String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Senecio peregrinus (String of Dolphins Plant) blossoms in bright light with some sunlight, average warmth and humidity, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
String of Dolphins Plant also called Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins Plant or Dolphin Plant is among favored Senecio varieties and bears pendant thread-like stems on which grow curvy leaves with two small points and like a pod of flying or jumping dolphins and hence the common name, 'String of Dolphins'.
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.
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. This places Dolphin Plant among drought-tolerant plants for the home and office spaces.
The pendant stems in Dolphin Necklace make it perfect for a hanging basket, a pedestal, a tabletop, a desktop or a shelf where the stems can beautifully cascade downwards. It is one of the string of plants ideal for indoors.
On account of its tolerance and requirement for bright light with exposure to some direct sunshine, Dolphin Plant is one of the favorite sun-loving plants for the home.
Botanical name: Senecio peregrinus
Synonmy: Curio peregrinus
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: String of Dolphins Plant, Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins Plant, Dolphin Plant
Origin
Senecio peregrinus also called Curio 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.
Is Senecio peregrinus toxic?
Yes. Senecio peregrinus like other Senecio species is toxic to humans and pets as outlined by ASPCA. If ingested, it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Contact with the plant sap may cause skin irritation or skin rash in sensitive skin therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets to avoid mishaps.
Where to Buy
Dolphins Plants are magnificient plants for any collections. You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to Care for Senecio peregrinus Indoors
To properly care for Senecio peregrinus indoors, provide bright light with 4-6 hours of sunlight, warmth of 20-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Dolphin Plant requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed when root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
How often should I water a Dolphin Plant?
Water your Dolphin Plant liberally in spring and summer until water comes out through the drainage hole. Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Take care not to overwater to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Significantly, decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.
Use water that is at room temperature to prevent cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf loss. Only water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent staining and browning.
Ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent sogginess as it can lead in rotting and eventual death of the plant.
Light Requirements
String of Dolphins Plant grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Avoid exposing the plant to hot midday sunshine to prevent scorching.
Where the natural lighting is not sufficient, consider growing Senecio peregrinus under a grow light as too little light will lead to yellowing and legginess.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent leggy growth.
Temperature & Humidity
String of Dolphins Plant thrives in a warmth between 20-270C; a room temperature that is comfortable for you is adequate for this plant.
Keep Dolphin Plant away from drafts to prevent temperature flactuations as they can result in stunted growth, shrivelled leaves, yellowing and leaf loss.
Senecio peregrinus has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is enough for the plant. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases infestation.
Feeding
Feed your Dolphin Plant monthly with a balanced, liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote a healthy growth. This plant is not a heavy feeder so take care not to overfeed.
Withhold feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn and death of the plant since growth is minimal at this time.
Potting Soil
The best soil for String of Dolphins Plant is a rich, loose, free-draining potting mix which does not get soggy. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents mix is ideal as it drains easily.
Repotting
String of Dolphins Plant has a small root system, 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 that has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging which can lead to rotting. Use a shallow pot and be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting. Check out these succulents pots on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Dolphin Plant involves removal of any dead Dolphins or stems to keep the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Trim the stems at the beginning of the growing season, if they become too long or straggly to rejuvenate growth and encourage a fuller, compact growth.
Senecio peregrinus Propagation
Senecio peregrinus (Dolphin Plant) is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
Propagating Dolphin Plant from stem cuttings
- Take 3-5 inches of stem cuttings from a healthy plant 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 away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until the stems are well-rooted.
- Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new plant after which you can begin routine care.
Senecio peregrinus Problems & Remedies
What are common Dolphin Plant problems?
Dolphin Plant (Senecio peregrinus) common problems are plant dying, leaf drop, leggy growth, brown leaf spots, wilted & discolored leaves, pests, diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Plant dying
Why is my Dolphin Plant dying?
Your Dolphins Plant is dying due to basal stem-rot disease which is prevalent in overwet conditions. It presents with a rotting plant base, yellowing, browning followed by stems collapse.
The disease is difficult to treat as it spreads very fast. Use the upper healthy stems to propagate new plants and discard the infected plant together with its soil and pot to minimize spread. However, if caught early, the plant can be treated as follows.
How to treat early infestation
- Cut and discard or burn the diseased tissue to prevent further spread.
- Keep the soil on the drier side; withhold watering for 10-14 days.
- Use free-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
- Ensure good airflow to reduce the disease infestation.
- Keep the plant away from cold drafts to maintain an average warmth.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop on Dolphin Plant is caused by insufficient light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, use of cold water or temperature stress.
How to fix it
Insufficient: Position the plant in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.
Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top half of soil dries out and never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and a fast-draining soil.
Use of cold water: Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, open doors, drafty windows, heat sources among others.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth (elongated stems) on Senecio peregrinus is due to soggy soil or too little light.
How to fix it
Soggy soil: Maintain the soil barely moist in the cold period. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining.
Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal grow lights if the natural light is inadequate.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots on String of Dolphins Plant are due to underwatering. Water when the top half of the soil dries out; do not water on a schedule.
Wilted & discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves on Dolphin Plant are caused by overwatering during the cold period. Reduce watering significantly in the cold season to keep the soil barely moist.
Pests
Common pests on Dolphin Plant are spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects which are especially common in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to other plants.
- Treat the infested plant a neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to depress these pests.
Diseases
Senecio peregrinus is prone to the following diseases:
1. Powdery mildew which is prevalent in warm humid conditions. It is characterized by spotting or coating of the leaf surface with a white powdery deposit.
How to fix it
- Remove the badly affected leaves and discard or burn to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Improve the air circulation to reduce the occurrence of the disease.
2. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, soft leaf spots.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Maintain free air circulation to discourage the diseases.
- Avoid wetting the foliage or water the plant from the bottom.
- Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and fast-draining soil.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.