How to grow and care for String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) Indoors
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Botanical name: Senecio peregrinus
Synonmy: Curio peregrinus
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: String of Dolphins Plant, Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins, Dolphin Plant
String of Dolphins Plant Description
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) also called Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins or Dolphin Plant bears pendant thread-like stems on which curvy leaves with two small points grow.
The leaves in String of Dolphins Plant look like a pod of flying or jumping dolphins and hence the common name "String of Dolphins".
The odd shaped leaves is an adaptation to arid conditions and allows for the storage of water while exposing minimum surface area to the dry desert air which greatly reduces water loss.
The fleshy leaves and stems store water, which allows the plant to go for a considerably long period without being watered.
Each leaf bears a translucent window that runs the length of the leaf which allows light to reach into interior of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.
String of Dolphins Plant Origin
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine and is a hybrid between Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls Plant) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant). The parents are native to the drier parts of Southwest Africa.
Buy beautiful and healthy String of Dolphins Plants (Senecio peregrinus) from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Altman Plants
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) Care Indoors
Light Requirements
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) grows best in bright light with at least 6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight.
Bright light prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to Water String of Dolphins Plant
Water String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) moderately during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering during the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole inorder to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot disease and eventual death of your plant.
Temperature
Average warmth between 20-270C during the growing season is ideal for String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus).
A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Read more on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is ideal for the plant.
Ensure that there is good air circulation for your String of Dolphins Plant to prevent fungal diseases infestation.
Feeding (Fertilizer)
Feed String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) monthly during the growing season with a Cactus and Succulents Fertilizer. This plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.
Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
Repotting
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary.
Repot the plant at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot that is only 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Use a shallow pot and be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting.
Soil for String of Dolphins Plant
The best soil for String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.
Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal for String of Dolphins Plant. Buy quality Cactus and Succulents Soil for your String of Dolphins Plant from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) involves removal of any dead Dolphins or stems to keep your plant neat and tidy.
Trim the stems of your String of Dolphins Plant if they become too long or straggly.
Propagation
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate String of Dolphins Plant from stem cuttings
Take 3-5 in. of String of Dolphins Plant stem cuttings and allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days.
Lay the stems on moist free-draining soil and lightly press the stems into the soil at the nodes.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the stems are rooted.
Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new String of Dolphins Plant.
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) Problems Indoors
Sudden leaf drop
There are two possible causes on sudden leaf drop in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus).
One possible cause of sudden leaf drop in String of Dolphins Plant is watering with very cold water. Being a tropical plant where temperatures are warm, watering with too cold water will shock the plant.
Water your String of Dolphins Plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
The second possible cause of sudden leaf drop in your String of Dolphins Plant is underwatering.
Water the Plant moderately and allow the soil to dry out but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) are caused by overwatering during the cold period.
Reduce watering for String of Dolphins Plant during the cold season and maintain the soil barely moist.
Rotting base, stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) is an indication of basal stem rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
Avoid overwatering during the cold season. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil.
Water your String of Dolphins Plant moderately during the hot season while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Brown, soft leaf spots
Brown, soft leaf spots in your String of Dolphins Plant (Curio peregrinus) are an indication of leaf spot disease.
Avoid wetting the leaves and improve air circulation for your String of Dolphins Plant to prevent disease infestations.
Leggy growth (elongated stems)
Leggy growth (elongated stems) in String of Dolphins plant (Senecio peregrinus) during the cold season is due to too much water (overwatering) or soggy soil.
Water the plant less during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
If leggy growth (elongated stems) in your String of Dolphins Plant happens during the growing season, then the cause is too little light.
String of Dolphins Plant grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight of at least 4-6 hours. Too little light will cause the plant to grow weak, elongated stems in an attempt to reach the light source.
Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light with some direct sunlight of at least 4-6 hours. Also, turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
Diseases
The common diseases in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) are Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the diseases.
Pests
The common pests in String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) are Mealy Bugs, Scale Insects and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Is String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) toxic?
The foliage of String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) is toxic to humans and pets. If String of Dolphins Plant is ingested, it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Contact with the String of Dolphins Plant sap may cause skin irritation or skin rash in sensitive skin therefore, always wear gloves when handling the Plant.
Keep your String of Dolphins Plant from the reach of children and pets to avoid mishaps.
