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An Illustration of a String of Dolphins branch with pointed leaves against a muted beige background, conveying a sense of serenity and nature.

String of Dolphins

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Curio x peregrinus (FKA Senecio)

KNOWN AS: Dolphin Necklace, Dolphin Plant, Flying Dolphins

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southwest Africa | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: This plant is called a cutie because of the leaves that look like dolphins. It is perfect for a high shelf or a hanging planter.

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

String of Dolphins Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a south-facing window where it can get both bright, indirect light & bright, direct light. However, overexposing it to direct sunlight may cause sunburn or leaf damage. If a south-facing window is not an option, you can either use a west-facing window or use a LED grow light to emulate natural sunlight.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Allow soil to completely dry out before watering.

String of dolphins is a succulent and needs little watering. Root rot, which can be harmful to the plant, can result from overwatering. The ideal method for watering a string of dolphins plant is to wait until the soil is totally dry before providing any moisture. Insert your finger approximately an inch into the dirt to see if it is dry. If it seems dry, then it is time to water the plant. While watering, be sure to adequately soak the soil and let the water run away. Also, it's crucial to keep water off the plants to prevent sunburn or fungus growth. Putting the pot in a tray of water and letting the soil absorb the water from the bottom is the best way to water the string of dolphins plant.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

String of Dolphins thrive in a temperature range typically found in indoor environments. For String of Dolphins plants, a temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) is ideal. Although they can survive slightly higher or lower temperatures, it's best to avoid large swings in temperature or extended exposure to temperatures outside of this range. Keep them away from locations with direct heat sources or cold drafts, since these can stress or hurt the plant. The String of Dolphins plant will develop healthily and be in general good health if you maintain a temperature that is consistently within the ideal range.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

String of Dolphins needs humidity levels that are between medium and high. To do this, put the plant somewhere with good airflow, like near a window or a fan. You can also use a humidifier to keep the right level of humidity, especially in the winter when the air is dry. Make sure to water String of Dolphins often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. When you water a plant too much, it can get root rot and other fungal diseases that are bad for its health. You can also mist the plant from time to time to make it more humid. Don't put your String of Dolphins plant near air conditioner vents or heaters, as these can dry out the plant and lower humidity levels. It's also important not to leave the plant in direct sunlight for long periods of time, since this can cause sunburn and damage the leaves.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
The String of Dolphins Plant can be spread by cuttings from its stems. To spread this plant, choose a healthy stem and cut it just below a node, which is where the leaves come out of the stem. Take off the leaves at the bottom of the cutting and leave a few at the top. Then, put the cutting in a mix of soil that drains well and water it sparingly, letting the soil get a little dry between waterings. In a few weeks, the cutting will start to grow roots. Once it has enough roots, you can move it to a bigger pot or a hanging basket. Keep the new plant in a bright place with indirect sunlight and don't water it too much to keep the roots from rotting.
Toxicity
It's important to note that String of Dolphins is considered to be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The plant contains natural compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic and potentially harmful when consumed in significant quantities. Ingestion of String of Dolphins may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's also worth noting that the milky sap of the plant can cause skin irritation in some individuals. To ensure the safety of both humans and pets, it's best to keep String of Dolphins out of reach and avoid ingestion or contact with the plant. If accidental ingestion occurs or if someone exhibits symptoms after contact with the plant, it is important to seek medical attention or consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian for appropriate advice.
Repotting
String of Dolphins plants should be repotted in the spring or summer when they are growing. Choose a pot that is just a little bit bigger than the one you have now since these plants like to have their roots crowded. Make sure the bottom of the new pot has holes for water to drain out. Put a layer of fresh potting soil in the bottom of the new pot and gently loosen the plant's roots before moving it. Add more soil around the roots and gently press it down to keep the plant in place. Water the plant well and let any extra water drain out of the pot before putting it back where it usually lives. After repotting, don't put the plant in direct sunlight or near a heat source for a few days. This will keep the plant from being stressed out even more.
Pruning
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut back any leggy or overgrown stems just above a leaf node. This is the best way to prune String of Dolphins plants. This will help the plant grow new leaves and keep its shape and size. String of Dolphins plants will also do better if you take off any leaves or stems that are yellow or broken. It's important to make clean cuts and not tear or hurt the tissue around them. You should prune the plant when it's growing, which is usually from spring to early fall. Don't prune it in the winter, when it's not growing. String of dolphins plants can also get long and trailing, so the stems need to be cut back to encourage bushy growth and keep the plants in a compact shape. Regular pruning can help string of dolphins plants grow well and keep them looking lush and full.
Fertilizing
Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to feed a string of dolphins plant. Before you put the fertilizer on the plant, you should water it well and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant's base with a watering can or spray bottle. Be careful not to get any on the leaves or stems, as it can burn them. During the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, do this every four to six weeks. Don't give the plant fertilizer when it's sleeping in the winter. Too much fertilizer can hurt the plant, so it's important to follow the directions on the package and not use too much. If the leaves start to turn brown or black, cut back on how often you fertilize or make the solution less strong. You can also follow the instructions on the package and use a slow-release fertilizer once every three to four months. String of dolphins plants can grow well and have bright leaves if they are fertilized regularly.
Soil
String of Dolphins plants do best in soil that drains quickly and well and is similar to their natural habitat. Mixing cactus or succulent soil with perlite or coarse sand in a 2:1 ratio is recommended for String of Dolphins plants. This mix has good drainage, so excess water can flow away from the roots and help prevent root rot. The mix also helps keep the soil airy and light, which is important for the roots to breathe and grow. It's important not to use heavy or clay soils because they can hold too much water and cause root rot.

Hanging Heights

String of Dolphins Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - String of Dolphins

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

12" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - String of Dolphins

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : Not Recommended

60º Wide Beam Vita : Not Recommended

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - String of Dolphins

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 12" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - String of Dolphins

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - String of Dolphins

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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