplants can be problematic for homes with dogs. Far too often, dog owners will have houseplants that could potentially pose a risk to their pooch’s health without even knowing the dangers that they can pose.
String of dolphin succulents are, unfortunately, toxic to dogs and can cause unpleasant and severe side effects. If your dog consumes any part of the plant, it can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In extreme cases, it can cause liver failure.
Immediately seek medical attention if your dog has consumed any part of the string of dolphin succulent.
Is String Of Dolphin Succulent Toxic To Cats?
The toxicity level of houseplants is something that many cat owners don’t think about. In fact, it is not common knowledge that most houseplants pose a serious risk to cats. Let’s take a look at the string of dolphin succulent and whether or not it is toxic to cats.
String of dolphin succulents are toxic to cats and should be kept out of their reach at all times. If any part of the plant is consumed by your cat, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal discomfort. In extreme situations, it can also result in organ failure.
Immediately contact poison control or seek medical attention if your cat has ingested any part of this succulent.
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PlantsToTrees.com is the owner of this article and we first published this on November 7, 2022.