String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Solutions
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String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) blossoms in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, moderate warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Senecio peregrinus also called Dolphin Necklace, Flying Dolphins Plant or Dolphin Plant is among the popular 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 makes String of Dolphins Plant one of the best 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 among the popular string of plants for indoors.
On account of its tolerance and requirement for bright light with exposure to some direct sunshine, String of Dolphins Plant is one of 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.
Toxicity
String of Dolphins Plant 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
String of Dolphins Plants are great plants for your collections. You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Senecio peregrinus Care Indoors
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) blossoms in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, moderate warmth of 20-270C, average humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Curio peregrinus requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant has become root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
String of Dolphins Plant grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Bright light prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
Where the natural lighting is not sufficient, consider growing Senecio peregrinus under a grow light as too little light will lead to legginess . Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent leggy growth.
Watering
Water String of Dolphins Plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.
Decrease watering in the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely as it can lead to wilting and leaf drop.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in rotting and eventual death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth between 20-270C is ideal for String of Dolphins Plant. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant.
String of Dolphins Plant has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for the plant. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases infestation.
Feeding
Feed String of Dolphins Plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer to promote growth. This plant is not a heavy feeder so take care not to overfeed.
Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Potting Mix
The best soil for String of Dolphins Plant 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 mix is ideal as it drains easily.
Repotting
String of Dolphins Plant 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 of the plant. Check out these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning String of Dolphins Plant involves removal of any dead Dolphins or stems to keep the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Trim the stems if they become too long or straggly to rejuvenate growth.
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 inches of stem cuttings from a healthy String of Dolphins 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 and maintain the soil moist until the stems are rooted.
Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new Dolphins Plant after which you can begin routine care.
Senecio peregrinus Common Problems with Solutions
String of Dolphins Plant (Senecio peregrinus) problems include leaf drop, leggy growth, leaf spots, rotting, plant death, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Brown, soft leaf spots
Brown, soft leaf spots in String of Dolphins Plant are an indication of leaf spot disease. Avoid wetting the leaves and improve air circulation to prevent disease infestations.
Diseases
String of Dolphins Plant is prone to powdery mildew. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the disease.
Pests
The common pests in String of Dolphins Plant are spider mites, mealy bugs and scales. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the pests. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Rotting base, stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in String of Dolphins Plant is an indication of basal stem rot which is prevalent in overwet conditions. Use the upper healthy stems to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts to reduce spread to the rest of the plant.
Thereafter, water the plant deeply during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out between waterings. Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time. Learn more on how to water indoor plants correctly.
Leggy growth (elongated stems)
Leggy growth (elongated stems) in String of Dolphins plant during the cold season is due to too much water (overwatering) or soggy soil. Maintain the soil barely moist in the cold period and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
If leggy growth (elongated stems) happens during the growing season, then the cause is too little light. Position the plant in a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal grow lights if the natural light is inadequate. In addition, rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth. Check out this post on understanding light for houseplants.
Sudden leaf drop
There are two possible causes on sudden leaf drop in String of Dolphins Plant. One possible cause of sudden leaf drop is watering with very cold water. Being a tropical plant where temperatures are warm, watering with too cold water will shock the plant. Use water that is at room temperature to water the plant to avoid shocking this plant.
The second possible cause of sudden leaf drop in String of Dolphins Plant is underwatering. Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist. Cut down on watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots in String of Dolphins Plant are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil. To avoid underwatering, water the Flying Dolphins Plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out between waterings. Decrease watering in the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in String of Dolphins Plant are caused by overwatering during the cold period. Reduce watering during the cold season and maintain the soil barely moist.
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